Crohn's Disease and Colitis - Top 5 Myths

When it comes to medicine, myths are a dangerous thing. If you are wondering about Crohn's Disease and Colitis, there is no shortage of information out there. Yet you need to separate facts from fiction. There are many widespread myths dealing with various aspects of these diseases.

Top 5 Myths

1. Outcome

Sometimes uninformed people offer dire predictions about the fate of patients with these conditions. Yet Crohn's Disease and Colitis are not fatal diseases. Sufferers with these conditions have a normal life span (women, 79 years, men, 78 years). Crohn's Disease and Colitis are 'chronic' conditions. There is no 'cure' at present for these diseases. Yet people can manage their symptoms and live normal lives.

2. Treatment

If you hear that these conditions do not require treatment, pay no attention to this horrible myth. People need to seek help to treat their Crohn's Disease and Colitis symptoms (including diarrhea, weight loss, and stomach pains). If symptoms are left untreated, individuals can suffer serious complications - blockages, malnutrition, and even damage to organs.

3. Lifestyle

Your work life, social life, and love life are not over because you are diagnosed with Crohn's Disease and Colitis. This fear is perpetuated by a nasty myth. No doubt, these conditions have uncomfortable symptoms. Yet Crohn's Disease and Colitis are manageable conditions and in many cases the symptoms can be totally eliminated.

When people learn how to manage their symptoms, they can regain their lives - even with more vigour than before diagnosis. Before people are diagnosed, they suffer through the pain on their own. After diagnosis, individuals have a wealth of modern medical knowledge and a professional team to help them.

4. Cure

At present, the medical profession can offer no cure for these conditions. Yet sufferers have found methods that worked for them - even to the point of eliminating their symptoms. These plans can work effectively to manage symptoms.

Numerous patients claim to have found relief by taking part in a water fast and sticking with a raw food diet. Medical researchers are looking into the benefits of Vitamin A for treating the symptoms of Crohn's Disease and Colitis. This research is still underway but many sufferers feel better if they stay away from the Western diet of processed foods, sugars, and fats.

Choosing organic produce over fat-laden foods is always the better choice. Yet nobody should undertake a water fast or a dramatic change in diet without their doctor's permission. Sufferers who change to a raw food diet must understand that their body needs time to adjust to its new "fuel."

5. Success

There is a myth that sufferers cannot find an effective treatment for Crohn's Disease and Colitis. Since everyone has different symptoms, people worry that a standard treatment procedure will not work for patients. It is a fact that people experience varied symptoms but proper diet can help you cope with or heal your symptoms. Your doctor if enlightened can help work out a customized treatment plan and diet that works for you.