Possible EFA To Help Crohn's or Colitis

Okay all, I have found something good to share with you. Most of us know that Essential Fatty Acids are good for managing inflammation. A rheumatologist I have seen in the past associated with inflammation in my ankle recommends 4000 ml of Omega 3 (fish oil) daily for his rheumatoid arthritis patients, so I began taking that as well, since Crohn's is another form of immune deficiency disease of inflammation.

There are other types of Essential Fatty Acids and I accidentally found one that I think may be very beneficial to the digestive tract, because it is known to repair mucous membranes.

Mucous membranes line parts of the body that lead to the outside. Examples of mucous membranes are the lining of the digestive tract, the lining of the urogenital tract, and the lining of the respiratory tract.

There is a growing list of clinical studies showing multiple beneficial effects of Omega 7 on mucous membranes. In one clinical study involving 30 cases of peptic ulcer, the patients took about 5,000 mg of sea buckthorn oil (the most potent source of omega 7) daily for one month. The cure rate was 76.6% and a total effective rate of 96.7% was reported. That is very very promising.

Another study used the same oil as a treatment for 116 peptic ulcer patients. 71 Had duodenal ulcers and 45 had gastric ulcers. Once again, oral application of this fatty acid relieved pain and quickened the repair process of tissues and mucous membranes.

There are numerous studies on animals showing similar results for a range of gastrointestinal issues.

Although the sea buckhorn berry oil is the most potent source of this omega 7 essential fatty acid (palmetoleic acid), you can also find it in the following foods:

• Macadamia nut oil - 17.3%
• Cod liver oil - 7.1%
• Salmon - 6.0%
• Olive oil - 1.4%
• Eggs - .3%
• Soybean Oil - .08%

I have begun taking this EFA about a week ago. Some of the research I have hound has indicated that significant results may take up to 90 days. I have also found that getting the oil from the berry fruit, versus its seeds, have greater results.

I'll update you on my Crohn's progress as I continue this supplement. I'm taking 1800 mg daily, added to my 4000 mg of omega 3s. Right now I am not in remission, but I am controlling inflammation, so now is a good time to test this supplement.

By the way, other benefits seem to improve the skin, hair and nail moisture, and help with weight management. All good side affects indeed:)