Crohn’s disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is a chronic condition that affects the intestines. The inflammation associated with the disease can trigger abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition. Inflammation can occur anywhere along the digestive tract, affecting different people differently.
Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune disorder, which means the body’s own immune system perceives the digestive tract as harmful and attacks it. As with other autoimmune diseases, the cause is unknown, and there is currently no cure for Crohn’s. There are, however, treatments to ease pain and discomfort associated with Crohn’s disease and to manage problematic symptoms.
Natural treatment, lifestyle changes, and diet to manage Crohn’s disease
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Although there is no cure for Crohn’s disease, there are lifestyle and home remedies you can try to experience relief from symptoms and better manage the disease.
Adjust your diet – dairy products, high-fat foods, high-fiber, spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol should be limited or avoided.
- Eat smaller meals.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Consider taking a multivitamin.
- Talk to a dietician.
- Stop smoking.
- Minimize and manage stress.
- Exercise regularly.
- Practice regular relaxation and breathing techniques.
- Take probiotics and prebiotics.
- Try acupuncture therapy.
- Reach out to others with Crohn’s disease for support.
- Keep yourself informed about new treatment and disease management options.
- Talk to a therapist.
Other treatments for Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease has a long list of treatment methods because there isn’t an exact cause to target.
Crohn’s disease treatment may include corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressant agents, antibiotics, biologic agents, nutritional and dietary counseling, stress management, and, in severe cases, surgery to remove heavily affected areas of the intestines and colon.