Crohn's Disease and Colitis - Basic Facts

There are many misconceptions about the inflammatory diseases - Crohn's Disease and Colitis. The medical profession will explain all aspects of the disease to their patients. Yet everyone needs to understand about these chronic conditions. If a person recognizes the signs of these diseases, they can seek medical help before untreated symptoms turn into serious complications.

Basic Facts

. Crohn's Disease and Colitis are chronic conditions.

Crohn's Disease and Colitis are not fatal conditions. The diseases are referred to as 'chronic' conditions because there is no medical cure but people can manage their symptoms.

. People with Crohn's Disease and Colitis can live a normal life span.

Sufferers with these conditions live a similar life span to everyone else. Women live for 79 years and men live almost the same duration (78 years).

. There is a difference between Crohn's Disease and Colitis.

Generally, Ulcerative Colitis (UC) affects the colon (large intestine). Crohn's Disease can be present anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract. Sometimes UC can affect the small intestine.

. People with Crohn's Disease and Colitis will have uncomfortable symptoms.

Since both conditions are diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, sufferers can expect symptoms such as diarrhea and stomach pains as well as a host of other unpleasant symptoms. Yet people with these conditions can live a comfortable and stress-free lifestyle when they understand how to manage the diseases.

. The Western diet is not ideal for patients with these conditions.

The Western diet contains considerable amounts of fat and sugar and includes many processed foods. This diet is not ideal for anyone especially individuals who suffer from inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Researchers, as well a many patients, claim that Crohn's Disease/Colitis water fasts and a regular raw food diet can make a difference to their symptoms.

Indeed, many sufferers say that the symptoms disappeared over a period of time. Of course, patients should expect that there will be some challenges if they change to a raw food diet. The body will need time to adjust to the new fuel. In fact, sometimes symptoms will be exacerbated at first by the fruit and raw vegetable diet. Yet many individuals claim that they noticed a gradual difference until the symptoms ceased to be a problem.

. Crohn's Disease and Colitis can lead to serious side effects.

The symptoms of these conditions can be managed - and even controlled - by patients. Yet if symptoms are left untreated over time, they can cause grave damage to one's health. Anemia, liver damage, serious infections, and other health issues can occur if sufferers do not attend to their condition.

. People with Crohn's Disease and Colitis can receive individualized treatment for their conditions.

Different people can have varied symptoms of Crohn's Disease and Colitis. As well, they can experience a wide range of side effects from malnutrition to problems with their immune system. Modern medicine will attempt to accommodate the individual needs of patients but these will generally only mask the real problems of diet and chemical ingestion. Look for a Doctor with an open mind as well as one that has been trained in nutrition, this will go a long way to receiving a balanced treatment plan.