(30-06-08) Scientists Find How Bacteria in Cows' Milk May Cause Crohn's Disease

by Leslee Dru Browning


Cow?s Milk has been implicated in many health problems including, but not limited to: allergies, asthma, bone and joint diseases, constipation, type-1 diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, nervous system disorders, and skin rashes. Now research shows that Cow?s Milk may also be the underlying cause of Crohn?s Disease.

Scientists at the University of Liverpool have found how a bacterium, known to cause illness in cattle, may cause Crohn's disease in humans. Crohn's is a condition that affects one in 800 people in the UK and causes chronic intestinal inflammation, leading to pain, bleeding and diarrhoea.

The team found that a bacterium called Mycobacterium paratuberculosis releases a molecule that prevents a type of white blood cell from killing E.coli bacteria found in the body. E.coli is known to be present within Crohn?s disease tissue in increased numbers.

It is thought that the Mycobacteria make their way into the body?s system via cows? milk and other dairy products. In cattle, it can cause an illness called Johne's disease - a wasting, diarrhoeal condition. Until now, however, it has been unclear how this bacterium could trigger intestinal inflammation in humans.

Professor Jon Rhodes, from the University?s School of Clinical Sciences, explains: ?Mycobacterium paratuberculosis has been found within Crohn?s disease tissue but there has been much controversy concerning its role in the disease. We have now shown that these Mycobacteria release a complex molecule containing a sugar, called mannose. This molecule prevents a type of white blood cells, called macrophages, from killing internalised E.coli.?

Scientists have previously shown that people with Crohn?s disease have increased numbers of a ?sticky? type of E.coli and weakened ability to fight off intestinal bacteria. The suppressive effect of the Mycobacterial molecule on this type of white blood cell suggests it is a likely mechanism for weakening the body?s defence against the bacteria.

Professor Rhodes added: "We also found that this bacterium is a likely trigger for a circulating antibody protein (ASCA) that is found in about two thirds of patients with Crohn's disease, suggesting that these people may have been infected by the Mycobacterium."

The team is beginning clinical trials to assess whether an antibiotic combination can be used to target the bacteria contained in white blood cells as a possible treatment for Crohn?s disease.

The research was funded by Core and the Medical Research Council and is published in Gastroenterology.

What can be done using alternative health methods?

First and foremost, give up drinking Cow?s Milk and eating foods containing milk like cheese, yogurts, cream cheese, butter and any other food product that contains dairy ingredients. Become a food-label reader.

Goldenseal root acts like an antibiotic and is well-known for healing the stomach and intestines. As an herbalist it is an herb I would recommend for any gastrointestinal disease.

Crohn?s can cause anemia. An herb that is good for anemia is Yellow Dock.

For boosting White Blood Cells try Astragalus Root.

For inflammation I would recommend Omega-3 Oils. Also, the herbs Devil?s Claw, Boswellia and Yucca root are all known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Wheat and gluten may also aggravate Crohn?s. Try gluten-free breads that are made from brown rice, fava bean and other non-gluten grains.

Sources:Liverpool, UK - 10 December 2007: Adapted from The University of Liverpool, which is one of the UK's leading research institutions. It attracts collaborative and contract research commissions from a wide range of national and international organizations valued at more than ?100 million annually. (https:///www.liv.ac.uk/newsroom/press_releases/2...)

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About the author
Leslee Dru Browning is a 6th generation Medical Herbalist & Nutritionist from the ancestral line of Patty Bartlett Sessions; Pioneer Mid-Wife & Herbalist. Leslee practiced Medical Herbalism and Nutritional Healing for over 25 years and specialized in Cancer Wellness along with Chronic Illness. She now devotes her career to teaching people, through her writing, about Natural Healing from An Herbal Perspective.

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