Effects of Chlorophyll on Crohn's

Crohn's disease is a disorder of the small intestine. Although poorly understood, its effects can be devastating, causing malnutrition as well as pain, bleeding and scarring in the gut. It can also increase the risk of developing cancer of the bowel. Chlorophyll has been cited as an effective cure for many diseases of the body, and some experts suggest it may be beneficial for those suffering from Crohn's disease.

Crohn's Disease

• Crohn's disease is a chronic, debilitating condition, and as yet there is no cure. Its causes remain poorly understood, despite continued scientific research. Crohn's is one of two disorders which, together, are classified as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The other is ulcerative colitis, although colitis tends to affect the large intestine whereas Crohn's chiefly affects the small intestine. Crohn's disease typically leads to severe complications, such as rectovaginal fistulas and bowel cancer. Intestinal bypass surgery is often an end result.

Chlorophyll

• Chlorophyll is the green pigment contained in all green plants and vegetables, although as author Paul Pitchford points out, all plants, including citrus fruits, contain some chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is very similar in structure to the hemoglobin in blood, but carries magnesium rather than iron. Pitchford and many other alternative health practitioners claim that chlorophyll is a vital component of natural health, and is particularly useful in treating IBD. Chlorophyll can be taken in supplementary form, or directly from green vegetables.

Anti-Inflammatory

• The beneficial health effects of chlorophyll have long been established, the substance having been shown as having anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. More recent research has even established chlorophyll to be effective against cancer. Its documented anti-inflammatory properties would seem to suggest that it may be particularly useful against IBD, but since poor diet has been strongly implicated in the onset of Crohn's disease, any overall improvement in dietary intake to include nutrient-rich whole foods is recommended.

Wheatgrass

• Recent studies have shown that wheatgrass juice may be effective in treating IBD. Wheatgrass is exceptionally high in chlorophyll (70 percent), and while naturopaths have long advocated its use, the results of a scientific trial published in 2002 did show that wheatgrass did improve symptoms of ulcerative colitis, and may be similarly helpful in treating Crohn's. However, it has been suggested that the flavone Apigenin found in wheatgrass may be equally or more effective than the chlorophyll. Wheatgrass and blue-green algae (also claimed to help with IBD) are both high not only in chlorophyll but in amino acids as well.

Evidence

• Research suggests that chlorophyll-containing so-called "superfoods," such as wheatgrass and blue-green algae, may help to improve the symptoms of both Colitis and Crohn's disease. However, research also suggests that it may not be the chlorophyll alone that has the positive effects, but rather any combination of other micro-nutrients contained in the foods. Despite this uncertainty, the evidence does show that certain chlorophyll-rich foods may help with IBD, and more studies need to be carried out.