not again !
This article and protocol are for informational purposes only, and not intended as medical advice. Please read the medical disclaimer below, and consult with your personal physician prior to taking supplements or acting upon any information within this article or protocol, or found on the Dr. Ladd VIP website.
Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune, chronic inflammatory condition of the gastro-intestinal tract associated with abdominal pain and persistent diarrhea. Named after Dr. Burrill B. Crohn, who first described the disease in 1932, Crohn’s disease belongs to a group of disorders known collectively as inflammatory bowel disease.
Inflammatory bowel diseases classically include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis; and though they have similar symptoms, they are completely different diseases. As opposed to ulcerative colitis, which is restricted to the large intestine (colon), Crohn’s disease can manifest anywhere along the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract from the mouth to the anus. However, it is most commonly found in the last part of the small intestine, the ileum, or in the first part of the colon, or large intestine.
Crohn’s disease may affect as many as 780,000 Americans. Men and women are equally at risk, and though the disease can occur at any age, Crohn’s disease most often first presents between the ages of 15 and 35. Caucasians of Eastern European descent, as well as Ashkenazi Jews are at greater risk than other ethnicities; however, in recent years, an increasing number of cases have been reported among blacks. (I avoid the politically-correct term, “African American,” when writing about medical issues, simply because not all blacks are Americans.)
Although the cause of Crohn’s disease is not truly known, hereditary, genetic, and environmental factors contribute to the development of Crohn’s Disease. As with all other autoimmune diseases, diet, stress, and lack of micronutrient intake aggravate Crohn’s disease. Recent research suggests that intestinal hyper-permeability associated with inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of the disease. (1)
With the gaps opening between epithelial cells, toxins (BPAs, PCBs, phthalates, aspartame, heavy metals, etc.) and food particles make their way beneath the mucosal lining and exacerbate inflammation. These foreign substances trigger localized inflammation, but they are also carried away via the bloodstream directly to the liver, resulting in liver inflammation. However inflammation does not stop there; the foreign substances and inflammation are disseminated throughout the body, resulting in numerous signs and symptoms.
Inflammation, which involves significant oxidative stress, or free radical damage, within the mucosal and submucosal layers of the intestines, leads to abdominal pain and cramping, nausea, vomiting, and bouts of severe diarrhea, as well as fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition. Inflammation spreads to the deeper layers of the intestinal wall. The result is scarring, thickening, and stenosis of the GI tract, which may require surgical resection of the affected area to prevent intestinal blockage, a life-threatening situation.
Leaky gut syndrome is known to be associated with the initiation of numerous autoimmune disorders. (Please see my article on Leaky Gut Syndrome.) It is not known whether Crohn’s disease leads to leaky gut syndrome, or vice versa, as the two disorders go hand-in-hand; or they are two expressions of the same disease. Either way, the goal of my protocols is to reduce or reverse leaky gut syndrome, as well as the symptoms and flare-ups associated with Crohn’s disease.
Leaky gut syndrome, or a hyper-permeable gut, occurs due to the breakdown of the tight junctions between epithelial cells making up the mucosal lining. Proteins that create the tight junctions have a genetic defect, and dysregulation of these dynamic proteins causes a gap between the cells by which bacteria, toxins, and undigested food particles can gain access below the epithelial barrier.(2 – 4)
The introduction of foreign substances triggers an inflammatory response, which then worsens the hyper-permeability of the intestinal lining; which continues to spiral into a worsening inflammatory situation that worsens the hyper-permeability and immune response.
The good news about all these symptoms is that most, if not all can be significantly reduced in major part by the use of proper nutritional supplementation. Other lifestyle changes must be employed, but none of them can have the effect without the supplementation outlined in my protocol below.
Studies have demonstrated that Crohn’s disease is associated with significant decreased blood concentrations of many vitamins and minerals. Among those deficiencies identified, are vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin C, the carotenoids, and co-enzyme Q10, and omega-3 fatty acids. (5 – 7) The lower the concentrations of these micronutrients, the more severe the disease process.
Supplementing with micronutrients is recognized as an important adjunctive therapy. However in all the studies, none have used the doses, spectrum, nor potency of supplements outlined in my protocol. I believe that is why I have witnessed or heard back from those suffering from Crohn’s disease and other irritable bowel disorders, including leaky gut syndrome, of life-altering improvements in their conditions. They truly are able to live normal lives.
Autoimmune diseases have a genetic component and require one or more triggers from the environment, food, bacteria, toxins, stress, etc. Genetic defects in at least one protein type of the tight junction between intestinal epithelial cells have been identified, which appears to be one cause of hyper-permeability. (2) This may be an initiating factor, that is, a genetic susceptibility of specific and unique proteins to be damaged by free radicals, i.e., oxidative damage.
The immune system recognizes “self” from foreign invaders (bacteria, viruses, or other people’s organs) by the unique 3-dimensional configuration of proteins along the surface of cell membranes. If the immune system does not recognize the 3-dimensional shape as “self,” then an immune response is mounted against those proteins, whether they are proteins from bacteria, viruses, transplanted organs, or one’s own cells with damaged, or altered proteins.
Molecules, such as proteins, are held in their own unique 3-dimensional configuration by electronic charges of the atoms making up the molecule. The stripping away of electrons by free radicals, which is oxidation, changes the bond from atom to atom, which changes the 3-dimensional configuration of the molecule — in this case, the protein.
With free radical oxidation, there is no loss of atoms in the protein. All the atoms are accounted for when tested by electrophoresis. However, what cannot be accounted for via electrophoresis is the change in electronic bonds between the atoms that have been altered by oxidation, resulting in a 3-dimensional molecular reconfiguration. A change in the configuration of the protein can alter its function AND make the damaged protein appear ”foreign” to the immune system. To the immune system, your damaged proteins appear “non-self.” In fact, they are treated as if they were a foreign, invading bacteria. They are attacked and destroyed.
Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune disease with involvement of hyper-permeability, triggered and made worse by free radicals that cause oxidative stress and inflammation. (8)
As the intestinal cells continue to make new proteins, replacing the damaged proteins, these too are oxidized by free radicals, and therefore altered and made to appear foreign to the immune system; and the immune attack continues. Immuno-suppressant drugs are employed to slow the immune response, but that is not treating the root of the problem.
If we assume that the immune system is normal and simply doing what it is designed to do, that is, seek and destroy foreign proteins, then why try to suppress a normally functioning immune system with corticosteroids or other immuno-suppressants?
What if it were possible to protect the genetically susceptible proteins from being altered so they do not appear “foreign” to the immune system? The immune system would recognize a correctly configured “self” protein and would NOT mount an immune attack. This is the very key to managing ALL autoimmune disorders: (a) protect the proteins in whatever tissue is being attacked from being damaged, by reducing or eliminating the causative factors that increase free radicals, and (b) use antioxidants to protect cellular proteins from the baseline free radicals generated by normal cellular metabolism. (9)
The cells will create new proteins on the cell membranes to replace the damaged proteins, and as long as they are not oxidized, they will function normally, will not have their 3-dimensional shape altered, and will not trigger an autoimmune response. There will be no inflammation, no pain, no cramping, no diarrhea, no scarring, no obstruction; and the intestinal cells will absorb nutrients properly. The person will not be cured, but if he is living a high-quality life, what is the difference? This is exactly what I have been witnessing for over 20 years with the use of broad-spectrum, potent nutritional supplement protocols, particularly high doses of grape seed extract, which is both safe and effective. My adage has been, “keep increasing the dose of grape seed extract until you get the effect you want.”
Grape seed extract is an essential component of the protocol for Crohn’s disease, as well as for all other autoimmune diseases, because it protects proteins of the body from being damaged by free radical oxidation. Grape seed extract and other polyphenolic antioxidants are also powerful inhibitors of the Cox-2 enzyme, involved in the inflammatory process.
Grape seed extract, resveratrol, curcumin (turmeric extract), green tea extract, olive extract, resveratrol, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (boosting glutathione) and many other antioxidants all help prevent excessive oxidation and inflammation, resulting in less autoimmune flare-ups in all autoimmune disorders, including Crohn’s disease. (10 – 17)
The microbiome of the gut can be considered another organ of the body. Weighing nearly three pounds, and comprised of a diverse species of bacteria numbering in the 50 – 100 trillion range, the microbiome is considered the “rain forest” of the body. It is an intricate balance of friendly bacteria with which we have a symbiotic relationship in order to maintain a healthy digestive tract and proper digestion.
The microbiome plays a much larger role than just assisting digestion. It is a key component in maintaining a healthy immune system, producing serotonin for mood enhancement and even helping to maintain healthy skin.
Antibiotics, eating unhealthy foods, stress, lack of sleep, coffee, alcohol, lack of hormones, and many other factors can alter the balance of bacteria in the bowel.
In Crohn’s disease, the bacteria are not only unbalanced, but they make their way beneath the hyper-permeable epithelial layer and trigger inflammation. Improving the intestinal microbiome with supplementation with probiotics is a critical component for the treatment and management of Crohn’s disease. (18)
In my protocol I recommend probiotic strains that scientific studies have backed as the two most important strains to replace in order to establish a foundation for growth of numerous other bacterial strains: Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG, and Bifidobacterium BB-12.
Numerous probiotic strains are available, many of which have very little-to-no clinical data regarding their benefit or physiological activity. The two strains above are indicated by numerous human trials to prove viability and benefit in humans. They are designed for long shelf life and importantly, to withstand the harsh acidic environment of the stomach, so they can pass into the intestines intact. There they multiply and create a healthy environment for the microbiome to flourish.
Probiotics help heal the hyper-permeable intestinal lining, which reduces inflammation and immune activation. (19)
The amino acids L-glutamine and L-arginine help heal the intestinal hyper-permeability seen in Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and leaky gut syndrome. (20 – 22) You will see that I have incorporated these amino acids in my protocol below.
Reducing stress and getting quality sleep are also important components for reducing oxidative stress and healing the body. DHEA helps counter the effects of high cortisol levels and is dubbed “the youth hormone,” as it acts on all cells in the body to help keep them functioning as if they were young. This includes the brain, the heart, the muscles, the liver, and the bowel.
One small study involving 33 men with either Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, found that DHEA levels were lower than in healthy individuals. The men given 200 mg of DHEA per day showed significant improvements in the Crohn’s disease, including remission. (23)
DHEA is also a precursor hormone in the production of testosterone. A case-control study involving women from the Nurses’ Health Study found that those women with the lowest concentration of androgenic hormones, such as testosterone, had a greater incidence of Crohn’s disease. (24)
However, like all the other supplements, no single ingredient should be relied upon for a life-changing effect. Another important hormone that declines with aging, and more so in chronic diseases such as Crohn’s disease, is melatonin.
Melatonin not only helps induce quality, restorative sleep, it is also a powerful antioxidant and contributes to overall health and reduction of inflammation. I have always recommended nightly melatonin supplementation to healthy individuals to maintain brain health, reduce stress, and trigger the cascade of hormones involved in the circadian rhythms, such as the release of hypothalamic hormones, serotonin, dopamine, growth hormone, and thyroid stimulating hormone, ACTH to stimulate the production of DHEA. But especially when a patient’s melatonin drops off precipitously, supplementing with melatonin in combination with the other supplements can be helpful in the management of Crohn’s disease. (25)
Omega-3 fatty acids, as from fish oil, have been shown to help alleviate symptoms of Crohn’s disease and other inflammatory bowel disorders. (26) Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor, and other inflammatory factors. They also are used in the repair of the cellular membranes. As a bonus, they also help with mood and brain functioning.
Choosing a quality fish oil supplement is important, especially since ConsumerLab.com found that out of the fish oil brands they evaluated, 30 percent of them had some problems, e.g., rancidity, lower concentration of EPA and DHA (the omega-3 fatty acids) than stated on the label, and contamination with PCBs. PCBs are toxins that are known to cause cancer, as well as to disrupt hormones and neurotransmitters.
Regarding beta glucans, I would not suggest those with Crohn’s disease take beta glucan supplements at this time. A few studies have suggested that beta glucans may cause a flare up in Crohn’s disease by increasing the inflammatory response in the intestinal lining. (27) I am not confident that is the whole story; but, until we have more information, it is prudent for those with Crohn’s disease to hold off on consuming beta glucan supplements.
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that can be managed with proper nutritional supplementation. Oxidation by bacteria, toxins, food additives, sweeteners (aspartame), stress, etc., increase the damage to the genetically susceptible proteins in the intestinal lining and cause hyper-permeability, triggering an inflammatory response. Antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, melatonin, DHEA can all help reduce the progression and even induce remission in Crohn’s disease.
The supplement protocol combined with avoidance of toxic foods and substances, reduction in stress, and adequate sleep, can help prevent, alleviate, and possibly even reverse most of the consequences of Crohn’s disease.
The more serious and complicated your case of Crohn’s disease, the greater the indication for the optimal protocol to be employed for optimal results. People want life-changing results. This is available to those who incorporate the protocol, including the principles discussed in the article. A very real possibility exists that immune-suppressant drugs may not be necessary. Of course, you will have to work with your doctor on this.
This article and protocol are for informational purposes only, and not intended as medical advice. Please read the medical disclaimer below, and consult with your personal physician prior to taking supplements or acting upon any information within this article or protocol, or found on the Dr. Ladd VIP website.
Minimal Protocol for Crohn’s Disease
Basic Protocol for Crohn’s Disease
Average Protocol for Crohn’s Disease
Advanced Protocol for Crohn’s Disease
Ingredients that I like to see provided collectively by vitamin-antioxidant & chelated mineral tablets
Vitamin A, mostly as Beta Carotene
Vitamin C
Vitamin D3
Vitamin E
Vitamin K (K1 & K2)
B-Complex Vitamins
Curcumin (turmeric extract)
Quercetin
Green Tea Extract
Olive Extract
Rutin
Resveratrol
Choline
Lutein
Lycopene
N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC)
Calcium
Magnesium
Iodine (as potassium iodide)
Zinc
Selenium
Copper
Manganese
Chromium
Molybdenum
Including Ultra Trace Minerals
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