Crohn's Disease and Colitis - Questions and Answers

Crohn's Disease and Colitis, inflammatory diseases of the intestines, are misunderstood by many people - including some sufferers. Often when individuals are diagnosed, they are embarrassed to ask questions about their condition. It is vital, however, that Crohn's Disease and Colitis sufferers gather as much information as possible about the state of their health.

Symptoms for these conditions can vary from person to person. As well, sufferers can receive treatment to manage and even eliminate their individual symptoms. A trusted Naturopath physician can be one of the best sources of information about individual cases of Crohn's Disease and Colitis. Certain truths about these conditions have not yet been acknowledged by the regular medical community.

Questions and Answers

. What is Crohn's Disease And Colitis?

Crohn's Disease (CD) can exist anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract. Usually, Colitis (UC - Ulcerative Colitis) is discovered in the large intestine. Sometimes Colitis, however, will affect part of the small intestine.

. Is There A Cure?

At present, there is no cure for these conditions. Sufferers can, however, manage the symptoms. Crohn's Disease and Colitis are not fatal diseases.

. What Is The Life Span For A Person With Crohn's Disease And Colitis?

People with these conditions are thought to have a normal life span. Generally, men with the condition live to be 78 years and women live for 79 years. These statistics are in line with figures for the average life span of males and females. The untold statistics are when death occurs in Crohn's and Colitis patients there are classified as deaths from complications such as bowel cancer and recorded as a cancer death rather than one of Crohn's or Colitis. This skews the statistics for suffers giving a false impression of greater longevity.

. What Are The Symptoms?

Individuals experience different signs. Sufferers can experience varied symptoms such as weight loss, diarrhea, and stomach pains, as well as other health issues. People should not ignore the symptoms of these diseases. If left untreated, ordinary symptoms can lead to serious complications.

. What Side Effects Can Result From Untreated Symptoms?

The side effects of these conditions can range from uncomfortable to life-threatening situations. If sufferers ignore their symptoms, they can be stricken with malnutrition, intestinal blockages, damaged organs, and other serious afflictions. Yet these side effects are preventable if individuals get treatment for their symptoms.

. How Can Individuals Manage The Symptoms?

A person's doctor can help with managing - and even temporarily eliminating - a patient's symptoms. Physicians may prescribe drugs to control these conditions. In some situations, doctors may suggest surgery. Yet some sufferers, as well as researchers, claim that Crohn's Disease and Colitis water fasts and a regular raw food diet can eliminate uncomfortable symptoms. Of course, patients must always check with their doctor before embarking on strict fasts or any dramatic changes to one's diet.

. How Could A Raw Food Diet Control Crohn's Disease and Colitis Symptoms?

At present, researchers are exploring the connection between a raw food diet and more manageable (and even disappearing) symptoms. The study of Vitamin A plays a significant part in this research. Many patients have claimed that their symptoms lessened and even ended over time as they adhered to a raw food diet.

After all, the Western diet is filled with fats, sugars, chemicals, and processed foods. Research continues regarding the raw food diet and its contribution to better health for Crohn's Disease and Colitis sufferers. Of course, the bottom line in looking after one's health is to make an informed decision before making any drastic changes.