January 18, 2010

Studies promising for Crohn's-Colitis

Few conditions are as painful, debilitating and all-
encompassing as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (UC).

Collectively, they're known as IBD--inflammatory bowel
disease. 

As the title suggests, both are characterized by chronic
inflammation.  The major difference is Crohn's can occur
anywhere in the digestive tract, and UC is confined to the
colon.

The chronic inflammation from Crohn's and UC leads to
sores that produce pus, bleeding, excruciating pain and
explosive diarrhea that can occur without warning.

So IBD sufferers cannot leave the house without knowing
where the closest public bathroom is...if they leave at
all.  Plus the conditions cause frequent days missed from
work and the resulting financial impact that can have. 

Since the inflammation also interferes with effective
nutrient absorption, people with IBD are frequently weak,
underweight and sickly, plus the bleeding can lead to anemia.

And to top it off, Crohn's and ulcerative colitis
sufferers are also prone to depression, which is
understandable.  The conditions affect your quality of life
in every way.

Crohn's and colitis both attack in "cycles"--you get flare-
ups followed by a quiet period, known as remission.

As any IBD sufferer will tell you, there's no real
"relief."  Instead you spend your days dreading when the
next attack will occur and taking dangerous drugs (usually
steroids). 

Sounds like a prison sentence.

But omega-3 fatty acids promise new hope for IBD sufferers.


Studies are showing that omega-3 fatty acids can help ease
the chronic inflammation associated with Crohn's and UC,
which can help prevent attacks and prolong periods of
remission.

Here are some exciting illustrations of this:

In a randomized, clinical trial, omega-3 supplements were
given to patients who were in remission from Crohn's
disease, but who had a high risk of relapse.  No additional
medications were given--not even steroids.

Another similar group were given placebos with no other
medications.

At the end of a year, a whopping 59% (nearly 6 out of 10)
of the patients taking the fish oil supplements were still
in remission, compared to just 26% of the placebo group.

Similar findings have been noted for ulcerative colitis
sufferers.

In a study conducted by researchers in a St. Louis
hospital, 18 patients with active ulcerative colitis (i.e.:
having an attack) were treated with either an omega-3
supplement or a placebo.

Those taking the omega-3 supplements were able to cut
their steroid medications in HALF--even during an active
attack!  The placebo group, however, needed MORE medication.

Clearly omega-3 fatty acids are key to reducing the
crippling inflammation of IBD.

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