Natural remedies to ease the pain of Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is a long-term condition that damages the digestive system lining. This disease may sometimes have some life-threatening complications. Some of its symptoms include Abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, weight loss, anemia, and exhaustion. However, these symptoms are not prevalent to all people experiencing Crohn’s disease; some may be asymptomatic and go without experiencing any symptoms.

For some, prescription medicines and over-the-counter drugs fail to improve the symptoms of Crohn’s disease. Such individuals need not lose hope. There are many natural remedies that can ease the condition. There are other alternatives too, such as at-home IV therapy.

Listed below are 6 natural ways to ease the pain of Crohn’s disease.

Natural remedies to ease the pain of Crohn’s disease

1. Diet

The best way to prevent Crohn’s disease symptoms or ease its pain is to ensure that you stick to the recommended diet. Simply put, avoid foods that aggravate the symptoms and eat those that ease the pain.

You need to identify the different triggers of these symptoms as they are experienced differently by every individual. For instance, during flare-ups, you should avoid high fiber foods, lactose, sugars, high fats, and spicy stuff. Also avoid frying foods; instead boil, steam, or grill them. It’s best to consume low fiber foods such as bananas, lean protein, refined grains, and fully cooked and seedless vegetables. Also, ensure that you drink plenty of water.

2. Supplements

Certain herbs and spices have been found to ease inflammation associated with Crohn’s disease.

Curcumin

Curcumin is found abundantly in turmeric and known to be helpful in reducing inflammation. To get curcumin from foods, use turmeric in seasoning foods.

Bromelain

Bromelain is a mix of enzymes sourced mainly from fruits. A few studies indicate that bromelain eases inflammation in the bowels, reducing Crohn’s symptoms.

Wormwood

A few studies have found that a herb called wormwood can trigger remission in over 50 per cent of patients suffering from Crohn’s disease.

Thunder god vine

A 2015 study found that thunder god vine helps reduce Crohn’s disease symptoms in the participants.

Ask your doctor before starting to use any of these supplements.

3. Probiotics

Many people have found relief in the symptoms by including prebiotics and probiotics in their diet. These aid in the creation of anti-inflammatory bacteria in the stomach which, in turn, help reduce symptoms of Crohn’s disease. Prebiotics are found in foods like honey, whole grains, bananas, onions and garlic. Foods like sauerkraut, kefir, yogurt and kombucha are good sources of probiotics.

4. Fish oils

According to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, fish oil and omega-3 fatty acid supplements may help with Crohn’s disease symptoms. Polyunsaturated fats, such as omega-3, help the body repair. The evidence on whether omega-3 can help ease Crohn’s symptoms is mixed, but given that it has been associated with reduced inflammation, it’s worth a go. Before using any fish oil supplements, be sure to consult with your doctor.

5. Essential oils

Some people have found that essential oils help ease symptoms of Crohn’s disease. However, since evidence on their effectiveness is scarce, essential oils should be used as a complement to conventional treatment. Studies have found that essential oils such as patchouli, lavender and peppermint help reduce inflammation in mice.

6. Acupuncture

Acupuncture, the age old therapy from China, can work wonders where conventional medicine falls short. It is a healing modality that improves the body’s functions and promotes the natural, self-healing process by stimulating specific anatomic sites known as acupuncture points. These acupuncture points are stimulated by inserting fine, sterile needles into the skin. It’s believed that doing so stimulates your brain to release pain-relieving chemicals called endorphins. Thus, acupuncture can help ease the pain caused by Crohn’s disease too.

A note of caution:

To be safe, always consult your physician before trying any alternative or natural remedies for your illness.