Crohn's And Colitis May Be Tied To Risk Of Heart Attack, Stroke

Researchers analyzed data from more than 150,000 inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients who took part in nine studies. They found that these patients had a 10 percent to 25 percent increased risk of stroke and heart attack, and that this increased risk was more prevalent among women. Doctors need to be aware of this link and should focus on controlling other stroke and heart attack risk factors, such as smoking, high blood pressure and diabetes, study author Siddharth Singh, of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., said in a news release from the clinic. The study was scheduled for presentation Monday at the annual meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology, in San Diego. Research presented at medical meetings should be viewed as preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitisthe most common forms of IBDaffect 1.5 million Americans. In these patients, inflammation of the intestine leads to rectal bleeding, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and pain, fever, and weight loss. Patients with IBD need to work with a doctor to manage their condition, control their stress, eat a healthy diet and get moderate exercise. Smoking is a major risk factor for IBD patients , and those who smoke should try to quit, the researchers said. Although the study found an association between IBD and an increased risk for heart attack and stroke , it did not prove a cause-and-effect relationship. More information: The U.S. websites http://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-10-crohn-colitis-tied-heart.html





Could Diet Play a Role in Crohn's Disease?





You may become dehydrated from fluid loss because of diarrhea and rectal bleeding. You may also develop an electrolyte imbalance. Electrolytes are important minerals in your body fluids that affect blood chemistry, muscle activity, and other functions. Crohns can interfere with the ability of your intestines to digest and absorb nutrients from foods. Its a good idea for everyone with Crohns disease to take a daily multivitamin, and your doctor or RD may also recommend supplements, either as an injection or by pill or liquid, to help replace one or more of the following nutrients: B Vitamins: People who have Crohns disease in the small intestine are often deficient in vitamin B12. Also, some Crohns medications interfere with the absorption of folate, a type of B vitamin. Vitamin D: This is a common deficiency in people with Crohns disease. Vitamin D is important for bones and absorption of calcium. Vitamin D is produced when we are exposed to the sun, so people who dont get outside very often or who live in more northern parts of the country are particularly at risk for a deficiency. Iron: People who have Crohns may experience intestinal bleeding that can lead to an iron deficiency and anemia. Potassium: Diarrhea can lead to potassium loss. Certain corticosteroids can also cause low levels of potassium. Magnesium: Chronic diarrhea, having Crohns in the small intestine, or having had a lot of your intestine removed can make it hard to get enough magnesium. Calcium: Not eating dairy products and poor absorption due to disease or surgery of the small intestine can lead to calcium deficiency. Long-term corticosteroid use can also cause bone loss. Some studies are looking at the role of probiotics as a therapeutic option for Crohns disease. his response http://www.webmd.com/ibd-crohns-disease/cd-biologics-10/cd-diet-and-nutrition?page=2





Crohn's Disease: Diet and Nutrition





As Japan has adopted a more Western diet, the number of cases of Crohn's disease has risen markedly. The researchers looked at whether certain food components could play some role in the development of Crohn's disease . As they point out, bacteria in the gut play an important role in the development of inflammatory bowel disease . They found that certain types of plant fibers inhibit E. coli bacteria in the gut from passing across "M cells." These cells are found in the digestive system, and their job is to grab potential threats passing by and present them to the immune system. However, even low amounts of an ingredient that's commonly used in processed foods seemed to increase this passage of bacteria through the M cells, pointing to a possible connection of poor diet and pathology from Crohn's disease. Another study from last fall - this one in the World Journal of Gastroenterology - looked at the diet that people followed before being diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, and compared it to the diet among a group of people without the disease. They found that people who ate a lot of red meat and cheese appeared to be at higher risk of Crohn's disease. Will eating a more nutritious diet help protect you from developing Crohn's disease? Maybe, maybe not. But it's a good idea to try it, since a more nutritious diet can also protect you from far more common problems, ranging from obesity and diabetes to heart disease and some cancers . Here are the most important ways you can make your diet more healthy, according to the 2010 version of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans: Less than 10 percent of your daily calories should come from saturated fat (which is found in red meat and other animal foods, like full-fat milk and cheese). Consider replacing them with mono- and polyunsaturated fat, like from olive oil and fatty fish. Minimize trans-fatty acids - often found in processed foods - as much as possible. Eat more fiber-rich vegetables and fruits. online http://www.healthcentral.com/ibd/c/8534/133730/role-crohn-disease