Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that is generally treated with steroids, anti-inflammatories, and other drugs. But at the Whitaker Wellness Institute, we treat Crohn’s disease, IBD, and other gastrointestinal (GI) disorders differently—without prescription meds.
Diet Is Crucial In IBD Management
Food allergies are very common among IBD sufferers, so it is important to determine what foods irritate and inflame the intestinal tract. Common allergens include gluten (a protein in wheat, oats, barley, and rye), milk, citrus, and tomatoes. Processed foods, food additives, and preservatives should be avoided as well because they often contain microparticles and other compounds that irritate the gut.
Another important dietary modification is sugar and starch restriction. These carbohydrates cause bacterial overgrowth that leads to chronic inflammation in the intestines. Avoiding grains, potatoes, soy, milk, and all forms of sugar—as well as allergens unique to each individual—stops further damage to the gut and gives it a chance to heal.
Supplements, Not Drugs
Because bacterial and/or yeast overgrowth is a prominent feature of IBD, we go after these microbes—not with antibiotics, but with herbs such as uva ursi, oregano oil, olive leaf and grapefruit seed extract, and plant tannins.
We also give our patients probiotics such as L. acidophilus and B. bifidum to replace the beneficial bacteria in the gut as well as fish oil for its anti-inflammatory actions. In a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, nearly 60 percent of patients taking enteric-coated fish oil capsules remained in remission for a year, compared to just 26 percent of those taking placebo.
I also recommend glutamine. This amino acid serves as a primary fuel of the cells lining the intestinal tract, plus it boosts production of glutathione, an important antioxidant. Together, these mechanisms help repair and restore integrity to the intestinal walls. Aloe vera, ginger, curcumin, licorice, slippery elm, and EGCG from green tea also improve symptoms of IBD.
Shore Up Nutrients
Poor nutrient absorption, loss of appetite, and diarrhea virtually guarantee that individuals with IBD are suffering with nutritional deficiencies. Yet conventional physicians know less about replacing nutrients than they do about diet.
Critical depletions of antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, selenium, and zinc, are common, and beefing up stores of these crucial nutrients with supplemental antioxidants protects against free-radical damage. Deficiencies in iron, calcium, copper, vitamin D, folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin K are also widespread in IBD. Patients gain significant benefits in their overall health by taking a good daily multivitamin and mineral supplement.
Resources
Most of the nutritional supplements discussed in this blog post are available in your health food store or online. You can also order them by calling (866) 579-2745. Use as directed.
You can learn more about our drug-free approach to treating gastrointestinal disorders here. To schedule a free consultation with one of our friendly and knowledgeable Patient Services Representatives, you can fill out this form. To make an appointment for treatment at the Whitaker Wellness Institute, call (866) 944-8253.
