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What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease There are two main conditions that affect the intestines with inflammation as the primary sign of intestinal disease: Crohn’s disease (CD) and Ulcerative colitis (UC). CD is a severe form of colitis that involves chronic inflammation of any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus - although it usually occurs at the end of the small intestine. UC is a form of colitis that is characterized by chronic inflammation and ulceration of the lining of the large intestine and rectum. UC is generally in the rectum or sigmoid colon and then spreads partially or completely through the large intestine. It does not affect the small intestine. The cause of these diseases is unknown, it may be a response to infectious organism or perhaps genetic – but now both are regarded as autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases are conditions where there is a problem the immune system, it does not function properly. Our body’s immune system is designed to correctly identify and differentiate between self and nonself—that is, between the cells of our body and what is foreign to it, like a microbe. In these conditions the immune system specially attacks the cell of the intestines. Both conditions are chronic, and some people may opt for surgery. In UC there is an increased risk of colon cancer, so early detection and treatment is important. Symptoms
of IBD Diagnosis and Pharmaceutical Interventions To diagnosis IBD a very through history and examination is needed. To differentiate between the two conditions, more extensive tests and imaging is required. CD can be diagnosed by x-ray, UC by a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. For both conditions it is important to rule out other conditions such as infections. Pharmaceutical
Medication 5-Aminosalicylic
Acid (5-ASA) is a topically active agent that has a variety of anti-inflammatory
effects. It is used in the active treatment of ulcerative colitis
and Crohn's disease and during disease inactivity to maintain remission.
Commonly used formulations of 5-ASA are sulfasalazine, mesalamine,
and azo compounds. Sulfasalazine A variety of intravenous, oral, and topical corticosteroid formulations have been used in inflammatory bowel disease. Long-term use is associated with serious, potentially irreversible side effects and is to be avoided. Mercaptopurine and azathioprine are drugs that are used in many patients with refractory Crohn's disease and, increasingly, in patients with ulcerative colitis. About 1 person in 300 has a genetically acquired complete deficiency of one of the enzymes needed to metabolize these drugs placing them at risk of profound immunosuppression. Allergic and nonallergic side effects of mercaptopurine and azathioprine occur in 10% of patients, including pancreatitis, bone marrow suppression, infections, hepatitis or jaundice, and, potentially, a higher risk of tumours. Methotrexate is
increasingly used in the treatment of patients with Crohn's disease,
especially those who are intolerant of mercaptopurine. Methotrexate
was originally used a chemotherapy for cancer, but at low doses
it has anti-inflammatory properties. Side effects of methotrexate
include nausea, vomiting, infections, bone marrow suppression, hepatitis,
hepatic fibrosis, and life-threatening pneumonitis. Infliximab is
an immunomodulating agent. Acute infusion reactions (nausea, headache,
palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, hypotension)
occur in 6% of infusions Serious infections may occur in up to 5%
of patients, including sepsis, pneumonia, abscess, and cellulitis.
Patients treated with infliximab are at increased risk for the development
of disseminated tuberculosis as well as other opportunistic infections.
Prior to use of infliximab, patients should be screened for latent
tuberculosis It is speculated but unproven that infliximab may increase
the risk of lymphomas. Lifestyle and Dietary Modifications People with IBD are more likely to smoke, and unknown reasons, smokers have a lower risk of UC. The nicotine patch has actually been used to induce remissions in people with UC, although this treatment has been ineffective in preventing relapses. Despite the possible protective effect of smoking in people with UC, a strong case can be made that risks of smoking outweigh the benefits; even the use of nicotine patches carries its own side effects and remains experimental. Smoking is associated with several serious diseases and conditions, quitting is one of the best thing one can do for health. Alcohol consumption is known to promote folic acid deficiency and has also been linked to an increased risk of colon cancer. People with IBD, especially UC should, therefore, keep alcohol intake to a minimum. A person with IBD might consume more sugar than the average healthy person, and it is speculated that a high sugar diet can increase the risk getting the disease, especially UC. A high-fiber, low-sugar diet mat led to a reduction in IBD exacerbations when compared to people who consume high amounts of sugar. While details of how sugar injures the intestine are still being uncovered, doctors often suggest eliminating all sugar (including soft drinks and processed foods with added sugar) from the diets. Many people with IBD have food allergies and do better when they avoid foods to which they are allergic. More than a half-century ago, several doctors reported that food allergies play an important role in some cases of UC and CD. Since that time, many doctors have observed that avoidance of allergenic foods will often reduce the severity of condition and can sometimes completely control the condition. People who wish to explore the possibility that food sensitivities may wish to consult with an appropriate healthcare provider and get a food intolerance test or get help performing an elimination diet. There is some evidence
that people who eat fast foods at least two times per week more
than triple their risk of developing Crohn’s disease, and
nearly four times the risk of developing UC, than people who do
not eat fast food. This means that reducing the amount of saturated
fat and trans-fatty acids can decrease the risk of getting IBD.
For example, in studies people with a high intake of animal fat,
cholesterol, or margarine had a significantly increased risk of
UC, compared with people who consumed less of these fats. Although
these associations do not prove cause-and-effect, reducing one’s
intake of animal fats and margarine is a means of improving overall
health and possibly UC as well. As with many other health conditions,
it may be beneficial to eat less meat and dairy fat and more fruits
and vegetables. Nutritional Factors Shown to be Beneficial Omega
3 fish Oils Probiotic
supplementation Multivitamin/
Mineral supplement Vitamin
K Vitamin
D Digestive
Enzymes Aloe Vera Bowellia
(Boswellia serrata) Antimicrobial
Herbs Recommended NaturalMeds Products for IBD LifeForce
Multiple Acidophilus
300 mg Pau
D’Arco Vitamin
D 1000 IU Immunocare Oil
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