Alternative Therapies.

Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune condition characterized by inflammation of the bowel and digestive tract. Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis are very similar and are sometimes mistaken for one another.

Crohn’s can happen at any point along the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus but most commonly occurs in the ileum; this is where the small and large intestines meet.

It can penetrate deep into the layers of the affected tissues and cause alternating states of flare-ups and remissions that can last a lifetime. Crohn’s disease is a painful and debilitating condition that affects approximately a half a million men and women in North America.

What Causes Crohn’s Disease?

While the specific causes of Crohn’s are still not well defined it is thought that unknown bacteria or viruses may be involved in the development of the disease. Other factors associated with the disease include:

• Genetic and environmental factors – in 20% of cases the person with Crohn’s has a parent, sibling or child with the same condition.
• Crohn’s appears to happen more frequently among those living in cities and industrial countries.
• A poor diet may have contribute to the development of the disease.
• It is more common in Caucasians and the probability is four to five times higher in people of Jewish and European descent.
• It’s believed that Crohn’s is an autoimmune disorder caused by immune cells attacking the gastrointestinal system. As a result, the intestinal wall becomes thick and ulcers can develop. It’s still not completely understood why the immune system attacks its own healthy cells and tissues.

Signs and Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease.

Signs and symptoms can develop over time or appear suddenly. The most prevalent symptoms include:

• chronic diarrhea
• severe abdominal pain
• blood in the stool
• cramps or pain after eating
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• low-grade fever
• nausea
• anemia

The American Society of Gastroenterologists has set guidelines* to help determine the severity of Crohn’s disease:

• • Mild to Moderate

The person can tolerate food without experiencing dehydration, high fever, abdominal pain or tenderness, intestinal obstruction, or weight loss of more than 10%.

• • Moderate to Severe

Refers to people who have not responded to treatment for mild-moderate Crohn’s or have pronounced symptoms such as fever, considerable weight lo

ss, abdominal pain or tenderness, significant anemia or intermittent nausea or vomiting.

• • Severe to Fulminant (what does this mean?)

Those who have been given steroids but the person is still experiencing high fever, evidence of intestinal obstruction, persistent vomiting, rebound tenderness, cachexia (loss of body weight and muscle mass), or evidence of an abscess.

• • Remission

When the patient has no symptoms or when inflammatory sequelae (what is this?) is not present , including patients responding to acute medical intervention.

*Information from Hanauer SB, Sanborn W. The management of Crohn’s disease in adults. Am J Gastroenterol 2001.

Most people are diagnosed when they are between 15 to 35 years old. Since Crohn’s symptoms are frequently insidious, diagnosis can be difficult and there may be intermittent symptoms and periods of remission. The signs and symptoms mentioned above are an indication that the disease is present and further diagnostic testing allows doctors to evaluate the intestine and colon.

It should be noted that Crohn’s disease not only affects physical health but can also have a significant mental and emotional impact (e.g. self-image).

Crohn’s disease may trigger other health problems such as arthritis, kidney stones, gallstones and inflammation of the skin or eyes. Also, intestinal obstruction, ulcers in the digestive tract, fistulas and anal fissures can also be accompanying complications.

Crohn’s Disease Treatment.

The type of treatment depends on the severity and the location of the disease.

Corticoids and immunosuppressants are used to reduce the inflammation and target the immune system. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to treat fistulas and abscesses. Pain relievers, antidiarrheals and laxatives can also be part of the treatment. Examination by a doctor determines the best course of action for each person.

While many medicines provide symptom relief and can even induce a long-term remission, many of them have very serious side effects.

Natural alternatives  often provide a safe healing path as well as boosting your overall physical wellbeing without the serious side effects.

Diet and Crohn’s Disease.

Certain foods and beverages may exacerbate symptoms especially during a flare-up. It’s important for sufferer’s to be tuned in to their bodies to understand what the triggers are. Making dietary and lifestyle adjustments can go a long way to improving the condition and promoting a feeling of well-being in addition to helping avoid the side-effects of medicine.

Here are some tips that may significantly help Crohn’s Sufferers:

  Avoid dairy products if you are lactose intolerant, which means, you can’t digest milk sugar (lactose). You may find that diarrhea, abdominal pain and gas improve greatly.

  Fatty foods such as red meat, margarine, butter, peanut butter, mayonnaise, avocados, fried foods, ice cream and chocolate may not get digested or absorbed if you have Crohn’s disease in the small intestine.

  Vegetables high in fiber such as broccoli, cauliflower and beans may cause more gas, pain and diarrhea. There are many raw fruits and vegetables that you may eat with no problem, but experiment carefully or cook the vegetables.

  For many people it seems that eating a diet high in protein brings relief. Try eating lots of fish, lean meats, chicken and eggs.

  Drinking lots of fluids, especially water, and eating five or six small meals a day, as opposed to three large meals, may help you feel better and reduce symptoms.

Alternative Therapies for Crohn’s Disease.

Diarrhea and abdominal pain make it difficult to have a balanced diet and can also interfere with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. This means that vitamin and mineral supplementation is very, very important for people that suffer with Crohn’s.

This, coupled with the fact that prescription medicines (e.g. corticoids, immunosuppressants) have dangerous side effects, are leading more and more people to alternative therapies for Crohn’s disease.

We have reviewed many products in our search for safe and effective alternative therapies for the treatment of Crohn’s Disease and have found a breakthrough natural herbal product called Kiwi-Klenz

The Kiwi-Klenz formula includes ingredients such as Digesten-K and Kiwifruit Powder which, when combined, act as a powerful anti-inflammatory as well as helping with the absorption of vital nutrients. Considering that Crohn’s disease is a condition that involves chronic inflammation this formula, with its potent herbal blend, can help your body fight inflammation bringing you relief the natural way.

• Breakthrough digestive formula
• Helps support healthy digestion & bowel function
• Supports absorption of foods and nutrients

Kiwi-Klenz contains a powerful concentrate of Kiwi fruit extract which delivers the necessary components for a healthy digestive and elimination tract.

• Digestive enzymes – to properly break down foods. Support the body’s ability to naturally absorb nutrients from food
• Prebiotics – to feed and stimulate growth of good bacteria
• Support immune response and healthy inflammation management
• Phenolics – to help suppress the growth of bad bacteria and maintain a healthy digestive tract
• Soluble fiber – Experience regular bowel movements. Reduce smelly gas

When you suffer Crohn’s disease, your digestive system and your bowels are compromised. Kiwi-Klenz works to help your digestive system absorbed key nutrients from the food you eat and to improve the frequency and consistency of stool elimination, as helping to keep your colon clean.

If you are suffering with Crohn’s check it out today. If you have any questions at all, or want additional information, a clinical herbalist at the manufacturing company is on hand to work with you.

Kiwi-Klenz is made under very strict Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards to ensure the highest quality and greatest results. Give it a try and see what it can do for you.

Read more on Digestive Enzymes HERE!

Wishing you comfort and peace,