A new study reported in New England Journal of Medicine, Feb. 26, 2004; vol 350: pp 876-885 gives new hope to people with Crohn's disease using long-term treatment with the drug Remicade. Almost half a million people in the U.S.suffer from Crohn's disease a chronic inflammatory disorder of the digestive tract that causes symptoms such as diarrhoea and abdominal pain. One devastating complication of Crohn's disease is the development of fistulas.  Fistulas are openings from affected areas of the intestine into other organs or on to the skin, in areas such as around the anus. Fistulas increase the probability of surgery and have a dramatic negative impact on the quality of a person's life.

The study author, Bruce Sands, MD, of Massachusetts General Hospital, said, "While neither medical nor surgical therapy is prefect in treating this complication, our study has shown that maintenance treatment with [Remicade] can produce durable closure of fistulas in many patients." He also said, "These patients also have a reduction in other symptoms and demonstrable improvement in their quality of life. While [Remicade] is not effective for all patients, the impact can be remarkable for those who do respond."

The news is great but there is a down side. Remicade does suppress the immune system, so people on long-term treatment with the drug must be monitored closely for evidence of infection or other side effects.

Professional Kinesiology Practitioners can help people with Crohn's Disease and other chronic conditions. Managing diet by using muscle testing to avoid foods and beverages that have a negative effect on the meridian system is very worthwhile. A simple muscle test such as people selling vitamins tend to do is not adequate and may give misleading results. All foods must be challenged against specific test points and any supplements must be rigorously tested also. Omega-3 fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory action (due to the presence of EPA and DHA) and have an other positive effect - they help give relief to people with depression, another side-effect of Crohn's. Salmon Oil ( www.gnld.co.nz ) is a safe form. GNLD claim their product is free from contaminants such as mercury. It is readily available from Professional Health Products +649-574-0077. Keeping the gut flora healthy with Probiotics such as Acidophilis Complex also seems to help.

Kinesiology also provides effect stress relief techniques that patients can learn to use effectively for themselves.  One such simple technique is available from this site. Click here. Managing stress levels effectively can help prevent (or ease) exacerbations of Crohn's. Don't just rely on medications for help, use energy medicine as an simple but effective adjunct.

Dr Bruce A. J. Dewe MD NZRK
27 February 2004