What is Crohn's Disease: discover the causes and how to prevent it

Did you know that a large part of the Brazilian population has bowel problems? Various diseases can affect this organ and harm an individual's quality of life. In this context, one of the most serious problems is Crohn's Disease.

To give you an idea, inflammatory bowel diseases increase by 14.87% per year . The data is from the Brazilian Society of Coloproctology (SBCP) and covers people with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis

Typically, both diseases affect people between 15 and 40 years old. However, they can occur at other ages. The difference between them is that Crohn's disease affects the entire digestive tract, that is, from the mouth to the anus. Still, the highest prevalence is in the small intestine, perianal region and colon.

Therefore, symptoms can be varied and greatly impact quality of life. So, do you want to know more about this disease? Keep reading!

What is Crohn's Disease?

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory gastrointestinal syndrome . This is a chronic illness with no defined cause. Despite impacting the entire digestive system, it most affects the lower part of the small intestine and colon. The biggest problem is the aggressiveness of the inflammatory process, which compromises the layers of the intestinal wall:

• mucous membrane;
• submucosa;
• serous;
• muscle.

In practice, diffuse lesions appear throughout the digestive tract . This causes healthy areas to be interspersed with inflamed ones.

Furthermore, this problem affects both men and women. It often happens to close relatives. The highest incidence is among people aged 20 to 40, especially if they are smokers. It is still important to be more careful, as this disease is a risk factor for bowel cancer.

What are the symptoms of Crohn's Disease?

The symptoms of Crohn's Disease vary depending on the patient . In some cases, they are mild and, in others, severe — this depends on the area impacted and the intensity of the inflammation. In general, the main signs of the disease are:

• fever;
• colic;
• diarrhea;
• anemia;
• tiredness;
• hemorrhoids;
• abdominal pain;
• fissures in the anal region;
• blood loss in the stool;
• weight loss and loss of appetite.

The onset of the disease can be sudden or gradual. Another characteristic is the fact that there are periods of crisis and others in which there are little or no symptoms. In this sense, the remission period can take from weeks to months.

To better understand the symptoms at each intensity level of the disease, we list the most common signs in each case. Look:

• mild to moderate case: frequent diarrhea and abdominal pain. However, the patient walks and eats normally. There may be weight variation, but not more than 10%;
• moderate to severe case: more evident symptoms. These include significant weight loss, fever, abdominal tenderness or pain, intermittent vomiting, nausea and significant anemia;
• fulminant case: persistent symptoms, even after appropriate treatment for the severe or moderate stage. This can lead to high fever, persistent vomiting, more severe weight loss and evidence of intestinal obstruction or abscess.

Still, some symptoms may appear outside the digestive tract. In this case, the main problems are:

• canker sores;
• arthritis;
• kidney and gallstones;
• skin symptoms, with the development of fungal diseases and rashes on the legs;
• eye symptoms, especially with eye inflammation (redness, sensitivity to light and injuries).

What are the main causes of the disease?

It is not clear what causes Crohn's disease. The most accepted theory is that this is an autoimmune disease and is triggered by a viral or bacterial infection. With the mistaken attack on the normal cells and tissues of the digestive tract, a state of chronic inflammation arises.

Furthermore, it is possible that the causes are related to genetic and emotional factors. In any case, it is important to make it clear that stress, anxiety and unhealthy eating can worsen symptoms.

What are the precautions to treat Crohn's Disease?

Care to treat Crohn's Disease involves some healthy habits , including:

• good sleep;
• do not smoke;
• do not drink alcohol;
• avoid obesity;
• practicing physical exercises;
• good chewing of food;
• intake of the indicated medications;
• healthy eating, avoiding fatty foods, gluten and milk during crises.

To do this, you need to have a correct diagnosis. Typically, a consultation with a gastroenterologist is carried out. He may recommend several tests, such as:

• X-ray;
• endoscopy;
• colonoscopy;
• enteroscopy;
• ultrasound;
• abdominal ultrasound;
• MRI.

From this point on, it is necessary to have the support of a multidisciplinary team , which involves a psychiatrist, nutritionist and dermatologist, in addition to the coloproctologist. This way, it is possible to treat all possible causes of the disease to avoid crises.

What are the recommendations for those who have this disease?

Recommendations are individualized, because Crohn's Disease has no cure, but it can be controlled. In general, it is important to avoid fatty and fermented foods , as well as those rich in fiber, as they can worsen diarrhea. Other suggestions are:

• avoid fruit peels and leafy vegetables;
• choose lean meat, skinless poultry and fish;
• control the amount of dietary sweets and sweeteners;
• give preference to roasted, boiled or grilled foods;
• drink fluids between meals and consume two liters or more per day;
• avoid spicy condiments such as oregano, paprika, pepper, mustard and ketchup .

How to prevent Crohn's Disease?

There is no clear prevention, as the causes are undetermined . However, controlling your diet, fluid intake and physical exercise help to lead a healthier life and can prevent crises or even the onset of the disease.

How to improve gut health and live well?

Improving gut health depends on a diet rich in nutrients, but in recommended amounts. It is necessary to consume what the body needs so that the functioning of the organ is regulated and inflammatory diseases, such as Crohn's, do not appear.

To achieve this goal, Superfoods can help . Being among the best foods in the world, they contribute to a healthier life and a well-functioning body

Therefore, you can participate in the Mahta Challenge . The idea is that you consume one dose of Superfoods powder per day, for a week. Your intestines will regulate and improve. If this does not happen, you can request a refund.

After all, Crohn's Disease depends on good nutrition . With Superfoods, you get 25% more nutrition per serving when consuming a suitable powdered food, which has only essential ingredients.

So, how about taking advantage? Discover and participate in the Mahta Challenge to see your quality of life improve!