Complementary Therapies for Managing Crohn's Disease

Stay on top of your health and well-being with exclusive feature stories on the top medical clinics and treatment centers, expert insights and the latest news delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe today.

Fremont, CA: Crohn's disease, a chronic bowel illness, inflames the lining of the digestive tract, making it challenging to digest food, absorb nutrients, and maintain regular bowel movements. While there is currently no cure for the disease, traditional medical procedures can control its symptoms. Additionally, several complementary therapies have been demonstrated to help manage Crohn's disease symptoms.

Vitamin Supplements

Crohn's disease affects the body's ability to absorb nutrients, often leading to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Supplements can help mitigate these deficiencies. For instance, anemia can occur in Crohn's patients due to blood loss from intestinal inflammation. Iron supplements, either intravenous (IV) or oral, are valuable for treating anemia.

Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support intestinal health by maintaining balance and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria. Research indicates that probiotics may help Crohn's disease patients keep their disease in remission. They may also aid in preventing pouchitis, a condition that can develop after colon surgery.

Turmeric

Turmeric has been used for millennia in Indian medicine. Curcumin, one of its primary constituents, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a popular supplementary treatment for Crohn's disease. It can be consumed orally as a supplement or mixed with water to create a powder.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practice, involves inserting tiny needles into the skin to stimulate specific points called acupoints. Studies suggest that acupuncture may help manage Crohn's disease by reducing inflammation and repairing tissue damage through cellular responses and secretions.

Mindfulness Techniques

Mindfulness exercises such as yoga and meditation can also be beneficial for Crohn's disease patients. Stress and anxiety are common among individuals with Crohn's, and mindfulness techniques can help prevent stress from exacerbating symptoms and triggering flare-ups. Many fitness clubs and community centers offer free introductory yoga classes, and numerous instructional videos are available online for home practice.

By incorporating these complementary therapies, individuals with Crohn's disease can better manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.