Crohn's Disease...

humbird753 · Post by **humbird753** » Fri Dec 23, 2011 6:18 pm

Hi,

I do not have Crohn's disease but know of someone who was diagnosed over a year ago who has not gotten any relief. I thought I read somewhere that individuals with Crohn's disease can also benefit from a gluten-free diet. I did not say anything to her because I was not certain.

Does this disease also fall into the category of what we are dealing with?

Any comments will be appreciated.

Thank you.

Paula

Post by **tex** » Fri Dec 23, 2011 6:57 pm

Paula wrote:Does this disease also fall into the category of what we are dealing with?

Yes it does. Crohn's disease and microscopic colitis have a lot of characteristics in common. Crohn's causes much more severe intestinal damage, of course, because it penetrates so much deeper into the intestinal wall, whereas MC does not penetrate past the mucosa. And, you are correct that it is associated with a dietary connection. There is even scientific research to back it up, though I'm sure that most GI docs are probably unaware of it:

http://www.wjgnet.com/1007-9327/full/v16/i12/1442.htm

You're most welcome,
Tex

Joefnh · Post by **Joefnh** » Fri Dec 23, 2011 7:03 pm

Paula it most certainly does fall into the category of IBDs and crohns is definitely affected by gluten.

I have both MC (CC) and Crohns and have found benefit all around with a GF diet. I am also SF and mostly DF.

I have found many other members on other crohns boards mentioning the benefits of a GF diet. Tex did post a link to the benefits of a GF diet in crohns disease a while back, I don't have it bookmarked, Tex might have it handy.

My daughters boyfriend has crohns as well and he has also benefitted quite a bit from a GF diet and is at the point that he can do without meds. I most certainly would let your friend know about the benefits that can be found in this diet.

Joe

Post by **tex** » Fri Dec 23, 2011 7:14 pm

Joe,

This issue is just one more reason, (out of several), why I am most definitely not a fan of CCFA. From their website:

Do any specific foods worsen the inflammation of IBD?

No. Although certain foods may aggravate symptoms of these diseases, there is no evidence that the inflammation of the intestine is directly affected. Obviously, any contaminated food that leads to food poisoning or dysentery will aggravate IBD.

Their problem is that they are hung up on food allergies, (like most doctors), and food-sensitivities that cause autoimmune reactions, appear to be completely off their radar. The red emphasis in that quote is mine, of course.

http://www.ccfa.org/info/diet

Tex

DebE13 · Post by **DebE13** » Sun Dec 25, 2011 6:19 am

So if a GF diet can help with Crohns and other IBDs would that hold true for ulcerative colitis too?

My son, who was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis this summer, has about a 70% chance of developing ulcerative colitis, apparently the two go hand in hand. His colonoscopy was normal but I fear that someday it could come. It sounds so much nastier and painful than the CC that I have. I pray that he is one of the "lucky" ones and doesn't develop that in addition to the PSC.

I've already suggested cutting down on the breads, sweets, dairy, etc. as a preventative measure but at 16 he isn't interested. It makes me sad because he just smiles at me and says "I'm fine, Mom." I feel guilty buying him croissants, desserts, and pretty much everything that I can't eat. The cholestyramine he takes for the puritis cuts down his appetite, gives him severe stomach aches, and occassionally makes him vomit so I'm happy just to see him eat.

Is it wrong to lump him into my category of dietary restrictions in order to prevent or postpone a possible onset of UC? I'm sure genetics plays a factor here because my mom has diverticulitis and his dad has GI issues too.

Post by **tex** » Sun Dec 25, 2011 10:47 am

DebE wrote:So if a GF diet can help with Crohns and other IBDs would that hold true for ulcerative colitis too?

Yes. And considering the odds, (70% is a very high risk), if I were in his shoes, knowing what we know now, I would certainly try to take preventative measures immediately, beginning with diet changes. Please read the posts made by NJ in these threads:

http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8830

http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=10248

http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=10418

Tex

Zizzle · Post by **Zizzle** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 12:12 am

Apologies for the short reply from my cell phone. I just wanted to share that I believe most "autoimmune" liver diseases are tied to gluten intolerance, in one way or another. It might be shared genetics and susceptibility, but the link cannot be ignored. I did LOTS of research on autoimmune hepatitis, PBC, and less on PSC, because I was told my antobodies were highly suggestive of these conditions (ANA and ASMA). I get yearly liver function testing and repeat antibodies. After one year on the GF diet, by ANA dropped by two-thirds after nothing but sky-high levels for several years. This is not the best source, but this Wikipedia entry on PBC mentions the gluten link and a possible link to a bacterium (which may activate autoimmunity through molecular mimicry -- close similarity to liver cells).

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primary_ ... _cirrhosis

Please encourage your son to read up and find people with his diagnosis online -- you'll find the gluten connection in many places. Best of luck.

harma · Post by **harma** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 1:13 am

Their problem is that they are hung up on food allergies, (like most doctors), and food-sensitivities that cause autoimmune reactions, appear to be completely off their radar.

totally agree with you Tex, I am also a reader on a Belgium (with also a lot of Dutch members too, as you know we do share a language) Crohn and UC message board. Sometimes a brave person put a thread there on how he or she is trying to control her Crohn (or UC) with diet. Or there or no reactions, or only negative reactions and some people almost feel treatened by it (only the idea they can do something themselves to control their disease). The tone is a bit "I am already ill, I have already miss some much, my life is already so difficult (what I many cases is true), if I also can't eat everything I want....". Many see (at least that is my opinion) diet as an extra punishment coming above having their disease, instead of a tool that may control their symptoms.

But what keeps amazing me how so many without any questions, hesitation or second thoughts just swallow any medication a doctor prescribes them.

DebE13 · Post by **DebE13** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 5:42 am

Thanks for the good links, Zizzle & Tex-

I doubt if my son will be willing to make any changes since he is not experiencing any problems right now aside from the puritis & fatigue. He received his dx right around his 16th birthday in June so it was a bit of a cruel birthday present but he has learned in a short time that he does have some control over his health. He's found that hydration is essential (although still struggles with it) and missing a dose of the cholestyramine means a few days of increased itching.

He's already eliminated anything "diet" from his menu along with regular sodas so that's a start. He called me yesterday to check in about what to take for muscle aches he was having from weight lifting. I was relieved that he called- he couldn't remember if ibuprofin was ok. I know he's taking his health seriously but when it comes to food, from my own experience, it's easy to get the mindset that it's just too hard and too much to ask to make the changes, especially if he doesn't have any immediate symptoms. I'll just have to keep giving gentle reminders and hopefully change will come.

Thanks for all the support!