Crohns Disease Treatment

This list of Crohns disease treatment isn't meant to replace professional advice and medication. Since there isn't any known Crohns disease cure, these suggestions are meant as alternative remedies to help control Crohns disease symptoms and prolong the time between flare-ups.

What is Crohns disease? What are the common Crohns symptoms? What are the causes of Crohns disease?

Just like ulcerative colitis, Crohns disease is an inflammatory bowel disease or IBD which is the inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract. Unlike ulcerative colitis which mainly affects the colon, Crohns disease can affect any area of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. The lower part of the small intestine called the ileum is the most common affected area and it is termed as Crohn ileitis. The swelling can stretch deep into the lining of the affected area resulting in sores or ulcers.

Depending on the severity of Crohns disease, the common Crohns symptoms are abdominal pain, bloating, stomach cramp and severe diarrhea. Other symptoms of Crohns disease may include blood in the stool, loss of appetite and mouth ulcer or canker sores. In severe cases, signs and symptoms may include arthritis, eye inflammation, fever, fatigue and skin diseases.

Experts think that Crohn disease is an autoimmune disease. It affects individuals whose body's immune system reacts abnormally to the good bacteria in the intestine. Other bacteria or viruses can also cause inflammation of the digestive tract. Researchers also believe that heredity is one of the causes of Crohn's disease. Smokers seem to have a higher risk for the disease.

Crohns disease treatment No. 1 - Herbal remedies

1. Taken internally, aloe vera helps increase the absorption of nutrients and vitamins. This is beneficial because Crohn's disease can cause malabsorption.
   
   
   
2. Boswellia or the Indian frankincense may be effective in treating the symptoms of Crohns disease because of its anti-inflammatory activities. And since peripheral arthritis is common among people with Crohn's disease, boswellia will also treat the symptoms such as swelling of the joints and joint pains.
   
   
   
3. Cat's claw or una de gato is another anti-inflammatory herb. It also has anti-oxidant and anti-cancer activities.
   
   
   
4. Curcumin which is the extract from turmeric has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-arthritic properties. Based on a study, it was found that curcumin was able to reduce the symptoms of Crohn's disease and the need for medication.
   
   
   
5. Marshmallow herb has been traditionally used for over 2000 years to reduce inflammations including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Its effectiveness is due to the presence of mucilage which coats the inflammation and soothes the pain.
   
   
   
6. Slippery elm also contains a high level of mucilage and has been used as a natural remedy for various inflammatory conditions and illness. Besides its use for Crohns disease treatment, it has also shown to be an effective natural remedy for irritable bowel syndrome and duodenal ulcer.

Crohns disease treatment No. 2 - Crohns diet

1. First of all, you must identify the foods that trigger the symptoms or worsen them. Some examples of foods and beverages that may aggravate them are alcohol and alcoholic beverages, beverages that contain caffeine, chocolates, dairy products, gassy foods, refined foods and spicy foods.
   
   
   
2. Fiber is helpful in treating diarrhea because it absorbs water and add bulk to the stool. But, some people with Crohn's disease find that fiber worsen their symptoms. If this applies to you, you may have to avoid raw foods high in dietary fiber and learn different ways to cook and eat them.
   
   
   
3. Eat about 5 to 6 small meals each day which should include fruits and vegetables. It is easier for your digestive tract and it will enable you to replenish the loss of nutrients.
   
   
   
4. Avoid foods such as butter, cream sauces and fried foods. The small intestine cannot digest or absorb the fat. It will pass through the intestine and worsen diarrhea.
   
   
   
5. A randomized controlled trial found that patients with Crohn's disease had increased oxidative stress and lower antioxidant vitamins. A Crohns disease diet should then include foods that are high in antioxidants or contain beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E. They are mainly found in colorful fruits and vegetables. Some examples are apricots, collard green, pumpkins, kiwi, papaya, strawberries, alfalfa, onions and eggplant.
   
   
   
6. Drink lots and lots of water because your body loses large amount of fluids through the loose stools and diarrhea because it can't absorb. If you don't replace the loss, your body becomes dehydrated and you will feel weak and experience fatigue.

Crohns disease treatment No. 3 - Food and dietary supplements

1. A study found that patients with Crohn's disease had low selenium concentration which led to inflammations. Adding selenium supplement to your diet will benefit. The body makes use of selenium for proper immune functions.
   
   
   
2. Taking vitamins A, B2 or riboflavin and vitamin B9 or folic acid will benefit too.
   
   
   
3. Other supplements that are helpful for Crohns disease treatment are lactobacillus acidophilus, a probiotic which helps replace the healthy intestinal bacteria and aids digestion, fish oil or supplements that contain omega-3 fatty acids or ALA, DHA and EPA, potassium and zinc.

Crohns disease treatment No. 4 - Quit smoking

According to experts, smoking cigarettes cause increase in number of relapses in Crohn's patients. Smokers also require a higher amount of immunosuppressive medication. So, besides trying all kinds of Crohns disease treatment, quitting smoking is one of the wisest things to do to prevent flare-ups.

Crohns disease treatment No. 5 - Exercise

Doing regular light exercise such as walking has shown to reduce the symptoms of Crohn's disease in some people. Why not try it and see if it does help you.

Crohns disease treatment No. 6 - Acupuncture

You may also want to consider trying alternative Crohns disease treatment such as acupuncture, moxibustion and hypnosis.

Additional Resources

1. Crohn's Disease Documentary & Eating Guide - TrueGuts
   
   
2. Breakthrough Crohns Disease Guide
   
   

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