Sclerosing mesenteritis

Sclerosing mesenteritis (mesenteric lipodystrophy, mesenteric panniculitis, retractile mesenteritis) is a disease characterised by degeneration (necrosis), inflammation and scarring (fibrosis) of fatty (adipose) tissue of the mesentery

The mesentery is a fold of tissue of the peritoneum that supports and attaches the intestines to the wall of the abdomen. The peritoneum is the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers the abdominal organs. It is the small bowel mesentery that is usually affected by sclerosing mesenteritis.

What are the symptoms of sclerosing mesenteritis?

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Constipation and diarrhoea
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea/vomiting
• Night sweats

Symptoms can vary greatly from one person to another, and some people do not develop any symptoms at all (asymptomatic). The exact cause of sclerosing mesenteritis is, as yet, unknown and, currently, the conventional treatment is to prescribe steroids and the person’s diet is not examined at all.

Although the steroids will dampen down the immune system and stop it attacking cells in the body, the result of taking steroids can cause other health issues such stomach irritation, water retention (oedema), weight gain, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, sodium retention. It also leads to impaired absorption of vitamin D, calcium, potassium and magnesium which affects levels of vitamin B2, vitamin C and zinc.

Steroids can also cause recurring attacks of herpes and other infections due to the lowering of the immune systems capabilities.

Avoid ingesting the following which add to the acidity and sluggishness of the stomach: alcohol, coffee and other caffeine beverages, sugar, hot spices and meat and dairy products.

Can food intolerance be the cause of sclerosing mesenteritis?

Sclerosing mesenteritis has been linked to a lack of blood flow (ischemia) to the mesentery region, the use of certain drugs, infection and trauma to the affected region and diverticulitis. It is also thought, by some, to be an autoimmune disease and this may be due to intolerances to certain components in food. When the stomach cannot tolerate components such as gluten, lactose, leptins or thiols etc., it can cause irritation which can lead to a ‘leaky gut’.

When this occurs, undigested protein molecules can escape into the bloodstream. The immune system then attacks these foreign invaders but, because they can be similar to actual proteins in the body, it will also attack the body’s own proteins. This can occur anywhere in the body and may, in some cases, be the tissues of the small bowel mesentery. The result is inflammation and, if left untreated, may well lead to the fibrosis that occurs with this disease.

It may well help the person with this disease to try eliminating foods that contain these common allergens but the damage that has already been done needs treatment also.

See>> Allergies

Why is it important to correct the intestinal flora balance?

There are more than 36 different species of bacteria that reside in the colon. More than 20 species of bacteria grow in the stool of meat-eaters and all of them produce highly toxic waste products. One is salmonella, which is often found in the meat and eggs of poultry, and can produce a seriously debilitating illness which is usually called “food poisoning”. Another is E. Coli which is actually beneficial in normal small amounts, but unhealthy when allowed to overpopulate in the colon.

The colon is a place where water is removed from whatever is left from digesting the food, and the rest is moved along towards the anus for expulsion. More minerals are absorbed into the bloodstream in the colon too such as magnesium and calcium.

The health of colon cells, which turn over rapidly, is largely dependent upon the bacteria in the colon which in turn is dependent upon the food ingested for these bacteria. A sedentary lifestyle, a poor diet of excess sugar and refined foods, intolerance to certain components in foods, medications and even antibacterial mouthwashes and unnatural toothpastes, can all upset the balance of the intestinal flora and lead to inflammation and intestinal overgrowths of yeast and pathogenic bacteria which then crowds out the beneficial bacteria that reside in the guts.

When the intestinal flora is imbalanced it can cause a number of health issues due to the malabsorption and manufacture of various vital nutrients and then this, like a domino effect, will lead to more health issues.

What processes are intestinal bacteria responsible for?

• Constructing vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin B7 (biotin) and vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin). The beneficial bacteria in the colon can produce at least half of the estimated requirement of 100 mg per day of vitamin K. Vitamin B12 is manufactured in the colon by bacteria but because it is below the ileum where B12 is absorbed into the blood stream this B12 is only used by the bacteria themselves or excreted.
• They also promote further absorption of some minerals that have escaped the small intestine, including calcium and magnesium and vitamin K2 is vital for the use of vitamin D in the body.
• Crowding out the pathogenic bacteria that cause disease, such as Salmonella infections.
• Lowering the levels of toxins and toxicity from nitrites added to processed foods.
• Producing enzymes which enable digestion of various types of food.
• Manufacturing natural antibiotics which help control or destroy the harmful bacteria
• Manufacturing short-chain fatty acids, most are absorbed into the bloodstream, but some are used to feed the cells of the colon.
• Protecting the intestinal mucosa tissues from harmful fungus or yeast infestation – mainly by crowding out the yeast and fungus organisms and preventing them from adhering to the tissue where they could grow and spread.

NOTE: Prebiotic and probiotic foods are essential to keeping the intestinal flora in check.

What are prebiotics?

Prebiotic foods, containing carbohydrates such as inulin, encourages a healthy intestinal environment to benefit probiotic intestinal flora. Prebiotic is a fairly recently coined name to refer to food components that support the growth of certain kinds of bacteria in the colon (large intestine).

Oligosaccharides, resistant starch and fermentable fibre feeds these bacteria who have an important influence on the rest of the body.

The human digestive system has a hard time breaking down many of these carbohydrates. Almost 90% escapes digestion in the small intestine and reaches the colon where it performs a different function: that of a prebiotic.

What are prebiotic foods that feed the beneficial bacteria?

(In alphabetical order)

What are probiotics?

Probiotic foods contain beneficial bacteria and come from the fermentation process that the food has been allowed to undergo. During and after any treatment with antibiotics, it is advisable to include more probiotic foods in the daily diet to replenish the friendly bacteria that are wiped out by antibiotics.

NOTE: It is advisable to consume probiotics at least an hour before other foods to enable enough beneficial bacteria to survive and pass through the strong stomach acids.

Which probiotic foods contain beneficial bacteria?

• Brine pickles (eggs, fruit, nuts, seeds and vegetables that have been fermented by lactic acid bacteria)
• Kefir (fermented milk drink)
• Kimchi (a fermented, spicy Korean side dish)
• Kombucha (fermented black or green Asian tea)
• Miso (a Japanese fermented seasoning made with soya beans, salt and a type of fungus called koji)
• Sauerkraut (finely shredded cabbage that has been fermented by lactic acid bacteria)
• Tempeh (fermented soya beans)

NOTE: Although yoghurt also contains these bacteria, dairy products are not recommended for those with sclerosing mesenteritis.

Why is soluble and insoluble fibre important for sclerosing mesenteritis?

The western diet is often lacking in enough fibre to keep the digestive and excretory system healthy. Refined and processed foods are often stripped of their fibre content which often resides in the skins and outer husks which are removed.

Too much protein can putrefy in the intestines without ample fibre ingestion and lead to inflammation and many people consume vast amounts of protein from meat and dairy produce and very little vegetables and fruit which are high in fibre.

What is soluble fibre?

Soluble fibres attract water and form a gel, which slows down digestion by delaying the emptying of the stomach and creating a full feeling. Gums and pectin (found in the skins of fruits and vengetables) are the best type of fibre for the fermentation processes in the colon.

What are natural sources of soluble fibre?

What is Insoluble fibre?

Insoluble fibre has a laxative effect and adds bulk to the diet, helping prevent constipation. These fibres do not dissolve in water, so they pass through the gastrointestinal tract relatively intact and speed up the passage of food and waste through the intestines. Insoluble fibre is not available for much fermentation, but it is still important in the colon.

Not only does it provide bulk in the stool, its tendency to speed transition along means that the fermentation will take place all along the length of the colon, including the near the end. Without insoluble fibre, most of the fermentation would take place in the top part of the colon, so only the colon cells there would get any benefit.

What are natural sources of insoluble fibre?

(In alphabetical order)

Women should consume at least 25g of fibre per day, while men should consume 30 to 38 g per day. Eat more vegetables and whole fruits instead of juice and add whole grains, pulses and legumes to meals, for baking and for breakfast.

What are the highest natural sources of fibre?

1. 3oz (85g) of cooked split peas 16 g
2. 3oz (85g) of cooked lentils 15 g
3. 3oz (85g) of black beans 15 g
4. 3oz (85g) of millet contains 15 g
5. 3oz (85g) of lima beans contains 13.2 g
6. 1 medium (globe) artichoke 10.1 g
7. 4oz (113g) of green peas 9 g
8. 4oz (113g) of raspberries 8 g
9. 3oz (85g) of cooked pearl barley 6 g
10. 4oz (113g) of broccoli 5 g
11. 1 medium sized pear with skin 5.5 g
12. 1oz (4.5g) of bran flakes 5.3 g
13. 1 medium sized apple with skin 4.4 g
14. 1 oz psyllium husks 4.3 g
15. 3oz (85g) cooked oatmeal 4 g
16. 3oz (85g) of cooked brown rice 3.5 g (vs. 1 g in white rice)
17. 1 medium banana 3.1 g
18. 1 orange 3 g

Which other natural foods that can help to rectify bowel issues?

Aloe vera and slippery elm contain components that can help the lining of the intestines repair itself. Aloe vera should be taken in low doses and gradually build-up as it can have a laxative effect.

Baobab fruit powder is an excellent source of soluble fibre and can be taken daily with a large glass of water.

Coconut in all forms (flesh, cold-pressed oil and water) has many health benefits. The water can replace lost electrolytes due to dehydration and the flesh is rich in fibre and inulin. Cooking with cold-pressed coconut oil provides many health benefits and it has a high heat threshold.

Gentian root contains triterpens and xanthones which presents an anti-inflammatory action direct on the mucous of the stomach

Marshmallow is a useful herb for the treatment of diarrhoea and indigestion; along with chronic diseases that cause these symptoms such as Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Its anti-inflammatory properties are also useful for treating enteritis, hiatus hernias, colitis, peptic ulcers, mouth ulcers and sclerosing mesenteritis.

Pineapple (fresh only) is an excellent fruit to consume as it can help to rehydrate the body and contains enzymes that help with digestion. Consume some after each meal.

Psyllium husks are a powerful aid to the digestive and excretory systems. Take one teaspoon per day with a large tumbler of water. They must be taken with a large amount of water as they soak up fluids and help with the passage of the stool. If insufficient water is drunk at the same time they can cause an obstruction.

Try a juicing or smoothie regimen: Carrot and apple in the mornings, carrot and celery in the evenings and a combination of carrot, beetroot and cucumber throughout the day.

Which nutrients are required for sclerosing mesenteritis?

Because some nutrients, such as the B complex of vitamins and minerals, may not be absorbed well in a person with sclerosing mesenteritis it is important that extra foods that provide them are included in the diet. Important minerals are often lost during fever, diarrhoea and night sweats.

Today’s intense farming techniques have also stripped the soils of important minerals. The best sources are those that are organic and come from the sea like algae and seaweed.

Why is glutamine and glutamic acid important?

Glutamine is an amino acid that helps to rejuvenate the gut wall lining. The body requires both glutamine and glutamic acid to function correctly and therefore, consuming unprocessed foods rich in these amino acids, can be beneficial.

What are the natural sources of glutamine?

• Algae and seaweed
• Beetroot
• Cabbage
• Kombu
• Legumes
• Oily fish
• Parsley
• Propolis
• Spinach

What are the natural sources of glutamic acid?

• Algae and seaweed
• Apples
• Apricots
• Brewer’s yeas
• Kombu
• Legumes
• Oily fish
• Torula yeast
• Glycine

Why is glycine important?

Glycine is an amino acid the body uses to builds its proteins and can help to increase production of the protective mucous in the intestines as well as cleanse the system.

What are the natural sources of glycine?

(In alphabetical order)

• Alfalfa
• Algae and seaweed
• Black cohosh
• Cheese
• Eggs
• Legumes
• Meat
• Oily fish
• Yoghurt

Why are omega-3 fatty acids important

The western diet is often far too high in the omega-6 fatty acids which are inflammatory and too low in omega-3 fatty acids which are anti-inflammatory. Foods contain both these fatty acids but only hemp seeds contain the correct ratio of omega-6 which is 4:1 of omega-3.

One way to rectify this is to consume foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids which will also help the gut to repair itself.

What are the highest s sources of omega-3 fatty acids?

(In milligrams per 100 grams

Which vitamins are most important for sclerosing mesenteritis?

Important nutrients that can help the gut repair itself are vitamins A, C and E.

Vitamin A

Two forms of vitamin A are available in the human diet: preformed vitamin A (retinol and its esterified form, retinyl ester) which can be gained from fish and shellfish and provitamin A carotenoids.

By far the most important pro-vitamin A carotenoid is beta-carotene; other pro-vitamin A carotenoids are alpha-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin. The body converts these plant pigments into vitamin A.

What are the highest sources of vitamin A per 100 grams?

NOTE:  An IU (International Unit) is a standardised measure of biological activity agreed internationally, not a unit of weight.

What are the highest sources of vitamin C?

(In milligrams per 100 grams)

What are the highest sources of vitamin E?

(In milligrams per 100 grams)

• Wheat germ 149.4 mg
• Hemp seeds 55 mg
• Hazelnut oil 47 mg
• Almond oil 39 mg
• Sunflower seeds 38.3 mg
• Rice bran oil 32 mg
• Grape seed oil 29 mg
• Almonds 26.2 mg
• Oregano 18.3 mg
• Hazelnuts 17 mg
• Flaxseed oil 17 mg
• Peanut oil 16 mg
• Hazelnuts 15.3 mg
• Corn oil 15 mg
• Olive oil 14 mg
• Soya bean oil 12 mg
• Pine nuts 9.3 mg
• Cloves (ground) 9 mg
• Peanuts 8 mg
• Celery flakes (dried) 6 mg
• Spirulina 5 mg
• Dried apricots 4.3 mg
• Bell peppers (red), eel, olives and salmon 4 mg
• Jalapeno peppers 3.6 mg
• Anchovies 3.3 mg
• Broccoli, chicken, chilli peppers (sun-dried), cod, crayfish, dandelion greens, egg yolk, pecan nuts, spinach, tomatoes (tinned or pureed) turkey and turnip greens 3 mg
• Avocado, bilberries, blue berries, butter, chicory greens, cinnamon (ground), crab, halibut, herring (pickled), mackerel, marjoram, mustard greens, pistachio nuts, poppy seeds, sardines, sesame seeds, Swiss chard, trout, tuna, turnips and walnuts 2 mg
• Fish roe 1.9 mg
• Asparagus, kiwi fruit and parsnips 1.5 mg
• Black berries 1.2 mg
• Chlorella 1.1 mg

How can zinc help with sclerosing mesenteritis?

Zinc can help the gut to repair itself and is often excessively expelled through diarrhoea, drinking alcohol or sweating.

What are the highest sources of zinc?

(Iin milligrams per 100 grams)

• Oysters 78.6 mg
• Chlorella 71 mg
• Wheat germ 16.7 mg
• Pumpkin and squash seeds 10.3 mg
• Sesame and watermelon seeds 10.2 mg
• Bamboo shoots, endives and gourds 9 mg
• Chervil (herb) 8.8 mg
• Alfalfa seeds (sprouted), amaranth leaves, Crimini mushrooms, Irish moss and tea 8 mg
• Crab 7.6 mg
• Lobster 7.3 mg
• Agave, basil, broccoli, buffalo, elk, emu, oats, ostrich, spinach and turkey 7 mg
• Cocoa powder 6.8 mg
• Cashew nuts 5.8 mg
• Asparagus, laver seaweed, mushrooms, parsley and rice bran 5.7 mg
• Cashew nuts 5.6 mg
• Jute (herb), lemon grass, mung beans, Portobello mushrooms, radishes and shiitake mushrooms 5 mg
• Agar seaweed, butterbur, cauliflower, chicory, Chinese cabbage, chives, coriander, green beans, lentils, lettuce, okra, rocket, spring onions, summer squash, Swiss chard, tomatoes and wasabi (yellow) 3.4 mg
• Peanuts 3.3 mg
• Anchovies 2.4 mg
• Cabbage, cucumber, jalapeno peppers, , kidney beans, navy beans, spirulina and turnip greens 2 mg
• Mussels 1.6 mg
• Arrowroot, artichokes (globe), beetroot, bell peppers, black eyed peas, borage, broad beans, Brussel sprouts, butter beans, cabbage, carrots, celery, courgettes, dandelion greens, garlic, horseradish, kale, kelp, mustard greens, peas, pinto beans, potatoes, pumpkin, turnips, Swede, sweet potato, tomatoes (red), wakame (seaweed), watercress and winged beans 1.2 mg

Related subjects

• A-Z of ailments
• Allergies
• Alpha-carotene
• Anal fissures
• Anti-microbial healing plants and foods
• Bacterial infections and natural antibiotics
• Beta-carotene
• Beta-cryptoxanthin
• Constipation and diarrhoea
• Diverticulitis
• Excretory system disorders
• Feed your friendly bacteria
• Fibre
• Flatulence
• Intestinal system disorders
• Parasites