Back to Newsletter Article Understanding Crohn's Disease And IBD

Crohn's disease is a serious (but not fatal) disorder that causes inflammation of the GI (gastrointestinal) tract, most commonly the small intestine and/or colon. Ulcerative colitis is a related disease. These two disorders belong to a larger group of illnesses called inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD.

IBD, which affects 1.4 million Americans, is primarily a disease of adolescents and young adults between the ages of 15 and 35. IBD tends to run in families. American Jews of European descent are four to five times more likely to develop the disease than the general population, says the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA).  The state of California recognizes May as Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Awareness month.

Symptoms include persistent diarrhea, abdominal cramps and pain, fever and fatigue. Proper nutrition is a vital part of the medical management of Crohn's disease. The CCFA's recommendations include meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, cereal, starches, fruits, and vegetables. Certain foods and beverages are less tolerable during flare-ups. There is no cure, but IBD symptoms can be treated with drugs or natural remedies. Some colitis patients report success from taking Konsyl Easy Mix psyllium fiber.

CCFA has a page of links for IBD sufferers, care givers, family members, and health professionals. Read more about living with Crohn's  here.