Crohn’s disease is characterised by chronic inflammation of any part of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus. It can be painful, debilitating and emotionally distressing. There is no cure for Crohn’s disease there are many natural treatments that can help you manage your symptoms.
Nutrition Helps Crohn’s Sufferers
Diet does not cause Crohn’s disease and nor will it cure it. But it can help. Many people find dairy, high-fat or high-fibre foods worsen their symptoms. If this is the case avoid those foods. Look for dairy alternatives such as low-fat soy or rice milk and steam or poach vegetables rather than eat them raw. We’ve all heard of probiotics (which are beneficial live bacteria that you consume). Prebiotics are natural compounds found in plants such as artichokes and help fuel beneficial intestinal bacteria. Initial studies on prebiotics and Crohn’s disease have had promising results. It’s best to consult a nutritionist or dietician who can tailor a diet to suit you and ensure it is nutritionally balanced.
Naturopathy Nurtures Whole Body
Besides advising on diet, a naturopath may recommend supplements such as zinc, folic acid, Vitamin B-12 and glutamine to help bring you optimum health as you live with Crohn’s disease.
Herbalist Help With Crohn’s Disease
A herbalist may recommend slippery elm to promote healing of irritated tissue along the digestive tract. They may also prescribe marshmallow to soothe the mucous membrane and cat’s claw to fight inflammation.
Homeopath Heals Crohn’s Symptoms
A homeopath takes into account your whole constitution – physical, psychological and emotional. Unlike conventional medicine, a homeopath will look at very specific symptoms such as whether your diarrhoea is odourless or foul-smelling, painful or pain-free.
Acupuncture Success in Treating Crohn’s
Many people with Crohn’s disease find relief through acupuncture, particularly moxibustion (where the herb mugwort is burned over specific acupuncture points to penetrate more deeply into the body than needles alone).
Exercise Key to Relieving Symptoms
Stress does not cause Crohn’s disease but it can aggravate your symptoms. Exercise helps manage stress and reduce symptoms. Tai chi, yoga and hypnotherapy also help ease anxiety, increase relaxation and improve the immune system.
While there is no cure for Crohn’s disease natural treatments can help you manage your symptoms and bring about a sense of health and well-being.
Originally published on May 06, 2011
