Alternative treatments for Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's disease!!!

What is inflammatory bowel disease?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is described as inflammation of the large and small intestines. The two most common types of IBD are Ulcerative Colitis(UC), which most commonly affects the large intestine, and Crohn’s disease, which can affect the entire GI tract. Individuals who are affected by these conditions either have a small portion or at times the whole intestinal tract affected. These conditions cause the intestinal lining to be irritated and swollen, and as a result ulcers may form which can cause intestinal bleeding. Some symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in the stool, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. Due to the fact that the intestinal lining is inflamed the main function, which is absorption of nutrients and water, is altered and the individual can become under nourished, dehydrated and weak. Symptoms may come and go and patients can be in remission for long periods of time. Although people at any age can be affected, IBD most commonly affects young adults. With these conditions other organs such as the skin, joints, spine, liver, and eyes can also be affected. The best way to diagnose these conditions is by direct visualization via sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy with biopsy of the lining of the bowl. Patients with long standing history of IBD have an increased risk of colon cancer, so it is very important to have the condition monitored by their gastroenterologist.

Before we get into the alternative forms of treatment for this condition let me give you a quick back ground on my personal experience with UC. I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at the age of 20. After having a colonoscopy and biopsy performed, I was told that my entire large intestine was affected. My condition was so severe that I had to drop out of school for 2 semesters, lost about 20 pounds in a 1-month period, and was severely anemic. The Dr.’s put me on Prednisone which is an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid to control the bleeding and inflammation. After taking the medication for about 3 weeks my condition was under control but the medication had taken a toll on my body. As a result, I had severe acne and joint pain throughout my body. After I stopped taking prednisone they put me on another pill called Asacol and was told that I have to take 12 pills per day, depending on my condition, for the rest of my life. Due to the fact that one of the main side effects of Asacol is liver cirrhosis, I had to get regular blood work done to monitor my liver function. Once I was in chiropractic school and started to get adjusted I noticed a big improvement in my bowl movements.  I was able to cut back my medication to about 9 pills per day. After starting to work at CSI I discovered the cold laser and EB. I decided to go through 12 sessions of the EB combined with the laser. At my 4th treatment I noticed that I was having more energy throughout the day. At the 7th treatment I was having less bowl movements. I decided to cut back on my medication and see how things went. By my 9th session was taking about 4 pill every other week.  After my 12th session was completed in early October 2008 I was not taking any more pills for my colitis and to date I have not taken any pills. I feel the best I have felt since my condition started over 10 years ago. Below I have outlined the alternative treatments which have helped myself and my patients who suffer from IBD. 

Alternative treatments:

• Chiropractic
  • You might ask, how can chiropractic help? Chiropractic adjustments can help by freeing any type of interference in the nerve that supplies the intestinal tract to help it maintain the proper transmission of information between the area affected and Central Nervous System (CNS) which is composed of the brain and spinal cord. With the communication between the GI tract and the CNS normalized, there are more regular bowel movements and less inflammation in the area which in term helps to normalize the regular environment of the GI tract.

• Erchonia Low Level Laser
  • The function of the Low Level Laser is to penetrate the mitochondria of the cell which is considered the “power house” of the cell and produce more Adenosine Tri Phosphate (ATP) which is the main fuel for the cells. By having more ATP available the damaged cells are able to function and heal at a higher rate.  
  • It has also been shown that the cold laser decreases inflammation, which is one of the main complications in inflammatory bowel disease.  By decreasing the inflammation, the lining of the intestine is less aggravated and as a result it will heal much faster.

• Energy Balance Footbath (EB)
• The function of the EB is to use the acupuncture meridian channels to send alternating positive and negative ions through an individual’s body to pull out any type of heavy metal and toxin build up which is interfering with the body’s natural healing ability.  The way this works is by having the patient immerse their feet in a warm water and salt bath. At the same time a copper coil electrode is placed in the water which creates a bio-energetic ionic exchange system that surges positive and negative ions through the patient’s body. 
• Furthermore, it has been shown that the EB helps to produce more ATP which is the main fuel for the cell.  By having more ATP available the function and healing process of damaged cells and tissue are enhanced.  

• Proper nutrition and supplementation:
  • Due to the fact that these conditions are inflammatory processes it is very important to recognize the types of food which aggravate the condition and avoid those particular foods. Every person reacts differently to different foods. It is a good idea to keep a daily log of each meal to see how you feel after that particular meal. This is a good way to isolate which foods aggravate the intestine.  
  • Supplements can be your ally if in fighting these conditions.  Some important supplements to be taken for people with these conditions include: 
    • L-Glutamine which is a free forming amino acid that helps in the tissue recovery 
    • Acidophilus which is a probiotic that helps in digestion 
    • Vitamins A, C, E, and Zinc which are all antioxidants and help to decrease inflammation throughout the body.
    • Manuka Honey produced in New Zealand by bees that pollinate the Manuka bush, is one of the most unique and beneficial forms of honey in the world. Manuka honey is very gentle on the body and has great anti-inflammatory properties to it. 

By combining chiropractic, Low Level Laser therapy, EB, proper nutrition and supplements the amount of inflammation in the intestinal lining is decreased. As a result, there is less discomfort to the patient, symptoms can subside, amount of prescription medication can be reduced, and the patients can experience a more natural and healthy life style.

• Since there is a higher risk of colon cancer in individuals with these conditions it is very important to be monitored regularly by your GI doctor.

If you have any questions and concerns, feel free to contact me and I will gladly answer them.

Dr. Amir Mahmud

Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner