Looking at underlying contributors to Crohn's disease

Digestive problems can lead to more than just some uncomfortable symptoms. Minor problems, when left unresolved for long periods, may lead to serious issues.

There is a wide variety of intestinal disorders ranging from acid reflux to Crohn’s disease. Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is probably the most common. Genetics, diet, activity level, infections, toxins, thinking, accidents, and stress can each influence the health of our gut.

Crohn’s is in the category of inflammatory bowel diseases, known as IBD. This is a generic term that is used to describe problems associated with chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis is another inflammatory based disease. This is where you get sores, also called ulcers, in the last section of your intestines.

Often, the thought is that there are no known causes of Crohn’s disease. But from a functional medicine perspective, the underlying contributors become clearer. We just need to dig a little deeper.

It is now thought that microbial toxins or infections can trigger an inflammatory response in individuals with impaired genetics. Once this starts it cascades into inappropriate and persistent inflammation. At this point the body looses tolerance for the toxins that initiated the immune response.

When the body responds to such toxins there are special cells called T-helpers that step in to help fight off the invaders. These are important. But if they get over zealous in their response they will over stimulate immune cells and this causes collateral damage in the gut lining. In individuals with certain genetic variations, this autoimmune cycle ends up damaging healthy tissue by accident.

There are specific bacteria, viruses, and fungus that have been identified that will trigger this self destructive process. If things go on too long major problems arise. Fistulas and fissures are breaks in the intestinal lining or tissue that can generate infection and a lot of pain.

Inflammatory bowel disease, IBD, is not the same as irritable bowel syndrome, which is known as IBS. Irritable bowel syndrome does not cause inflammation nor ulcers. It is more of a functional disorder and is less serious. This just means things look fine but don’t work as they should. You may feel bloated or crampy and you could have either constipation or diarrhea.

You could have both inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome at the same time. About 25 percent of Americans complain of IBS symptoms and it is almost always exacerbated by stress. IBD can have these same symptoms, but will likely also include fatigue, malnutrition, pain, weight loss, and intestinal scarring or bleeding.

Dietary and lifestyle changes are the best way to deal with either of these issues. There are some prescriptive medications that can be used to relax muscles spasms or tone down inflammation. Suppressing the immune system to reduce inflammation introduces a whole other set of problems and further exacerbates things. In some cases an infection may arise that may need to be treated with antibiotics.

About 60 to 70 percent of Crohn’s patients will end up having surgery to clear a blockage or repair damage to the intestines. They could end up with huge portions of the intestinal tract removed and have to wear a colostomy bag to collect waste.

And sugery doesn’t even treat the disease itself. 60 percent of those that had surgery will end up with Crohn’s again within 10 years.

With either IBS or IBD, start with what you eat and drink. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, milk, artificial sweeteners, and chocolate. You’ll also want to address any possible gut microbial imbalances, especially small intestinal bacteria overgrowth.

With an inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s things get more complicated. But the major trend in functional medicine is to manipulate the microbiome towards a favorable environment through diet and supplementation. Addressing malnutrition due to poor breakdown and absorption should be a priority.

It is estimated right now that there are 570,000 individuals with diagnosed Crohn’s in the United States. Our gut is responsible for our mood, how we think, our impressions on others, and propensity for disease. Change your bacteria, change your life.

Come on down and we can talk about how to maintain a healthy digestive system.

Scott Porter, a functional medicine pharmacist, is the director of the Center for Functional Nutrition at Sandpoint Super Drug.