Causes of Crohn's disease

Although there has been significant progress in inflammatory bowel disease research, the exact cause of Crohns disease is unknown. Investiagtions point toward the inflammation in Crohn's involves a complex interaction of factors. Smoking is said to increase the risk and for those diagnosed with Crohn's disease diet is also said to play a part.

Studies have shown that diets high in sugar and low in fibre increase the risk. Retrospective studies found that Crohn's disease sufferers had had higher intakes of sucrose and chemically modified fats. They also had lower intakes of water, fructose, fruit, potassium, magnesium and vitamin C.

These unfamiliar substances in the environment may be the immediate cause of the inflammation, or they may stimulate the body's defenses to produce inflammation that continues without control. Researchers believe that once the patient's immune system is "turned on," it does not know how to properly "turn off" at the right time. As a result, inflammation damages the intestine and causes the symptoms of Crohn's.

Environmental factors aside, recent research has indicated that there may be a genetic link for those affected by Crohns as it has been found to run in families.

Another theory into the cause of this inflammatory bowel disease were infections caused by bacteris in the colon. This theory came about because some scientists suspect that the cattle disease, Johne's disease, is caused by the Mycobacterium avium subsp. Paratuberculosis.