What The Latest Research Really Means For Crohn’s Disease

A recent study came out this month identifying specific fungus and bacteria that were linked to cases of Crohn’s disease. While E coli had previously been identified, this new study finds Serratia marcescens and candida tropicalis are in the mix as well (1). Crohn’s disease affects more than a half-million people each year inflicting debilitating symptoms such as chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss and fatigue. Researchers were pleased to present this new information in the hopes of leading to better treatment options for patients down the road. While this study sheds light on possible aberrations of the gut microbiome, it fails to realize that the overgrowth of these organisms is symptomatic of a much greater issue. In reality, it’s the lack of species diversity that sets the stage for rogue organisms to take advantage of holes in an already disrupted ecology. The study may pick up on the “above the radar” organisms, however, this alone is not causal. Any time we detect levels of organisms that shouldn’t be there it means the whole ecology is weak and depleted. This is the real issue behind Crohn’s and other conditions centering on intestinal dysfunction. Without a diverse well-populated ecosystem that is positively balanced, we lose our greatest protector and health ally. Standard treatments very often fail When it comes to Crohn’s disease, diagnostic techniques such as a colonoscopy may work to pick up the condition...
Source: Science - The Huffington Post - Category: Science Source Type: news