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| Crohn's Disease |
| With symptoms ranging from debilitating indigestion to chronic and often bloody diarrhea, low fever, weight loss, weakness and colicky pain in the abdomen, Crohn's disease is a terrible affliction. Its complications include abscesses, infected fistulas, perforation of the intestine, gangrenous sores on the body, malnutrition and cancer of the colon. Orthodox treatment includes prednisone and similar drugs and, in severe cases, removal of the large intestine. Most physicians believe the disease is incurable and irreversible. |
| Opinions about Crohn's disease vary, but many practitioners think it may be caused by an infection, immune disorder or even an inherited defect. Nutritionally oriented physicians believe food allergies and sensitivities are its primary cause. |
| In April of 1978, Richard Miller, D.D.S. published an article about colitis in Let's Live magazine, in which he explained that he had suffered from Crohn's disease for 11 years. His article described the self-help program that had kept him symptomfree for a year, even though when he began that program he was taking 15 mg of prednisone daily to control inflammation, plus four Lomotil for diarrhea, eight Azulfidine for inflammation, and 10 mg Valium to control muscle cramping. In the January 1994 issue of Let's Live, he updated his report, noting that he has been symptom-free for 16 years and that a battery of tests done the previous year showed no sign of the disease. Dr. Miller's program emphasizes: |
| Improved digestion |
| The elimination of white sugar, refined flour, additives, preservatives and allergenic foods |
| The supplementation of digestive enzymes |
| An alkalizing diet emphasizing fruits and vegetables |
| Improved strategies for coping with stress |
| Dr. Miller publishes a bimonthly newsletter, GI Health (3604 Forest Drive, Alexandria, Va. 22302). |
| Herbs useful in the treatment of Crohn's disease can be taken as teas, tinctures or in capsules, in packaged herbal products or in blends you prepare yourself. Any of the therapies listed for |
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