Crohn's disease affects around 1.4 million Americans. It's characterized by inflammation of the lining of the GI tract, which can lead to painful Crohn's disease symptoms. Crohn's disease symptoms include diarrhea, intestinal cramping, nausea and fatigue, among other health problems. (1) Conventional treatment for Crohn's disease often includes medication, but following a Crohn's disease diet and implementing Crohn's disease treatments can help manage Crohn's disease symptoms naturally.
Crohn's Disease Symptoms
- Diarrhea and loose stools
- Intestinal cramping and abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and fatigue
- Blood in stool
- Ulcers and mouth sores
- Reduced appetite and weight loss
- Perianal disease (2)
- Inflammation of the skin, eyes, joints, liver or bile duct
- Developmental delays in children
Crohn's Disease Treatments
1. Eat a Crohn's Disease Diet
An ideal diet for Crohn's disease includes removing potential problem foods and replacing them with anti-inflammatory foods. Remove dairy, sugar, gluten, alcohol, caffeine and processed foods from your diet to prevent inflammation. Replace these foods with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and clean protein sources.2. Monitor Your Symptoms
Part of Crohn's disease treatment involves monitoring symptoms. Crohn's disease symptoms often arise when your body doesn't respond well to something you ate. Pay attention to which types of foods of problematic for you, so you can cut them out of your diet. (3)
3. Drink Plenty of Fluids
Diarrhea can dehydrate the body. As part of Crohn's disease treatment, it's important to drink plenty of fluids. Water, herbal tea and kombucha drinks can help you stay hydrated while providing your body with the nutrients it needs.4. Manage Stress Levels
Stress can increase muscle tension, cramping and inflammation. Try managing your stress levels through yoga, meditation, exercise, journaling or spending time in nature. Lower stress levels are a natural treatment for Crohn's disease. (4)
