Crohns disease is a long-term condition in which the lining of the digestive tract becomes inflamed, anywhere between the mouth and the back passage, a form of inflammatory bowel disease. Most commonly the end of the small intestine (ileum) or the large intestines (colon) are affected, sometimes becoming ulcerated. Typical crohn’s symptoms include; diarrhoea, abdominal pain, blood and mucus in the stool, fatigue, weight loss, bloating and sensitivity to foods.

The Ayurvedic treatment for Crohns disease sets out to control the diarrhoea by means of medicines which help to bind the stool. Anti-inflammatory herbs are also utilised, but care needs to be taken in their selection, particularly when there is bleeding. Other medicines are used to promote the body’s production of enzymes; insufficient enzyme activity causes food to ferment in the gut and this encourages bacterial activity, evidenced by bloating. Treatment focuses on the most severe crohns disease symptoms first, so that if, for example bloating is causing the greatest distress this is addressed before attending to enzyme production. In other cases, bleeding may be the most pressing issue. When all of these symptoms have subsided attention will be given to strengthening the gut wall, which will be thin and in need of repair.

An appropriate crohns diet is obviously of the upmost importance and will benefit all forms of inflammatory bowel disease. All foods which increase Vata need to be avoided, examples being capsicum, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, any germinated raw foods such as mung beans, tomatoes, citrus fruits, and all fatty foods such as ghee. Hot spices are also counter-indicated. Foods which can be helpful include banana and yoghurt, the latter only if there is no lactose intolerance. Mineral deficiencies are addressed, iron deficiency being a frequent problem. To suggest eating meat would not be helpful here as it may not be digested. Only as the rate of absorption increases are new foods gradually introduced.

Certain yoga postures can be very helpful for treating crohns disease. These include the Locust Posture, Forward Bending, Pawanmuktasana and Uddiyana (see Yoga Books ‘Yatan Yoga‘).

Treating Crohns disease can be quite challenging but the rewards can be great and should last for life. For further help and advice please contact us at the Yatan Holistic Ayurvedic Centre on 1300 552 260.

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