Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel condition that affects the lining of the digestive tract. Symptoms of Crohn's disease can include abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition. Fortunately, a Crohn's disease diet may help. (1)
You see, conventional Crohn's disease treatment often includes medication, but natural treatment for Crohn's can also help reduce symptoms. In fact, following a Crohn's disease diet may help reduce inflammation and control the condition naturally.
Crohn's Disease Diet
1. Avoid Problem Foods
Food sensitivities can easily worsen Crohn's disease symptoms. Avoiding common problem foods is an important part of the Crohn's disease diet. Skip gluten, dairy, spicy foods, fried foods, alcohol and caffeine as part of Crohn's disease treatment. (2)
2. Eat a Healing Diet
The Crohn's disease diet focuses on foods that decrease inflammation, alkalize the body, eliminate toxins and optimize nutrient intake. This includes clean protein sources, healthy fats and low-glycemic carbohydrates in the form of fruits and vegetables and other elements of a raw food diet.
3. Be Cautious With High-Fiber Foods
Some people who suffer from Crohn's have a hard time digesting large amounts of fiber, especially from raw fruits and vegetables. Eat your fruits and veggies cooked whenever possible, and avoid an overload of fiber. (3)
4. Consume More Prebiotics
Prebiotics work as a natural treatment for Crohn's disease because they promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. Prebiotic foods include asparagus, bananas, honey and oats. Be cautious with high-fiber prebiotics.
5. Eat Smaller Meals
Eating smaller meals is part of the Crohn's disease diet. Smaller meals put less stress on the gastrointestinal tract and may help reduce bloating, gas and cramping. Eat more small meals throughout the day, instead of fewer large meals.
6. Drink Plenty of Fluids
Frequent diarrhea can cause dehydration. As part of the Crohn's disease diet, be sure to drink plenty of fluids. Stick to water, herbal tea and kombucha for electrolytes, amino acids and probiotics.
Crohn's Disease Supplements
1. Probiotics
Probiotics improve digestive function and mineral absorption. Natural treatment for Crohn's disease includes consuming a high-quality probiotic supplement or probiotic-rich foods such as kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut and kimchi. (4)
2. Slippery Elm
Slippery elm has the ability to coat and soothe the mouth, throat, stomach and intestines, which makes it a natural treatment for Crohn's disease. Use slippery elm as an herbal remedy to calm Crohn's flare-up's.
3. Glutamine
Glutamine is an amino acid that is naturally found in the body. Its ability to promote intestinal health makes it a natural Crohn's disease treatment. Take glutamine on an empty stomach for the best results. (5)
4. Multivitamin
Crohn's disease can negatively affect the body's ability to absorb nutrients. Taking a high-quality multivitamin can help ensure that your body is getting the vitamins and minerals it needs. (6)
5. Curcumin
Curcumin has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce symptoms of Crohn's disease. Studies have shown that curcumin can help prevent and treat ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and even colonic cancer. (7)
Essential Oils for Crohn's Disease
1. Frankincense
Frankincense essential oil is known to speed up the secretion of digestive enzymes and relax the muscles in the digestive tract. It can reduce symptoms of Crohn's disease by improving digestive health. Add 1-2 drops of frankincense essential oil to eight ounces of water for symptom relief. (8)
2. Lemongrass
Lemongrass essential oil can be used as a treatment for Crohn's disease to help relieve pain cause by gas and bloating. It ha anti-inflammatory properties that work to health many health conditions, including Crohn's. Add 1-2 drops of lemongrass oil to a cup or water or tea to help treat stomach pains, diarrhea and nausea. (9)
Crohn's Disease Treatments
1. Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise may help relieve Crohn's symptoms by reducing stress and tension. The endorphins released by exercise may also help diminish painful Crohn's symptoms by sending "feel good" chemicals to the brain. (10)
2. Take a Deep Breath
Deep breathing is a natural Crohn's disease treatment that can help reduce muscle tension and spasms that cause cramping. Tighten your abdominal and shoulder muscles and hold the position. Breathe out slowly as you un-tighten your muscles. This process improves blood pressure and may help relieve symptoms of Crohn's disease.
2. Relax
Stress can worsen symptoms of Crohn's disease by causing extra tension in the body. At least once a week, be sure to schedule time to relax and do something you love. Lower stress levels can help keep painful symptoms at bay. (11)
Discover several different methods for relieving stress that you can fit into your daily life, including Tai Chi and meditation. (12)
