Black Gram Can Help You Manage Life with Crohn’s Disease

In the early 1900’s, Burrill Bernard Crohn (1884-1983), the son of European Jewish immigrants, began to study medicine in the attempt to help his father who dealt with severe digestive problems. He held his practice as a physician in New York until he was 90 years old, and was eventually immortalized by the name of the disease he worked so hard to identify and resolve.

What we now call Crohn’s Disease affects more than half a million Americans.  There are conventional medicines that treat the symptoms of Crohn’s Disease, but they come with some scary side effects.  Many who suffer from Crohn’s Disease look for non-pharmaceutical ways (that support and do not conflict with any medication they do take) to help them manage life with Crohn’s, and we believe that black gram can help here!

What is Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s Disease is a chronic illness of the digestive system that is characterized by sudden bouts of inflammation in the intestines (and potentially any part of the digestive track). The inflammation is caused by a malfunction of the immune system, and flare-ups can result in diarrhea, fever, severe pain, ulcers, bleeding, and even permanent damage. Symptoms come and go, depending on diet and other triggers such as smoking or stress. No one knows the cause of Crohn’s, and sadly there is currently no absolute cure.

Europeans and Americans seem to be affected the most by this mysterious disease, but it is also becoming more common in other areas of the world; and, although it can manifest itself at any age, early adulthood is generally when Crohn’s Disease is diagnosed.

Black Gram Can Help You Flourish, Even with Crohn’s!

While there is no known cure for Crohn’s Disease, there may be ways to avoid triggering the flare-ups, and to keep your body strong and healthy between episodes of inflammation.

Black gram is a superfood that can change your overall well-being for the better.  This is good news for Crohn’s Disease patients, because, with a strict adherence to an informed self care regiment, Crohn’s can go into extended remission.

Diet

A weakened immune system can lead to a higher susceptibility towards Crohn’s and the regular occurrence of its painful symptoms; but, did you know that nearly 70% of the immune system is located right there in the intestines? Eating select nutritious foods can help keep your immune system strong, which will help your body cope with the effects of Crohn’s. 

Black gram is a great source of dietary fiber. While fiber should be avoided in the midst of painful digestive inflammation, it is a great way to keep the intestines functioning properly in periods of remission, with the goal of extending the lengths of remission. Adding this humble lentil to your diet will also aid your body’s recovery from previous flare-ups by providing high-quality protein, zinc, and other minerals for cell division and healing.

Folate is an important agent in the process of cell regeneration, but it isn’t always easy to absorb in synthetic supplement form. Black gram is an excellent source of natural folate, providing 54% of the RDV per 100 g serving! This legume also has a lot of magnesium in each serving; and if there’s one thing that is good for soothing inflammation, it’s… you guessed it; magnesium!

Although Crohn’s trigger foods can vary greatly from person to person (physicians strongly recommend keeping a food journal to keep track of trigger foods), there are a few common elements that should be avoided, or at least considered a potential risk:

• Fried and fatty foods
• Artificial sweeteners
• Refined white breads
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Dairy
• Onions 

Several smaller meals and a few snacks will be easier on your digestion than a couple big eating sessions. Learn your triggers, and adjust your diet accordingly.

(Beans and legumes like black gram can potentially cause gas during the digestive process if not prepared properly, and this can be a trigger of discomfort for people dealing with Crohn’s Disease. To reduce the possibility of gas, try soaking the beans before cooking, or even sprouting them. Rinse canned beans several times to remove as many of the saponins as possible. As noted otherwise herein, while Black Gram can support a healthy immune system during remission periods for Crohn’s patients, people suffering from Crohn’s may be advised to avoid beans and legumes during an inflammatory episode.  Always ask your doctor before making any dietary changes.)

Stress

Studies have indicated that Crohn’s Disease is aggravated by stress, and although the disease does not seem to be caused by stress, flare-ups can definitely be triggered by it. So, the ability to control any type of anxiety is a must for anyone dealing with this digestive disorder! 

Stress cannot be completely avoided in life (that goes without saying); but guess what? Black gram can help you manage stress like a boss! The high levels of magnesium, zinc, and antioxidants all work together to supply your body with what it needs to handle the stresses of everyday life.

Medications

Certain medications, like ibuprofen and antibiotics, can aggravate Crohn’s Disease if used on a regular basis. And, like most modern conventional medications, the side effects of Crohn’s medications can cause additional health concerns.

The goal (or, what should be the goal) of health is to eliminate the dependence on pharmaceutical medications. Black gram has long been used as an ancient natural medicine in the ayurvedic tradition, and, in that tradition, was a key component to bringing the whole body into a state of harmony, wellness that reduces the need for other harmful and addictive medications health, and wellness.

Live Life to the Fullest

For those who are dealing with Crohn’s Disease, life doesn’t have to be put on the back burner forever; knowing how to support your body  through a better lifestyle can boost your quality of living. The famous dietitian and author Jordan Ruben can testify to it through his miraculous story of recovery from a nearly deadly encounter with Crohn’s Disease. His story reinforces the fact that lifestyle

If you have any other questions about black gram and how it can be a beneficial addition to your diet, please contact us. You can also browse through our website for other tips, amazing facts, and delicious recipes!

Disclaimer: Blackgram.com does not offer personal health or medical advice. Neither black gram nor any of the statements herein have been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information provided on blackgram.com is general in nature and informational only. Nothing on this site is intended as advice and should not be considered a substitute in any way for professional medical advice to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You should consult your healthcare provider before starting any nutrition, diet, exercise, fitness, medical, or wellness program.