Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) for which there is no standard treatment. People with this disease may benefit from complementary and alternative medicines.
There are several treatments for Crohn’s disease that can help manage symptoms and prevent recurrences and complications. However, there is no standard treatment that works for everyone. You may need to try multiple approaches to manage your disease.
People with Crohn’s disease may consider trying complementary and alternative medicines, such as supplements, dietary changes, and acupuncture.
While these options don’t work for everyone, there is evidence that they may be effective for some. This article reviews complementary and alternative therapies that may be effective for Crohn’s disease.
Certain supplements may help relieve some symptoms of Crohn’s disease.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent Crohn’s disease symptoms from worsening.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D supplements
turmeric
Turmeric supplements may be helpful for Crohn’s disease. Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin.
Some evidence suggests that taking large amounts of curcumin may help reduce disease activity in people with Crohn’s disease. In a 2022 study, researchers concluded that there is sufficient high-quality evidence to support the use of curcumin in both treating IBD and maintaining remission in people with IBD.
You can take turmeric as a supplement or as part of your diet. Turmeric is a popular spice used in a variety of cuisines.
Probiotics contain microorganisms that support the gut flora.
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The researchers noted that there is limited research on probiotics for Crohn’s disease, many of which have been small or poorly designed.
However, the researchers noted that prebiotics may improve symptoms of Crohn’s disease and reduce overall susceptibility to the disease.
Prebiotics work differently than probiotics.
You can get probiotics by including fermented foods and beverages in your diet, such as yogurt, kefir, and kombucha.
Probiotic and prebiotic supplements can be purchased at pharmacies, health food stores, or online. If you are taking medications, you should ask your doctor about possible interactions with your medication before taking these supplements.
Dietary changes may help maintain remission and reduce the severity of symptoms when Crohn’s disease flares up.
According to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, it can be difficult to maintain a balanced diet that contains enough nutrients and calories to prevent malnutrition. Some foods may make your symptoms worse, while others may help improve them.
The organization recommends working with doctors, nutritionists and other health professionals to develop a diet that avoids trigger foods and maintains adequate nutrition.
Current research shows that dietary changes can be effective in treating Crohn’s disease.
Anti-inflammatory foods
Certain foods may help boost anti-inflammatory effects, but the benefits vary from person to person with Crohn’s disease. Potentially beneficial foods may cause inflammation in some people.
Examples of Anti-Inflammatory Foods
- Oily fish such as tuna and salmon
- Fruits such as blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and cherries
- Vegetables such as kale, spinach, and broccoli
- Nuts and seeds
- fiber
- beans
- Olives and olive oil
Acupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which dates back thousands of years. The basic principle of acupuncture is to stimulate points throughout the body, called acupoints. These points help to move “chi”, or life energy, throughout the body.
Research has shown that many acupressure points occur over nerve bundles, which may explain why they help relieve pain associated with various medical conditions, such as Crohn’s disease.
Currently, there is limited evidence to support acupuncture for Crohn’s disease. However, the existing evidence is positive and suggests that it may be helpful in managing the disease. Further, larger studies are needed to better show how acupuncture may help.
Mindfulness helps people to focus on feelings in the present moment, it can also form part of meditation or be used to assess your mental state.
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Researchers found that mindfulness improved subjective well-being in people with Crohn’s disease and helped them maintain normal functioning.
Exercise may also be beneficial for people with Crohn’s disease, but the existing evidence on the effect of exercise on the disease is relatively limited.
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Physical activity has many benefits, including cardiovascular health, weight management and prevention of many health conditions.
Several complementary and alternative therapies can be effective in treating Crohn’s disease. Not all treatments are necessarily effective. You may also consider consulting your doctor before starting to take supplements or making significant changes to your diet or exercise habits.
