Naturopathic look at IBD

[Guest guest]

Treatments for IBD look at diet, psychological issues

http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?id=1 & display=rednews/2004/04/28/build/h\

ealth/70-ibd-treatments.inc

Dr. Nirala Jacobi

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE

April 28, 2004

Last modified April 28, 2004 - 12:57 am

 

 

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is divided into two main categories:

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. This column will provide a general

overview of these two disorders and offer some possible treatment options.

It can, in no way, cover the entire spectrum of treatment options and is

intended as an introduction only.

 

IBD is characterized by inflammation in specific intestinal segments. In

Crohn's disease, inflammation can involve the entire thickness of the

bowel wall and is usually seen in patches anywhere between the small and

large intestine. Symptoms include intermittent bouts of diarrhea,

low-grade fever, lower abdominal pain, weight loss, gas, bloating and

fatigue.

 

In contrast, ulcerative colitis (UC) inflammation is largely limited to

the colon and symptoms include bouts of bloody diarrhea, cramping in the

lower abdomen, weight loss, low-grade fever and fatigue. Both disorders

can have symptoms that manifest outside of the digestive tract and

multiple potential causes such as genetic predisposition, infectious

agents, diet, immunological reactions and psychosomatic factors such as

stress.

 

Crohn's disease and UC do share many common features so their treatments

will be discussed together.

 

Diet. Because of the inflammatory nature of these diseases, it is

important to decrease saturated fats in red meat, chicken and full-fat

dairy products because saturated fats are pro-inflammatory. Foods like

deep-sea fish and flax seed oil are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which

favor the anti-inflammatory pathways in the body. Quercitin is an

anti-inflammatory bioflavonoid found highest in onion skin.

 

Ruling out possible food allergy or food sensitivity may be an important

first step. Some foods thought to promote IBD are the gluten-containing

grains: Wheat, barley, rye and oats. Some IBD patients improve by avoiding

grains altogether, as well as simple carbohydrates as outlined by Elaine

Gottschall in her book, " Breaking the Vicious Cycle. "

 

Nutrient supplementation. Because of the degree of malabsorption in IBD,

nutrient supplementation is essential. A multivitamin is important, but

extra supplementation with several key nutrients can be beneficial.

Fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K, as well as water-soluble vitamins

folic acid and B-12, are of particular importance. Zinc and magnesium are

minerals often found to be deficient in IBD patients.

 

Gut organisms. A good supply of beneficial bacteria is essential to a

healthy gut. In IBD, we often see a tremendous amount of dysbiosis, which

is an imbalance between pathogenic organisms and beneficial organisms in

the intestines. Using anti-microbial herbs such as goldenseal and garlic

can be effective but may not be enough, but the addition of an anti-fungal

medication may be necessary.

 

Gut wall protection. Soothing an irritated gut wall is paramount in

treating IBD effectively. Demulcent herbs like aloe vera, licorice,

marshmallow and slippery elm bark can be helpful in rebuilding a healthy

mucous lining that attracts beneficial bacteria.

 

Improving digestion. IBD patients often suffer from maldigestion as part

of their digestive disorder. A lack of digestive enzymes often contributes

to this problem. This can be improved with a good digestive enzyme

supplement taken with meals. Caution should to be used for those with

acute IBD.

 

Address psychological issues. As is the case with many illnesses, the

psychological component should be considered. Swallowing our emotions can

build up an internal tension that cannot be released by ignoring its

existence. " The issues are in the tissues " is very pertinent to IBD. Since

Sept. 11, our anxieties have intensified, and learning how to turn the

tide of negative emotions can be essential in treating any chronic

illness.

 

 

Nirala Jacobi, ND, joined the Yellowstone Naturopathic Clinic in 1998

after completing a BS in human health sciences and a doctorate in

naturopathic medicine from Bastyr University. Jacobi is a primary-care

physician with expertise in wome's health and chronic illness. Her

specialties include botanical medicine, homeopathy, physical medicine and

nutrition.

 

 

The Billings Gazette, a division of Lee Enterprises.