We don't understand a lot about Crohn's disease, but we do know that more and more young people are being diagnosed with it. Crohn's is a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. It strikes mainly adolescents and young adults, and manifests itself as abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea, and weight loss. The small intestine is primarily affected, and the patient develops real problems in absorbing important nutrients.

Physicians use the anti-inflammatory drugs sulfasalazine and steroids to reduce the inflammation. As the disease seems to be related to alterations in the immune system, they sometimes add medications to suppress immunity as well. Unfortunately, the disease often progresses despite drug therapy, and surgery is frequently needed for infections and intestinal obstruction.

At WholeHealthMD, we believe that a major commitment to lifestyle changes, including strict attention to diet, stress reduction, and taking appropriate supplements, can make a significant difference in the lives of people with Crohn's disease.