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Coeliac and Crohn's diseases
I have been diagnosed with both Coeliac Disease and Crohn’s disease and have had a bowel resection and been on a gluten-free diet since the early 1980s. Recently, I have noticed a swelling on one of my knees from time to time. Is this connected to my condition?
According to the nutritional therapist, Dian Mills, both of the conditions you suffer have been linked with arthritic complaints - resulting in swellings - and so you are right to be investigating this.
To reduce the inflammation, she suggests you step up your dietary intake of essential fatty acids. One simple way to do this in summer is to dress your salads with a mix of olive oil and walnut oil. You should also think about a fish oil supplement (use linseed oil if you are vegetarian) and taking evening primrose oil will also help. Efamarine by Efamol combines both. (90 capsules cost £9.99. Mail order on 0800-252875. Add £1.50 p&p and take 2-4 a day, with food.)
Mills also recommends you take a supplement called Procydin. This contains the proanthocyanadins which are responsible for the blue/black colourings in fruits such as blueberries, black cherries, and blackberries - and has strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties. Procydin from Biocare (0121-433 3727) costs £15.75 for 90 capsules, plus £1 p&p.