The Right Approach for Intestinal Diseases
When we talk about chronic intestinal diseases, two autoimmune diseases of the intestine come to mind: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Both diseases essentially result from chronic and very severe inflammation in the gastrointestinal system.
Chronic inflammatory bowel disease mainly affects young people during a sensitive stage of life and generally accompanies them throughout their lives. Today, despite the availability of numerous medications, these diseases still cause significant restrictions in daily life. At the center of focus is proper nutrition, aimed at preventing deficiency symptoms, improving symptoms, and preventing complications.
In both clinical presentations, the intestinal tissue becomes inflamed, causing Leaky Gut Syndrome. Pathogens, toxins and allergens enter the bloodstream through a damaged gut. The result is systemic inflammation. In addition, the liver has to work harder to filter and break down the excess toxins and foreign substances in the blood. In the long term, the risk of liver diseases such as hepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease also increases.
Specific symptoms of ulcerative colitis:
- Bloody diarrhea with mucus and pus
- Chronic fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Recurring disease symptoms
- Stomach pain, particularly after meals
- Abdominal cramps in the lower left region of the abdomen
- Increased bowel movements
- Constant urge to use the toilet and a feeling of incomplete emptying
Specific symptoms of Crohn's disease:
- Watery, partly mucous diarrhea that can last for several weeks
- Regular blood in the stool
- Fever
- Elevated liver values
- Elevated protein levels in the blood
- Pain and cramping in the lower right region of the abdomen
- Gas and bloating
- Anal fistula
RISK FACTORS
Various lifestyle factors can affect chronic inflammatory bowel disease. For example, physical activity, smoking, stress, sleep, medication, and hygienic conditions affect the risk of developing the disease. An appendectomy (surgical removal of the appendix) and the gut flora may also play a role in chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
Many foods (saturated fats, refined sugars, ready-made packaged foods...) worsen a person's symptoms. Increased abdominal discomfort can be seen in many affected individuals following food intake, which is why food choices must be restricted and various alternative forms of treatment must be used.
You can find more information on this and related topics in my book "Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition Guide."