Inflammatory Bowel Disease
The condition known as inflammatory bowel disease affects a person’s digestive system. The digestive system includes the organs from the anus to the mouth and is regarded as being an external body part. The digestive tract contents contain germs and bacteria and is said to be ‘dirty’ while the internal body parts do not contain bacteria and are clean.
Bacteria in the digestive system promotes the digestion of food - ideally the major part of the digestion process should occur from enzymes present in whole raw food stuffs but modern diets (mostly Western) are made up of large quantities of processed foods and sugar which increases fermentation processes in the intestines. Regardless of the process (enzymes or fermentation), bacteria has an important function. For example, a person who is taking antibiotics may suffer from diarrhea because ‘good’ bacteria in the intestines are destroyed.
Although inflammatory bowel disease may occur anywhere within the digestive tract, most people experience problems with the large or small (lower) intestines. The condition falls within the category of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis which affects the manner in which food is converted into nutrients in the intestines.
Between 1 and 2 million American citizens suffer from this condition mostly in the age group 15 to 30 years although older adults and younger children are also diagnosed. The condition is more prevalent in industrialized countries (Western) where exposure to stress, processed foods and sugar is considerably higher. Research results are unable determine conclusively what the causes of the condition are and there are theories that it involves dietary, environmental or genetic factors and are more biological than emotional.
The condition must not be confused with irritable bowel syndrome which does not physically or biologically change the intestines - irritable bowel syndrome appears to be caused mainly by emotional or stress related issues.
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Ulcerative colitis has considerably fewer side effects which include ulcers in the colon, being most severe in rectal areas and frequently causing diarrhea. Crohns disease is different because the intestines are mostly affected, however it can occur in other areas - the inflammation caused by Crohns disease goes deeper into the intestinal wall layers than that of ulcerative colitis.
Abdominal pain and diarrhea are symptoms common to inflammatory bowel disease. Extreme diarrhea may result in dehydration and bleeding within the large intestines with a simultaneous increased heart rate and lowering of blood pressure caused by dehydration. Prolonged loss of blood can also result in a lower red cell blood count or anemia.
Inflammatory bowel disease remains a big social and medical problem but it can be effectively dealt with through correct medication, better lifestyle choices and proper diets.
About the Authur:
Bob Cotto spent most of his life as a Sr. Sales & Marketing executive. Two years ago his wife of 43 years, Joanne was told that she had 4th stage cancer. Since then, Bob and Joanne have devoted all of their energy to assisting her in maintaining a high quality of life. Find out more about his efforts at his site 4-Ideal-Health.