Life, Lemons and Crohn's Disease: Is YOUR body equipped to treat itself?

On this profound voyage (affirmation wish) to finding my better health now, I've dove back into using essential oils and refreshing my memory bank with the uses of herbs and other nutrients that help keep Mr. Crohns at bay. So, today while I'm waiting for the rest of the world to open their eyes, I've pieced this short post for you. Today, I write about "ASTRAGALUS."

Our bodies are equipped with a wonderful healing system capable of handling almost any condition of infection or ill-health-provided it is given the nutritional support it needs. John (the hubs) so often tells me if the body's PH levels are normal you can't get sick. If your acidity is in line, cancer or other disease, can't survive. So, I'm going to test his theory. Starting today, Monday, I am going to support my body with the nutrients that this disease requires for the next two months and report my results- so stay tuned!

Our immune system can be hugely suppressed with Crohns, Colitis or IBD, leaving us vulnerable to getting sick and making us susceptible to many diseases. Needless to say, the state of our nutrition directly influences our biochemistry and our immunological system. Researchers believe that the nationwide prevalence of chronic bronchitis, cancer yeast infections, fatigue, Epstein-Barr syndrome, and even colds and flu, reflect wide spread immunity difficulties. I know since I've come off the SCD, and started eating poorly, my system has gone into complete shock, begging me to put down the carbs.

Here are just a few vitamins that appear to build immunity. This list is from my notes from years ago, so if you know of others, please comment below or feel free to correct me.

· Indole-3-Carbinol

The first on the list is ASTRAGALUS. In short it is a commonly used traditional her in Chinese medicine. Used for 3000 years for its properties that produce resistance to disease. It is an immune stimulant, and Chinese researchers have reported success in using it with cancer patients to offset some of the immune-suppressing effects of radiation and Western Cancer Drugs. American researchers have found that this herb is highly effective in restoring immune function to normal levels in test animals whose immune systems were suppressed by modern drugs.

Next is ECHINEACEA, also known as purple Coneflower. Researchers in both Europe and far east have found this also offering immune-stimulating properties. Echinacea is one of the most potent herbs that support the immune system, and is useful for treating colds and flu. It works like penicillin in the body with no side effects. It improves lymphatic filtration and drainage. Known for detoxifying the blood and an excellent blood cleanser.

Goldenseal, native to North America, had been used medicinally to soothe mucous membranes that line the respiratory, digestive and genitourinary tracts. Its major compound, berberine, exhibits a broad spectrum of antibiotic activity. Berberine finds its use in mouth and gum problems. Goldenseal strengthens the immune system through its antibiotic and antibacterial properties. It also helps against bacteria, protozoa and various other little fungi’s!

The Wonder Herb, a.k.a.- Cat's Claw. This unique herb is actually a high climbing vine found in the highlands of the Peruvian rain Forrest. It has been used for hundreds, perhaps thousands, of years by Ashanica Indians for a wide rage of health problems. Evidence suggests that CC is beneficial in the treatment of cancer, arthritis, bursitis, rheumatism, genital herpes, herpes zoster, allergies, ulcers, systemic candidiasis, PMS, irregularities of the female cycle, environmental poisons, numerous bowel and intestinal disorders (here we go), and organic depression. An American D.C. has been working with CC on his patients and has reported CC's remarkable ability to cleanse the entire intestinal tract and help patients with Crohn's, diverticulitis, leaky bowel syndrome, colitis, hemorrhoids, gastritis, ulcers, parasites, and intestinal flora imbalances. This just might be a herb you want to check into for yourself and ask your MD about.

Dating back to the Bible is .....GARLIC. Our ancestors used roots and herbs in abundance particularly Garlic and Onion. Both of these I am hugely not fond of. From what I gather germs do not like garlic and in fact, they can't even live in its presence. Small story....when I was in massage school the owner of the school would make each and every one of us rub our feet on a bed of garlic that she made before we entered into the massage area. We thought she was nuts but turns out she was keeping those of us who went bare footed safe. Back in those days the bulb was used for indigestion, diarrhea, worms, skin diseases, dizziness, headaches, bronchitis, pneumonia, influenza, tuberculosis, infections, wound healing, heart problems, arthritis, aging and even cancer. In recent years, people have discovered the use in warding off colds and in the treatment of high blood pressure, strokes and cardiovascular disease.

Milk Thistle to Detox the Liver. This herb has been used for centuries for the treatment of liver problems. It protects the liver against damaging toxins.

Green Tea enhances the body's natural antioxidant systems. The International Journal of Anti-Aging Medicine reported that the evidence for green tea's potent antioxidant effect continues to accumulate. In a recent study researchers found that green tea compounds not only directly scavenger free radicals but enhance the effectiveness of the body's natural antioxidant systems. Green tea contains numerous cancer-fighting plyphenol compounds, including the antioxidant flavonoid catechin. Studies indicate that green tea may help protect against cancer and that’s enough for me to take it!

Maitake mushrooms are highly prized as booth food and medicine. They are indigenous to the northeastern part of Japan. I hate mushrooms, so I my ignorance has me stuck on not taking this herb. But from what I hear another excellent herb for cancer treatments. The Maitake D-fraction is a protein bound extract developed by a Chinese professor. Dr. Nanaba states that although Maitake is not the cure for cancer, one can safely say that they do maintain the quality of life of patients and improve the immune system, resulting in the possible remission of cancer cells with no side effects.

Beta-Glucan has demonstrated significant benefits for immune function. It has been confirmed that it positively activates a powerful immune-system response.

My all time favorite-CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid). CLA can help speed up the body's fat metabolism so more fat gets flushed out of the system, instead of getting deposited into our cells. ClA also helps the body to metabolize existing fat deposits-a key to losing weight.

Dim is a very concentrated form of the phytochemical indole-3-carbinol, a compound found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, etc. DIM has an effect on hormonal balance and estrogen metabolism, also a protector against cancer.

Colostrum, some call the Immune Enhancer. When a mother gives birth, her mammary glands provide life supporting factors that she has acquired in her lifetime. Her body concentrates these factors ito a special non milk immune and growth supporting fluid called Colostrum but is only produced for the first 24-48 hours after giving birth. Dairy cows are the only animals that meet all the essential criteria needed. Bovine colostrum is found to be safe, effective via oral administration, with no know contradictions or overdoes. Colostrum offers tremendous possibilities in the prevention and recovery from illness.

IP6-The anti tumor substance. IP6 is an ubiquitous substance, which means it is found everywhere at the same time. It is virtually found in all fiver from whole grains and legumes. Researches has found that IP6 can effectively prevent cancer formation and shrink pre-existing cancers in experimental systems, with virtually no toxicity. When given IP6 by mouth or directly into the tumors, it consistently had the same effects: it showed that it inhibits the growth of cancer.

Taking charge of your health and your Crohns Disease

After you read this post about herbs and other nutrients that can stimulate the immune system, I hope that I helped convince you that it is possible to treat yourself and your symptoms without harsh drugs and prompt you to investigate further. Newer information is out there and is continuously noted in the news, you just need to broaden your level of acceptance.

You DON'T have to be a prisoner to Western Medicine. It is possible to treat your illness with vitamins and nutrients and get your health under control. I would suggest your first step be speaking with your medical doctor. Tell them that you don't want to be on harsh drugs anymore and that you would like information on natural medicine.

And if you aren't convinced that the meds you are taking are "Harsh," all you need to do is read the fine print or better yet, go to the website. After almost 3 years on prednisone, prescribed by my doctor who is now in a psych ward in a Las Vegas hospital, the damage is irreversible. Don't let that happen to you. Know what you are taking, be active in your decision making and by all means, don't just take their word for it. Get educated!