Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel condition (IBD) that inflames the lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It can cause inflammation anywhere from the mouth to the anus, though it most commonly impacts the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine. This makes it hard to digest food, assimilate nutrients and have regular bowel movements. If left untreated, it can lead to severe digestive issues, pain, and complications.

Complementary therapies may help people with Crohn’s disease to manage their symptoms. When used in conjunction with the prescribed treatment mode, these natural options may assist remarkably in easing the discomfort linked to Crohn’s disease. Read this article to learn more about its symptoms, causes and effective complementary therapies to manage this condition.

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Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease

Symptoms of Crohn’s disease vary depending on the severity and area of inflammation. Common symptoms include:

Severe abdominal pain and cramping mostly in the lower right quadrant.

Frequent and sometimes bloody loose stools.

Weight loss and malnutrition are due to poor absorption of nutrients.

Constant tiredness due to inflammation and malnutrition.

Low-grade fevers can occur during flare-ups.

Painful ulcers in the mouth.

Perianal diseases like fistulas, abscesses, or skin tags around the anus.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is not clear, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors.

Family history increases the risk.

The immune system may mistakenly attack the healthy cells in the GI tract.

Smoking, diet, and stress can contribute to flare-ups.

Gut bacteria alterations may play a role in inflammation.

Also Read: Crohn’s Disease: Types, Symptoms and Treatment Options

Complementary Therapies to Manage Crohn’s Disease

Medical management like medications, lifestyle modifications and surgery are the main treatment plans. However, complementary therapies also help to ease symptoms and improve overall health.

Vitamin Supplements

Crohn’s disease affects the system’s ability to assimilate nutrients. To prevent mineral and vitamin deficiency and relieve symptoms, taking supplements as advised by the doctor may help improve the condition.

A few people with this condition may develop anaemia owing to blood loss from the inflammation of the digestive system. Doctors may prescribe iron supplements to be taken orally or via IV to manage iron deficiency anaemia.

Also, consider taking vitamin D supplements, which aid in metabolising calcium and maintaining bones, which can be affected by Crohn’s disease. A few people with this condition may have ileitis, which impedes the small intestine where vitamin B12 is absorbed, hence taking oral B12 supplements or IV may be needed as per the severity of the condition.

Note: Always consult with your healthcare provider before taking new supplements, as certain medications may interfere with current ones.

Probiotics

Probiotics are valuable for restoring and maintaining the balance of the gut microbiota, which may be interrupted by Crohn’s disease. Incorporating fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, idly, dhokla, fermented rice kanji and sauerkraut, along with probiotic supplements may help support digestion and ease inflammation.

Also Read: Crohn’s Disease: Here’s What You Should Eat And Avoid To Treat This Inflammatory Disorder

Herbal / Natural Remedies

Herbal supplements like turmeric, aloe vera and slippery elm are bestowed with potentially anti-inflammatory qualities that may ease symptoms associated with Crohn’s disease. However, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider before taking these remedies to avert drug interactions.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese treatment that involves injecting fine needles at certain pressure points which may help control pain, inflammation and stress related to Crohn’s disease. Evidence has revealed that acupuncture may help manage immune response and improve GI motility, possibly easing symptoms.

Stress Easing Techniques

Stress is one of the key triggers for flare-ups for Crohn’s symptoms, thus it is important to manage stress. Practising mindful techniques like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises to help calm the mind and body and better overall quality of life.

Getting Regular Exercise

Engaging in regular moderate-intensity workouts is an ideal way to cope with Crohn’s disease. Exercise not only improves overall well-being, but it can also boost bone mineral density and reduce the rate of relapse for a few symptoms.

Moreover, exercise can trigger the release of IL-6, a protein-coding gene that up the peptide’s levels involved in healing and repairing intestinal damage. Though most forms of exercise are safe, certain physical activities can worsen symptoms like fatigue, joint pain and diarrhea. Always discuss with your doctor before starting any new fitness regimen.

(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)

Author Profile:

M Sowmya Binu:

With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.

References:

The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Steven C Lin 1,2, Adam S Cheifetz

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6111500/

Use of Complementary and Alternative Therapies in People with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Laura Frank 1, Kelly Lambert 1,*

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11431664/