Inflammatory bowel diseases

O que são as Doenças Inflamatórias Intestinais?

Inflammatory bowel disease is an inflammation that occurs at the gastrointestinal level, making the intestine red, swollen and ulcerated. These inflammatory bowel diseases can be divided into two main groups: Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

The term inflammatory bowel disease applies essentially to chronic inflammatory bowel disease of unknown cause. It is characterized by periods when it is active and periods of remission.

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis share many similarities and are sometimes difficult to distinguish from each other. There are, however, several differences, one of which is the area where the inflammation occurs. Ulcerative colitis affects the large intestine, while Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract.

Both can be considered autoimmune diseases. In other words, they are the result of when your defenses attack your own body.

Note: Crohn’s disease should not be confused with irritable bowel syndrome, which affects the contractility of the colon, in which case inflammation of the intestine never occurs.

Causas

The causes of inflammatory diseases are of unknown origin, but there are studies that point to a link between various factors: genetic, luminal, intestinal barrier and immunological.

Genetic factors:
higher incidence in the same family for both Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Luminous factors:
reduction of “good” bacteria in the intestine that help control potentially pathogenic bacteria;
Intestinal Barrier Factors:
The intestinal barrier is our body’s defense and when it is affected, the body becomes even more susceptible;
Immunological factors:
greater cell stimulation which amplifies the entire inflammatory process.

Although not proven, a link to emotional factors is also suggested as a possible cause of these diseases.

There is a higher incidence in two age groups: between 15 and 25 and between 45 and 55. Or, at least, when they are most frequently diagnosed.

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Sintomas

Symptoms vary depending on the disease, as well as the periods in which they are active or in remission. However, here are some symptoms according to the group of inflammatory bowel diseases to which they belong:

Ulcerative colitis:

Cramps;
Tiredness;
Loss of appetite and weight;
Diarrhea with the presence of blood.

Crohn’s disease:

Abdominal pain may be associated with diarrhea;
Bleeding;
Loss of appetite and weight loss;
Weakness and fatigue;
Nausea and vomiting.

There are also other symptoms that are interconnected, such as arthritis, fever, anemia, osteoporosis and malnutrition.

Functional Nutrition in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

The main objective of Functional Nutrition in inflammatory diseases is to reduce inflammation in the intestines and simultaneously restore intestinal permeability.

It is also important to analyze the nutritional deficiencies that have arisen in the meantime, and to intervene in them, thus preventing the onset of other diseases.

Thus, by using functional nutrition, symptoms will be alleviated and delayed, improving quality of life, with a healthy and balanced diet. Functional nutrition support also allows you to:

Draw up a tailor-made nutritional plan;
Reduce your worries about the disease;
Suggest tasty and healthy recipes: from quick and easy to more elaborate dishes;
Plan meals to get all the nutrients you need;
Recommend cookbooks;
Receive practical advice for real life (eating socially, eating out, etc.);
Recognize fact from fiction;
Learn about dozens of new and interesting foods;
Ensure sufficient energy.

All in the knowledge that you have ongoing support that you can rely on, ask questions and share your concerns.

Perguntas Frequentes

Em que consiste uma primeira consulta?

The aim of the first consultation is to understand your current state of health in as much detail as possible:

analysis of family history, diet, physical activity, mental health and weight;
analysis of signs and symptoms and history of laboratory tests;
anthropometry: weight, measurements and fat percentage;
setting targets (action plan);
in some cases, additional tests will be requested between the first and second appointments;
prescribing supplementation when necessary.

The first appointment lasts about an hour.

A consulta para o tratamento das doenças inflamatórias do intestino é adaptado às minhas necessidades?

All our treatments are deeply focused on individualized care, and this one is no exception. Treatment for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), as indicated in the previous question, is prescribed according to the patient’s current health condition.

No two prescriptions are the same, each person is unique and their current state of health is the sum total of their experiences.

Como funciona o acompanhamento?

At the start of treatment, face-to-face appointments are generally every 4 weeks. It is not advisable to go much longer than this.

Support is offered for any questions that may arise after consultations via Whatsapp or email. We like to follow our patients closely, especially at the beginning of their treatment. That way, the results are better.