Crohn's Disease and Glyconutrients
Crohn's disease (chronic inflammation of the colon and ileum), ulcerative colitis (chronic inflammation and ulceration in the colon), and interstitial cystitis (chronic inflammation of the bladder) are considered autoimmune conditions. Crohn's disease is characterized by chronic inflammation of the digestive tract - it usually affects the small bowel (regional enteritis), and can also affect the colon (granulomatous colitis). Symptoms can include diarrhea, periodic cramping, lower right abdominal pain, fever, malabsorption, anemia, fatigue, and losses in appetite and weight.
The inflammation is not superficial but extends through all layers of the intestinal wall and can involve the adjacent lymph nodes, and mesentery. Studies indicate that Crohn's disease may be caused by a defect in the body's mucosal-lining defense barrier. This barrier consists of glycoproteins called glycosaminoglycans or GAF for short. When this barrier is defective toxins and pathogens can penetrate the ileum and colon and cause inflammation and infection. As the inflammation in one area heals, it leaves scar tissue that thickens the bowel wall and narrows the passageway. The result of this area by area inflammation, is a patchwork of healthy and diseased segments. Inflammation of the serosa occurs and leads to inflamed bowel loops adhering to other bowel loops. This results in bowel shortening. Scarring is not the only effect of chronic inflammation, the body shifts into a high-gear immune response - and autoimmune disease.
The standard drug treatment is to focus on stopping the body's inflammatory response by taking steroids and other immune suppressants. Rebuilding the GAG layer may be more effective since a degraded GAG layer sets the foundation for a cascade of infirmities. Glucosamine supplementation helps to reconstruct the GAG layer and often leads to an improvement in symptoms, whereas anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen damage the GAG layer and worsen symptoms.
Other essential glyconutrients can also help Crohn';s disease patients. Two other essential saccharides or glyconutrients – fucose and N-acetylglucosamine - levels have been found to be low in Crohn's disease suffers. A study of patients with Crohn's disease compared to normal controls found that more than half the normal colons had 8 or more monosaccharides (glyconutrients) whereas only a quarter of the Crohn's patients had 8 or more.
For people suffering Crohn's disease glyconutrient supplementation (the 8 essential glyconutrients) will support their body’s ability to heal, repair, restore, regenerate, regulate and protect.
For all people not just those with Crohn's disease, glyconutrients form the basic cellular language of all cells. Cells require adequate amounts of glyconutrients to allow cells to communicate 'correctly'. These nutrients are known to improve the immune system function, organ function and improve basic body physiology. If cells cannot communicate correctly they cannot function correctly or stay healthy. Glyconutrients for cell communication are pivotal no matter what other supplements you decide to take.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this medical condition section is strictly educational and not intended as medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment of medical disorders, consult your health care professional.
Copyright 2005 Glyconutrients Reference - Last Updated May 2005
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