Page 24 - The Autoimmune Protocol

The Autoimmune Protocol

Those with Crohn’s are at a higher risk of
developing bowel cancer at some point.
In addition, those with this disease are at
an increased risk for bowel obstructions.
This is because the disease causes
chronic inflammation in the bowels.
Symptoms of a bowel obstruction include
persistent nausea and vomiting, as well
as abdominal pain. Seek immediate help
if you believe you have a bowel
obstruction.

A common issue for those with Crohn’s is
perianal pain, skin tags, and itchiness. This is usually caused by the inflammation
resulting from the disease. Sores of the mouth can also develop in those affected by
Crohn’s disease.

Other symptoms of Crohn’s disease include tiredness, rashes, arthritis, flatulence,
bloating, bloody stools, and anemia. Abdominal pain is one of the most common
symptoms of Crohn’s, especially in the right, lower portion of the abdomen. Oftentimes,
the symptoms of Crohn’s may come and go.

Hormonal Birth Control and Crohn’s Disease: A Disturbing

Connection

Like many other autoimmune diseases, there is some debate as to whether the causes are
environmental or genetic. It would seem as if the causes of Crohn’s are predominately
environmental, since so many more people in the developed world are diagnosed with it.
However, there has been a large increase in the diagnosis of Crohn’s disease that seems
to directly align with the introduction of hormonal contraception as well.

It’ time to re-think the effects of substances once regarded as safe and effective: Hormonal
contraception is not unquestionably safe for women. Harvard researchers found that
women who used hormonal birth control for more than five years had triple the risk of
being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease.

Hormones like estrogen have been shown to affect the permeability and inflammation of
the gut. It is no wonder hormonal contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, and
other treatments involving hormones often cause bowel issues. In fact, the effects of soy
have already been mentioned above in relation to Grave’s disease. Since soy is a natural
source of phytoestrogens, it many also be a factor in autoimmune diseases like Crohn’s
disease.

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