Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can cause a range of symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue and weight loss. It is caused by inflammation in the digestive tract and can be a lifelong condition. While there is no cure for Crohn’s disease there are ways to manage symptoms and alleviate discomfort. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing the best ways to treat Crohn’s disease from the perspectives of both a naturopathic doctor and a dietitian.
Naturopathic Treatments
Naturopathic medicine can be a great complement to conventional medical treatments for Crohn’s disease. Naturopathic doctors often focus on holistic treatments that address the whole person rather than just the symptoms of a disease. Some common naturopathic treatments for Crohn’s disease include:
Probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help improve gut health and reduce inflammation. Research shows that certain strains of probiotics like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum may be particularly helpful for people with Crohn’s disease.
Herbal remedies: There are several herbal remedies that may help manage symptoms of Crohn’s disease, such as turmeric, aloe vera and slippery elm. However, it’s important to talk to your naturopathic doctor before trying any herbal remedies as some may interact with medications or exacerbate symptoms.
Stress reduction: Stress and anxiety can worsen symptoms of Crohn’s disease so it’s important to find ways to manage stress. Naturopathic doctors may recommend practices like meditation, yoga or acupuncture to help manage stress.
Dietary Changes
Diet can play a big role in managing Crohn’s disease symptoms. A dietitian can help you identify which foods may be exacerbating symptoms and recommend dietary changes to help alleviate discomfort. Some common dietary changes that may help with Crohn’s disease include:
Eliminating trigger foods: Certain foods may trigger symptoms of Crohn’s disease in some people. Common trigger foods include dairy, gluten, caffeine and spicy foods. A dietitian can help you identify which foods may be exacerbating your symptoms and recommend alternative options.
Increasing fiber: Fiber can help regulate digestion and alleviate constipation which is a common symptom of Crohn’s disease. However, it’s important to increase fiber intake slowly to avoid exacerbating symptoms. A dietitian can help you determine how much fiber is safe for you to consume.
Hydration: Drinking enough water is important for managing symptoms of Crohn’s disease, as dehydration can exacerbate diarrhea. A dietitian can help you determine how much water you should be drinking each day.
While there is no cure for Crohn’s disease, there are ways to manage symptoms and alleviate discomfort. A combination of conventional medical treatments, naturopathic treatments, and dietary changes can be effective in managing symptoms of Crohn’s disease. If you are suffering from Crohn’s disease, speak with a naturopathic doctor or dietitian to develop a treatment plan that works best for you.
If you have any questions or would like to explore naturopathic medicine further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Dr. Michael Torreiter, ND, CFMP, or another Waterloo Naturopath at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
