THERAPEUTIC FASTING FOR CHRONIC INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (IBD)
NATURAL WAYS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE
Chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of long-lasting and inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract. The two main types of IBD are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Both diseases are often intermittent and can lead to a variety of symptoms and complications.
The exact causes of IBD are not yet fully understood, but a combination of factors such as genetic predisposition, environmental factors and a faulty immune response are thought to play a role. Although there is no cure for IBD, managing symptoms and reducing inflammation can be crucial.
The symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease can vary from person to person, but some of the most common include:
- Abdominal pain and cramps: IBD patients may experience regular abdominal pain and cramps. This pain can vary from mild to severe and often occurs during or after eating.
- Bloating and distended abdomen: IBD can lead to excessive gas production in the intestines, which can result in bloating and a distended abdomen. This can feel uncomfortable and lead to further abdominal pain.
- Nausea and vomiting: Some people experience nausea and occasionally vomiting. This may be due to the inflammation in the digestive tract and impaired gastric emptying.
- Diarrhoea or bloody stools: Chronic diarrhoea is a common symptom. The stool may be watery and contain blood or mucus, especially in ulcerative colitis.
- Weight loss and loss of appetite: It can lead to reduced nutrient absorption, which can result in weight loss and loss of appetite. This may also be due to inflammation in the digestive tract and impaired nutrient utilisation.
- Tiredness and fatigue: Many patients suffer from tiredness and persistent fatigue, which is not always improved by rest or sleep. This may be due to the inflammatory process in the body as well as malnutrition and sleep disturbances.
- Joint pain and skin problems: Some forms of IBD can cause additional symptoms such as joint pain, skin rashes or ulcers. This depends on the individual severity of the disease.
HOLISTIC FASTING CURE
A COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY FOR CHRONIC INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE
Therapeutic fasting is a method in which no solid food is consumed for a limited period of time. Instead, liquids such as water, herbal teas and vegetable broth are consumed. Here are some of the benefits of therapeutic fasting in supporting IBD:
Anti-inflammatory effect:
Fasting puts the body into a state of ketosis, where it begins to utilise fat as its primary source of energy. This process can have anti-inflammatory effects and help to reduce inflammation in the gut.
Regeneration of the intestinal mucosa:
Fasting allows the digestive system to recover and regenerate. It is believed that this can lead to an improvement in the integrity of the intestinal mucosa, which in turn can alleviate the symptoms of IBD.
Relief of the digestive system:
Fasting allows the digestive system to take a break from digesting solid food. This relieves the intestines and gives them time to calm down and regenerate.
Reduction of food triggers:
IBD patients often have specific food triggers that can exacerbate their symptoms. Fasting removes potential trigger factors from the diet, which can lead to temporary relief of symptoms.
Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases are complex conditions that require long-term care. Although there is no cure for IBD, therapeutic fasting can be used as a complementary measure to relieve symptoms and support the digestive system. It is important to speak to a doctor or dietitian before starting therapeutic fasting to ensure it is suitable for the individual case. Together with other treatment methods, therapeutic fasting can make a positive contribution to improving the quality of life of IBD patients.
Malteser Klinik von Weckbecker
Rupprechtstr. 20
97769 Bad Brückenau
Tel. (09741) 83-0
Fax ( 09741) 83-800
weckbecker@malteser.org
