5 Tips For Managing Crohn’s Disease

Scientific researchers have estimated that more 500,000 Americans have been diagnosed with a chronic, discomforting, debilitating, and potentially quite serious illness known as Crohn’s Disease.

Fortunately, however, this malady can be properly managed provided impacted individuals adhere to certain important therapeutic protocols. Please continue reading for a brief overview of the condition, in addition to five tips to help manage crohn’s disease.

Crohn’s Disease Overview

Crohn’s Disease is what physicians classify as an inflammatory bowel disease, which is often simply abbreviated as an IBD. This means that portions of a stricken person’s digestive tract grows irritated, inflamed and susceptible to damage.

Causes

Medical professionals cannot identify one exact underlying cause. However, said healthcare experts do maintain the ailment is an autoimmune disorder. Researchers opine that certain intestinal bacteria cause the body’s immune system to behave abnormally and attack cells situated within the digestive tract.

Certain underlying factors could increase one’s risk of developing the ailment including a family history of the disease, being of eastern European descent, cigarette smoking, and the chronic ingestion of over-the-counter medications known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, often abbreviated as NDAIDs.

Furthermore, scientists suggest that age might be an important issue. Though the illness can occur at any age, those diagnosed are often age 30 or younger.

Symptoms

Inflammation usually accumulates inside one’s small or large intestines. Therefore, said subjects typically encounter numerous digestive disturbances such as abdominal discomfort, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and appetite loss.

More moderate to severe presentations might also include occurrences like an elevated body temperature, blood in the stool, tiredness, and weight loss. Occasionally, afflicted individuals may also witness inflammation in other bodily regions such as the joints, eyes, and skin, anemia, and the development of kidney stones.

Impacted children might experience physical development concerns including stunted growth or the delayed onset of puberty.

If not addressed, Crohn’s Disease could precipitate complications such as bowel obstructions, ulceration throughout the digestive tract, and fistulas, which are abnormal pathways connecting body parts.

Moreover, those with this malady stand at greater risk of malnutrition, colon cancer, blood clots, and a host of other potentially serious problems.

5 Tips For Managing Crohn’s Disease

Unfortunately, Crohn’s Disease has no known cure. However, the ailment can be controlled assuming diagnosed persons practice the following five tips:

Watch Diet Carefully

Poor dietary habits often trigger Crohn’s flare-ups.

In general, impacted subjects must avoid any edible products capable of triggering inflammation. These include items with large concentrations of preservatives and chemicals. Common examples include canned, frozen, and processed foods. Moreover, overly spiced foods could prove problematic.

Remain Hydrated

Individuals diagnosed with Crohn’s usually eliminate waste with greater frequency. Said events cause the body to lose increased amounts of water. This precious liquid is vital the optimal functioning of the digestive and several other crucial bodily systems.

Ergo, patients should significantly heighten their water intake to remain properly hydrated.

Keep Stress In Check

Researchers maintain that stress is a definitive Crohn’s precipitator. Anxiety and tension has long been linked to digestive issues.

While completely eliminating stress is darn near impossible, patients are strongly urged to partake in actions such as ridding themselves of any unnecessary sources, obtaining adequate amounts of sleep, engaging in a relaxing hobby, and participating in relaxation techniques like breathing exercises or yoga.

Avoid Detrimental Vices

Those diagnosed with Crohn’s must eliminate detrimental vices. Few habits prove more irritating to a diseased digestive tract than cigarettes and alcohol.

Become Physically Active

Healthcare providers stress that exercise is important to Crohn’s patients for three primary reasons. First, activity is believed to strengthen the immune system. Furthermore, fitness regiments are thought to aid in digestive system function. Additionally, physicality may alleviate stress and anxiety.