In these series of Health Tips beginning from today, we shall be bringing to you the numerous health challenges confronting man and the available well researched solutions to them. In this first Serie, I have engaged with a renowned scientist of no mean standing, who prefers to be known and addressed as clinical herbalist/homeopath Oluwafunmise.
In this edition, Oluwafunmishe dwelt extensively on Inflammatory Bowel Disease talking about types, symptoms, causes and treatments.
Please, enjoy this piece as we take you through one of the major health challenges most people are confronted with on a daily basis and know what to do when you experience such henceforth.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents a group of intestinal disorders that cause prolonged inflammation of the digestive tract.
The digestive tract comprises the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine. It’s responsible for breaking down food, extracting the nutrients and removing any unusable material and waste products.
In inflammatory bowel diseases, the intestine (bowel) becomes inflamed, often causing recurring abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea or constipation. These tend to come and go over time, and can last for days, weeks or months at a time.
The two primary types of inflammatory bowel disease are:
• Crohn disease; Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease where chronic inflammation typically involves the lower part of the small intestine, the large intestine, or both and may affect any part of the digestive tract leading to diarrhoea or constipation, fatigue, abdominal cramps, and fever.
• Ulcerative colitis; a chronic inflammatory bowel disease in which the large intestine (colon) becomes inflamed and ulcerated (pitted or eroded), leading to flare-ups (bouts or attacks) of bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever.
These two diseases have many similarities and sometimes are difficult to distinguish from each other. However, there are several differences. For example, Crohn’s disease can affect almost any part of the digestive tract, whereas Ulcerative colitis almost always affects only the large intestine and the rectum. The bloody diarrhoea is another distinguishing factor between the two digestive ailments ( people with Ulcerative colitis have bloody diarrhoea).
Symptoms of IBD.
The symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease vary depending on which part of the intestine is affected and whether the person has Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis. People with Crohn disease usually have chronic diarrhea or constipation, inflammation of joints, fever, fatigue, nausea, flatulence and abdominal pain. People with Ulcerative colitis usually have intermittent episodes of abdominal pain, fever, fatigue and bloody diarrhea. In both diseases, people with longstanding diarrhea may lose weight and become undernourished.
Sometimes IBD can affect other parts of the body such as the joints, eyes, mouth, liver, gallbladder and skin. IBD also increases the risk of cancer in areas of the intestine that are affected.
What causes IBD?
The exact cause of IBD is unknown, but IBD is the result of a defective immune system. A properly functioning immune system attacks foreign organisms, such as viruses and bacteria, to protect the body. In IBD, the immune system responds incorrectly to environmental triggers, which causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. There also appears to be a genetic component—someone with a family history of IBD is more likely to develop this inappropriate immune response.
How is IBD diagnosed?
IBD is diagnosed using a combination of endoscopy (for Crohn’s disease) or colonoscopy (for Ulcerative colitis) and imaging studies, such as contrast radiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT). Physicians may also check stool samples to make sure symptoms are not being caused by an infection or run blood tests to help confirm the diagnosis.
IBD is not…
IBD is not Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)…
IBD should not be confused with irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. Although people with IBS may experience some similar symptoms to IBD, IBD and IBS are very different. Irritable bowel syndrome is not caused by inflammation and the tissues of the bowel are not damaged the way they are in IBD. Treatment is also different.
IBD is not celiac disease…
Celiac disease is another condition with similar symptoms to IBD. It is also characterized by inflammation of the intestines. However, the cause of celiac disease is known and is very specific. It is an inflammatory response to gluten (a group of proteins found in wheat and similar grains). The symptoms of celiac disease will go away after starting a gluten-free diet, although it usually will be months before the full effects of the new diet will be reached.
Herbal treatment of Crohn’s disease.
• Make a decoction of common Marshmallow (Khatami) leaves or root. Drink thrice a day.
• Take out the pulp of Aloe vera. Have two tablespoon two times a day.
Herbal treatment of Ulcerative colitis.
• Boswellia helps to reduce the inflammation associated with Ulcerative colitis.
Have 1 Boswellia capsule every day.
• Turmeric has anti-inflammtory properties. It helps in reducing the inflammation and cures Ulcerative colitis.
Have 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder daily. Add a pinch of black pepper, as it increases the bioavailability of the turmeric.
• Ginkgo contains antioxidant and anti inflammatory factors. This herbal extract is used to prevent and cure Ulcerative colitis.
Take 10 drops of Ginkgo extract every day.
Depending on the severity of your IBD, you may need to try several different herbal medicines before you find what works best for you. But you can not do that without the advice of a qualified herbalist.
Also, some herbal medicines work better for Crohn’s disease and others are more effective for Ulcerative colitis. Your herbalist can determine the best medication for you, so avoid self medication.
For the right selection of herbal medicines for IBD, either Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative colitis, you need the advice of a qualified herbalist or an homeopath. Always feel free to call and ask questions. We are here to help.
You can reach the clinical herbalist/homeopath Oluwafunmise on 08028366901 or 08183554665 or visit www.farmherbalpro.com
