Can Ayurveda Help in Crohn’s Disease?-Diet & Natural Remedies

Abstract

Crohn’s Disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the Gastrointestinal tract. It is classified under inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). It can affect any part of the digestive system from the mouth to the Anus. Although it commonly impacts the ileum and colon. The exact cause of this disease is unknown, though it can involve a combination of Genetic, environmental, and immunologic factors. This condition is associated with Abdominal pain, Diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue. It is marked by periods of flare-ups and remission. There is no permanent cure for this disease. Ayurveda helps to manage this disease by treating its root cause. In this article, we will discuss its ayurvedic aspect and its treatment.

Introduction

Crohn’s disease is a chronic, inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It primarily affects the small intestine and colon, though it may occur anywhere along the digestive system. Unlike Ulcerative colitis, which only affects the colon, Crohn’s disease can impact any part of the GI tract, but it most commonly affects the last part of the small intestine (Ileum) and the colon. The inflammation can spread through all layers of the intestine wall. Symptoms can be vague at first, making it hard to diagnose.  Crohn’s can significantly affect a person’s daily life, often causing discomfort and disruption due to its unpredictable nature. This condition tends to come and go.

Types

Crohn’s disease can be categorized into five distinct types.

1. Ileocolitis: It is the most common form of Crohn’s disease. It affects both the last part of the small intestine (Ileum) and the large intestine (Colon).
2. Ileitis: This type is limited to inflammation in the ileum.
3. Gastroduodenal Crohn’s Disease: In this form, the stomach and the duodenum are affected.
4. Jejunoileitis: This type involves patches of inflammation in both the jejunum and the ileum, often referred to as “ Small Bowel Crohn’s’’
5. Crohn’s Colitis (Granulomatous Colitis): This type Specifically Affects only the colon, or large intestine.

Causes And Risk Factors

The exact Cause of Crohn’s disease is still unclear, but several factors are believed to contribute to its development. While diet and stress were once thought to be the primary cause, these factors can worsen the condition and not directly cause it. some of the contributing factors are :

1. Genetics

Having certain genes may make someone more likely to develop Crohn’s disease

2. Immune system

Crohn’s disease may be triggered by certain bacteria, viruses, or other environmental factors. There’s suspicion that some bacteria in the gut microbiome could be linked to the disease, but it’s unclear whether they directly cause it. The immune system may overreact to these triggers and, in the process, attack the digestive tract as well.

Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing Crohn’s disease.

1. Family history: If parents or siblings have Crohn’s disease, a person is at higher risk of developing this condition. Around 20% of the people with Crohn’s disease have a family member with the condition.
2.  Age: Crohn’s disease can develop at any age, but it is most commonly diagnosed before the age of 30.
3.  Ethnicity: It can affect any ethnic group, but white people have the highest risk, especially people of Eastern Europe.
4. Cigarette Smoking:  Smoking is the most significant modifiable risk factor for developing Crohn’s disease. Smokers not only have risk of developing the disease but also face more severe symptoms and a greater need for surgery.
5. Use of NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs): Medicines like Ibuprofen, Naproxen and Diclofenac do not cause Crohn’s disease but worsen inflammation in the bowel, making the disease more difficult to manage.

Symptoms

In Crohn’s disease, Symptoms can be vague and develop gradually. Unlike ulcerative colitis, which affects only the colon, Crohn’s disease can cause inflammation anywhere along the digestive tract, most commonly in the ileum and colon, and can impact all layers of the intestinal walls. The location of the disease typically remains stable over time, with roughly one-third of patients experiencing inflammation in the colon, one-third in both the ileum and colon, and one-third in the ileum alone. Crohn’s disease may also involve the perianal region, upper digestive tract, and other organs outside the intestines.

1. Gastrointestinal Symptoms

1. Diarrhea
2. Abdominal pain
3. Rectal bleeding
4. Bloating and Gas
5. Vomiting
6. Nausea

2. Systemic Symptoms

1. Chronic Fatigue
2. Fever
3. Weight loss

3. Extraintestinal Manifestation

1. Mouth Ulcers
2. Eye inflammation
3. Erythema Nodosum
4. Pyoderma Gangrenosum (Ulcerative skin lesions)
5. Hypertension
6. Pulmonary embolism
7. Joint Pain
8. Chest infection
9. Sleep Apnea
10. Liver Cirrhosis
11. Anxiety
12. Depression
13. Nutrient Malabsorption

2. Complications

Crohn’s disease can lead to several complications, both related to the gastrointestinal tract and affecting other areas of the body. These complications can range from mild to severe and may require medical intervention, including surgery in some cases. Some of the most common complications associated with Crohn’s disease are :

1. Intestinal Blockage
2. Anemia
3. Fistulas
4. Abscess
5. Malnutrition
6. Perforation
7. Colon cancer
8. Stenosis (Strictures)

Diagnosis

Diagnosing Crohn’s disease typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, imaging studies, and endoscopic procedures. Since the symptoms of Crohn’s disease can overlap with other gastrointestinal conditions, it’s important to rule out other potential causes.

Here are the common steps involved in diagnosing Crohn’s disease

Several tests are commonly used to diagnose Crohn’s disease, such as

1. Barium Enema or Upper GI Series: These imaging tests use a contrast material to highlight the intestines on X-ray, helping to identify inflammation or other abnormalities.
2. Colonoscopy or Sigmoidoscopy: These procedures involve inserting a flexible tube with a camera to visually examine the colon and rectum. A biopsy can be taken for further analysis.
3. CT Scan of the Abdomen: A detailed X-ray of the abdomen that helps identify inflammation, abscesses, or other complications.
4. Capsule Endoscopy: A small camera inside a pill is swallowed to take images of the small intestine, helping to identify areas of inflammation.
5. MRI of the Abdomen: Uses magnetic imaging to create detailed pictures of the abdomen, useful for assessing the extent of Crohn’s disease.
6. Enteroscopy: A type of endoscopy used to examine the small intestine in more detail, especially if the disease affects areas that are harder to reach.
7. MR Enterography: A specialized MRI that uses contrast fluid to capture detailed images of the small intestine and is particularly useful in evaluating fistulas or inflammation.

Additionally, a stool culture may be performed to rule out infections that could mimic Crohn’s disease symptoms.

Crohn’s disease can affect the results of several laboratory tests, such as:

1. Low albumin levels: This could indicate malnutrition or inflammation.
2. High erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): A marker of inflammation in the body.
3. Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP): Another sign of active inflammation.
4. Fecal fat: Increased fecal fat can indicate poor absorption of nutrients.
5. Low blood count (hemoglobin and hematocrit): Anemia, often due to blood loss or nutrient deficiencies.
6. Abnormal liver function tests: These may be altered due to inflammation or complications related to Crohn’s.
7. High white blood cell count: A response to inflammation or infection.
8. Elevated fecal calprotectin levels: A marker of intestinal inflammation, often used to assess disease activity in Crohn’s.

Treatment

The treatment for Crohn’s Disease focuses on reducing inflammation, controlling symptoms. There is no cure for Crohn’s disease, so the goal is to manage the condition. Treatment can vary depending on the severity of the disease. Here are the primary treatment options :

Medication for Crohn’s Disease

1. Anti Inflammatory Drug
2. Corticosteroids
3. Immunomodulators
4. Antibiotics
5. Loperamide

Surgeries

1. Strictureplasty
2. Bowel Resection
3. Ostomy
4. Colectomy
5. Proctocolectomy

Ayurvedic Overview

According to Ayurveda, Grahani refers to a condition where the small intestine, particularly the duodenum, becomes affected by an imbalance in the doshas, especially pitta. This disorder causes the intestine to expel most of the food in a partially digested state. It may also result in severe abdominal pain. People suffering from Grahani experience alternating diarrhea and constipation. The condition is primarily caused by an aggravated pitta dosha, which is referred to as Pittaja Grahani. Crohn’s disease is considered to be similar to Pittaja Grahani in its nature and symptoms.

Crohn’s disease can also be associated with Pittaj Atisara, where diarrhea occurs due to an excess of Pitta Dosha. Since diarrhea is a primary symptom of Crohn’s disease, this correlation highlights the role of aggravated pitta in the condition. One of the main symptoms of Crohn’s is excessive bleeding in stool. This symptom can be correlated with Rakta Atisara i.e. Diarrhea caused by vitiated blood.

Treatment

Crohn’s disease can be linked with Grahani and Atisara in Ayurveda. Based on this understanding of the disease’s pathogenesis, the following Treatment is applied to effectively manage the patient’s condition.

1. Chandanadya Ghrita
2. Tiktaka Ghrita
3. Nagaradi Churna
4. Bhunimbadi Churna
5. Kirataadi Churna
6. Bilva Gulika
7. Kutajarishta
8. Kutaj ghan vati
9. Dadimashtaka Churna
10. Panchamrita Parpati

Panchkarma

1. Pichha Basti
2. Use of Takra

Herbal Remedies for Crohn’s Disease by planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a well known herbal company that specializes in providing natural, Ayurvedic remedies for various health conditions. Their products are formulated using Ancient Ayurvedic principles. All their formulations are prepared under the supervision of MD (Ayurveda) Scholars. All their formulations are 100% pure, Chemical free, and safer to use. They have many formulations for Chronic disease, one of them is Crohn’s care pack for the patients suffering from Crohn’s disease.

Crohn’s Care Pack

Product Description

1. Pitta Balance

This capsule is pure extract of JaharMohra Pishti (Natural Calcium Compound), Kaharava Pishti (Natural Calcium Compound), Akik Pishti (Agate Compound), Mukta Pishti (natural Calcium Compound from Pearls), Giloy Satva (Tinospora Cordifolia). All these herbs help to balance Pitta Dosha. As an imbalance of pitta dosha can cause digestive disorders, inflammation. This capsule helps to reduce inflammation, Alleviates digestive issues, and soothes the gut lining. So it is very helpful in Crohn’s disease.

Dosage: 1-2 Capsules two times a day with normal water after a meal

2. Bandhan Ghan Vati

This tablet is a standardised pure extract of Kutaj (Holarrhena Antidysenterica). It has an anti-inflammatory property. It supports intestinal health, helps to manage diarrhea, and promotes gut healing. It also helps in digestion. All these factors help to manage Crohn’s disease.

Dosage: 1-2 Tablets two times a day with normal water.

3. Mimosa-Di Capsule

This capsule is a standardised pure extract of Lajwanti (Mimosa Pudica). This herb is also known as Touch-Me-Not. It helps in digestion, helps to detoxify, and improves inflammation. It also helps to heal intestinal mucosa. So this capsule helps in Crohn’s disease.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules two times a day with plain water after a meal.

4. Coolstrin-c Capsule

This capsule is a standardised pure extract of Lajjalu (Mimosa Pudica), Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna). Coolstrin-C is an Ayurvedic formulation that is particularly effective in managing oozing-type bleeding, which can occur in conditions like Crohn’s disease, where there is chronic inflammation and ulceration in the intestines. It acts as a powerful hemostatic agent, meaning it helps stop excessive bleeding and promotes blood clotting. The formulation is especially beneficial for individuals experiencing gastrointestinal bleeding or mucosal damage, which can sometimes happen in Crohn’s disease.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules two times daily with plain water after a meal.

5. Belgiri Powder

This powder is a standardised pure extract of Bilva (Aegle marmelos). It is widely recognized as one of the best remedies for supporting digestion and managing various forms of diarrhea, whether it’s caused by bacterial infections or the chronic inflammation seen in conditions like Crohn’s disease. This powder is particularly effective for individuals dealing with Crohn’s disease because of its unique combination of healing, soothing, and anti-motility properties.

Dosage: 1-2 tsp two times a day with normal water after a meal.

6. Praval Panchamrit

These pills are prepared with pearl bhasma (mukta bhasma), Pearl oyster bhasma (shukti bhasma), conch shell bhasma (shankha bhasma). The combination of herbs in Praval Panchamrit is highly effective in alleviating symptoms associated with conditions like Crohn’s disease, particularly the passage of mucus, which is a common issue. This formulation is great for balancing Pitta dosha and can help relieve the burning sensation, Anorexia, Hyperacidity, diarrhea, etc.

Dosage: 1-2 pills with honey two times a day.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Yes! Ayurveda can help to manage Crohn’s disease. It can provide effective management through a holistic approach. By addressing the underlying dosha imbalance, particularly vitiated pitta, Ayurveda focuses on improving digestion, reducing inflammation and promoting overall gut health. Through personalized treatment such as dietary changes, herbal remedies, detoxification, and through Planet Ayurveda’s Crohn’s care pack, Ayurveda can help alleviate symptoms, enhance quality of life, and potentially reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups.