1. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is an autoimmune disease that causes severe damage to the digestive tract.
2. There are two main forms of IBD:
a) Crohn's Disease - where inflammation is caused in the entire digestive tract, and
b) Ulcerative Colitis - where inflammation is limited to the colon.
3. IBD is also entirely different from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), with which it's often mistaken.
4. IBS is not a disease, but just a functional disorder of the digestive system that does not cause any damage to the colon.
5. People living with both face very similar challenges, as some of the symptoms like diarrhea and intense stomach cramps overlap, and this leads to the misconception that both are the same.
CAUSES
1. Although the exact cause of IBD is unknown, diet and stress were its suspected causes earlier, but it is now known that they are not the actual cause although they may aggravate it.
2. One possible cause could be an immune system malfunction wherein our immune system, while trying to fight off an invading virus or bacterium, ends up attacking the cells in the digestive tract too.
3. Heredity also seems to plays a role, however, many people with IBD don't have a family history.
SYMPTOMS
1. Anaemia, bleeding, excess weight loss, fatigue, severe B12 deficiency, nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, flatulence, fever, loose, irregular, bloody stools, inflamed colon, stomach cramps, swelling and ulcers are common symptoms.
TREATMENT
1. Due to anxiety of unpredictable diarrhea, and a close link to food sensitivities, there are lots of things an IBD patient can’t eat.
2. IBD can be debilitating and sometimes lead to life-threatening complications, so it should not be taken lightly.
3. Treatment involves prescription of anti-inflammatory drugs, anxiety relievers, laxatives and antibiotics to kill bacteria that may trigger or aggravate IBD symptoms.
NATURAL CURE
1. Always cook vegetables well, as raw or partially cooked vegetables are difficult to digest completely.
2. Cut food into small pieces and masticate (chew) thoroughly in the mouth before gulping.
3. Eat smaller and more frequent meals.
4. Eat a low fibre diet.
5. Avoid very small food morsels, such as corn kernels and peas, as swallowing these tiny bits without chewing them properly creates stomach trouble.
6. Have probiotics as they affect the amount of unhealthy bacteria in the gut, quell inflammation, and strengthen the stomach lining for people with IBD.
7. Good sources include yogurt, fermented soy products, and nutritional supplements.
AVOID THESE
1. Caffeine (caffeinated teas, coffee, and chocolate): It not only draws water out of our system leading to dehydration, but also triggers bowel movements.
2. Alcohol: It acts as a stimulant, and may aggravate the intestines.
3. Dairy: While there is no direct correlation between lactose intolerance and IBD, those with irritable bowels might have a slight sensitivity to milk sugar, so it’s best to cut back on dairy whenever possible.
4. Beans: For some people beans may be difficult to digest and cause uncomfortable bloating and gas, instead opt for pureed beans like hummus etc.
5. Whole grains and breads like rye and whole wheat.
6. Some vegetables: Some fibrous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, onions, and celery may be difficult for IBS patients to digest, so, tread carefully.
7. Fat: Oil is not absorbed well in IBD patients, so, it is best to avoid high-fat meals, rich sauces, cheesy toppings, French fries, and other fried foods, fatty meats, such as steaks, ribs and hot dogs and condiments such as mayonnaise and butter.
8. Nuts: Small nut pieces may be hard for the body to digest completely, and may irritate the stomach, ground nuts and seeds work well for most though.
9. Smoking: This also aggravates the pain and other symptoms of Crohn’s disease and increases the risk of complications.