An alumnus of Grand Valley State University, Joel Vandenbrink graduated from the institution with a degree in manufacturing engineering before launching his two cideries and breweries, Seattle Cider Company and Two Beers Brewing Company. After being diagnosed with Crohn's disease, Joel Vandenbrink became an active board member of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation.
Crohn's disease refers to an inflammatory bowel illness in which the small and large intestines are severely inflamed. Rectal bleeding, persistent diarrhea, stomach discomfort, loss of appetite, and anal fistulas are common symptoms of the condition. Periods of severe symptoms (flare-ups) can occur in people with Crohn's disease, followed by periods of no or very moderate symptoms (remission). The exact mechanism behind Crohn's disease is yet to be identified. However, some factors that may increase chances of developing the condition include:
1. Smoking
Cigarette smoking can increase a person's risk of Crohn's disease by as much as double. Nicotine from cigarettes stimulates neutrophils, a kind of white blood cell that releases chemicals that cause inflammation.
2. Genes
Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease, a group of conditions that usually run in families. A person may be at a higher risk of developing Crohn's disease if they have a parent, sibling, or other family members suffering from the condition.
3. Autoimmune disease
Autoimmune diseases are caused by certain defects in the immune system. In this case, certain immune system components confuse healthy body cells for external threats and attack these cells, causing inflammation.
Crohn's disease refers to an inflammatory bowel illness in which the small and large intestines are severely inflamed. Rectal bleeding, persistent diarrhea, stomach discomfort, loss of appetite, and anal fistulas are common symptoms of the condition. Periods of severe symptoms (flare-ups) can occur in people with Crohn's disease, followed by periods of no or very moderate symptoms (remission). The exact mechanism behind Crohn's disease is yet to be identified. However, some factors that may increase chances of developing the condition include:
1. Smoking
Cigarette smoking can increase a person's risk of Crohn's disease by as much as double. Nicotine from cigarettes stimulates neutrophils, a kind of white blood cell that releases chemicals that cause inflammation.
2. Genes
Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease, a group of conditions that usually run in families. A person may be at a higher risk of developing Crohn's disease if they have a parent, sibling, or other family members suffering from the condition.
3. Autoimmune disease
Autoimmune diseases are caused by certain defects in the immune system. In this case, certain immune system components confuse healthy body cells for external threats and attack these cells, causing inflammation.
