Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune disease that involves an immune reaction to the gastrointestinal tract lining. This leads to inflammation and can result in pain, and sometimes this involves the production of blood in the gut, which is eliminated in the faeces. The cause of Crohn’s disease is not fully understood but it is thought to have both genetic and environmental components. Food allergies may play a role in the disorder, and there has been some success with the elimination of certain foods from individual’s diets. In one study 42 patients were observed to see if an elimination diet was beneficial. Of the subjects, 48 % were identified as having food insensitivities whereas 19 % did not. Seventeen subjects with identified food sensitivities had an open rechallenge, and this resulted in the recurrence of symptoms in 10 of the patients. Food sensitivities were identified in three patients on double blind challenge. Therefore food sensitivities may play a significant role in the development of some cases of Crohn’s disease.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
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