Complementary Therapies and Lifestyle Changes for Crohn's Disease

Typically, Crohn's disease is treated with medications that reduce the inflammation of the affected part of the gastrointestinal tract, allow for its healing and provide relief from the symptoms. In addition to the medications patients take, they are often recommended to use complementary therapies and to modify their lifestyle. These things are necessary in order to keep the patient as healthy as possible and to prevent the aggravation of the symptoms.

Diet modification and the intake of nutritional supplements may be necessary if Crohn's disease affects the absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream. Patients with such a problem have to eat foods which are high in calories and high in protein. The intake of protein supplements and other dietary supplements may improve their condition further. In some cases, it may be necessary for a sufferer to receive nutrients intravenously, but this is rare and typically does not last for long.

Vitamins and minerals are usually prescribed to patients with Crohn's disease so that their wellbeing is improved and the risk of other conditions is reduced. Most often, sufferers need to take vitamin D and calcium so that their bone density is not reduced. By lowering the risk of osteoporosis, the risk of serious fractures is lowered as well. Patients usually take vitamin B12 as well since it helps to prevent anemia.

Some patients take other nutritional supplements such as fish oils and probiotics. Fish oils may help reduce inflammation while probiotics are known to stimulate the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. There is no foolproof scientific evidence that such supplements are effective for the treatment of Crohn's disease. It is not clear how safe they are for sufferers either. That is why you must consult your doctor before deciding to use any of them.

Some herbs may also be used for the treatment of Crohn's disease. Ginseng is known for its steroidal properties so it may work to reduce inflammation. Aloe may help heal ulcers and sores that are caused by the inflammation. The same considerations apply to herbal remedies as to dietary supplements. You must talk to your physician before using them.

Smoking is known to make the symptoms of Crohn's disease worse. That is why sufferers who smoke are highly recommended to quit. Grains, spicy foods, milk and alcohol can also aggravate the symptoms of the condition and diarrhea and abdominal cramping, in particular. For this reason, patients should avoid them.

When symptoms of Crohn's disease flare up, the sufferer is usually under great stress and experiences considerable discomfort. For this reason, many patients use complementary therapies such as massage.