Primal Defense & Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea and malnutrition due to absorption problems in the intestines. Doctors believe an overactive immune system might cause Crohn's disease. The theory is that the immune system kicks into overdrive and begins attacking the body, especially the good bacteria in the intestines. The lack of good bacteria then causes bleeding in the intestines, which results in the other symptoms.

Managing Crohn's Disease

• Crohn's disease can be a debilitating condition that sometimes leads to strong medications and usually a life of watching what you eat. A healthy diet is the first step to managing Crohn's disease.

  Although there is no cure for Crohn's disease, there are a number of medications and treatments available for patients who suffer from it. Some medications are quite strong and might even make you sick because of their potency.

Probiotics

• If your symptoms worsen and you're heading toward the very potent medications prescribed for severe Crohn's disease, there are some alternative treatment methods you can try first. One is the use of probiotics, which are essentially healthy bacteria.

  When you take a probiotic supplement, the healthy bacteria inside your intestines are replenished. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic say there is increasing evidence that probiotics can be used to treat bowel problems like Crohn's disease.

  Probiotics also promote regularity. Even those who don't suffer from Crohn's sometimes find it beneficial to take probiotics.

Primal Defense

• Primal Defense is one brand of many probiotics on the market today. According to Garden of Life, which makes the product, Primal Defense contains 12 species of probiotics, including a mineral-based probiotic and multiple strains of good bacteria.

How Primal Defense Differs from Other Probiotics

• Garden of Life's website says Primal Defense contains homeostatic soil organisms, or HSOs. The company says it's the only probiotic formula combined with a special whole food blend.

  Some probiotic formulas have a difficult time making it past all the stomach acid into the intestines, but Garden of Life claims Primal Defense contains hardier probiotics that can more easily get through the stomach.

  Another difference is that most probiotics must be refrigerated in order to keep the live bacteria alive, but Primal Defense does not need refrigeration.

Recommended Dosage

• Primal Defense is available in caplets or powder. Garden of Life recommends adults take one caplet or one scoop three times a day with an 8 oz. glass of water or juice. It's also recommended that you build up to this recommended dosage, starting out with just one caplet or scoop per day when you start taking it.

  Primal Defense is sold at many health food or vitamin stores.