Crohn's
disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes inflammation of the
lining of your digestive tract, which can lead to abdominal pain, severe
diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition. Inflammation caused by Crohn's
disease can involve different areas of the digestive tract in different people.
The
inflammation caused by Crohn's disease often spreads deep into the layers of
affected bowel tissue. Crohn's disease can be both painful and debilitating,
and sometimes may lead to life-threatening complications.
While
there's no known cure for Crohn's disease, therapies can greatly reduce its
signs and symptoms and even bring about long-term remission. With treatment,
many people with Crohn's disease are able to function well.
Symptoms
In some
people with Crohn's disease, only the last segment of the small intestine
(ileum) is affected. In others, the disease is confined to the colon (part of
the large intestine). The most common areas affected by Crohn's disease are the
last part of the small intestine and the colon.
Signs and
symptoms of Crohn's disease can range from mild to severe. They usually develop
gradually, but sometimes will come on suddenly, without warning. You may also
have periods of time when you have no signs or symptoms (remission).
When the
disease is active, signs and symptoms may include:
Diarrhea.
Diarrhea is a common problem for people with Crohn's disease. Intensified
intestinal cramping also can contribute to loose stools.
Fever and
fatigue. Many people with Crohn's disease experience a low-grade fever, likely
due to inflammation or infection. You may also feel tired or have low energy.
Abdominal
pain and cramping. Inflammation and ulceration can affect the normal movement
of contents through your digestive tract and may lead to pain and cramping. You
may experience anything from slight discomfort to severe pain, including nausea
and vomiting.
Blood in
your stool. You might notice bright red blood in the toilet bowl or darker
blood mixed with your stool. You can also have bleeding you don't see (occult
blood).
Mouth sores.
You may have ulcers in your mouth similar to canker sores.
Reduced appetite
and weight loss. Abdominal pain and cramping and the inflammatory reaction in
the wall of your bowel can affect both your appetite and your ability to digest
and absorb food.
Perianal
disease. You might have pain or drainage near or around the anus due to
inflammation from a tunnel into the skin (fistula).
Causes
The exact
cause of Crohn's disease remains unknown. Previously, diet and stress were
suspected, but now doctors know that these factors may aggravate but don't
cause Crohn's disease. A number of factors, such as heredity and a
malfunctioning immune system, likely play a role in its development.
Immune
system. It's possible that a virus or bacterium may trigger Crohn's disease.
When your immune system tries to fight off the invading microorganism, an
abnormal immune response causes the immune system to attack the cells in the
digestive tract, too.
Heredity.
Crohn's is more common in people who have family members with the disease, so
genes may play a role in making people more susceptible. However, most people
with Crohn's disease don't have a family history of the disease.
Remedies for Crohn’s Disease
1.
Probiotics
Probiotics
are essential for people suffering from Crohn’s disease. Probiotics are live
bacteria that are similar to “good” bacteria that normally reside in the
intestines. They help restore the state of good bacteria in the digestive
tract, which in turn enhances digestion, absorption and processing of foods
through the intestinal tract.
It is
recommended to take probiotic supplements that contain both the L. acidophilus
and L. bifidus organisms, both of which promote digestive health.
Consult a
doctor for the proper dosage of probiotic supplements.
2. Green Tea
Green tea
has many health-promoting benefits for Crohn’s disease due to its
anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant properties. Plus, green
tea has a positive impact on the immune system, and even reduces the risk of
colon cancer.
Add one
teaspoon of green tea leaves to a cup of hot water.
Cover and
steep for five minutes.
Strain, add
some honey and mix well.
Drink this
soothing tea at least three times a day.
3. Marshmallow
Due to the
mucilage content in marshmallow, it has a soothing effect on the
gastrointestinal tract and is very effective in the treatment of Crohn’s
disease.
According to
the University of Michigan Health System, marshmallow heals the inflamed
lesions in the gastrointestinal tract, removes irritants and reduces
inflammation.
Add two to
five grams of dried leaf of marshmallow, or five grams of dried marshmallow
root, to one cup of hot water.
Cover and
steep for five to 10 minutes.
Strain and
then drink this tea.
Drink
marshmallow tea three times per day.
Note: Avoid
marshmallow if you have diabetes.
4. Slippery Elm
Being a
demulcent and a natural anti-inflammatory agent, slippery elm helps heal and
protect irritated and injured digestive tissues. It also promotes normal bowel
movements and facilitates faster healing. Plus, this herb helps prevent
nutritional deficiencies and electrolyte imbalance in people who have Crohn’s
disease.
Add one
teaspoon of slippery elm powder to a glass of hot water. Let it steep for five
minutes. Drink it at least one hour after taking other medications. You can
drink this solution two or three times a day.
You can also
mix together one teaspoon each of slippery elm and sugar in two cups of hot
water. Consume this twice daily.
5. Turmeric
Another very
effective home remedy for Crohn’s disease is turmeric. This spice has a
compound known as curcumin, an anti-inflammatory agent that helps reduce
inflammation and swelling in the digestive tract. Also, turmeric helps in
reducing any abscess on the large and small intestinal linings.
Turmeric or
curcumin supplements of 400 to 600 mg can be taken three times daily. As a
curcumin supplement may interact with blood-thinner drugs and diabetes drugs,
consult your doctor before taking it.
Also include
turmeric powder in your day-to-day cooking.
6. Boswellia
Herbalists
often recommend boswellia for treating Crohn’s Disease. The herb has
anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce inflammation in the lining of the
gastrointestinal or digestive tract. A few studies have also found it to be
helpful in dealing with Crohn’s disease. However, more research is still
needed.
You can take
1,200 mg of boswellia three times daily for up to eight weeks.
As boswellia
may interact with other drugs and supplements, it is important to consult a
doctor before taking it.
7. Ginger
Ginger is
also very helpful in managing some of the symptoms of Crohn’s disease due to
its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can reduce inflammation in
the intestines. Plus, it helps in the digestion process.
Add one-half
teaspoon of freshly grated ginger to a cup of hot water, cover and allow it to
steep for 10 minutes. Strain, add some honey and drink the tea. Repeat two or
three times daily until you notice improvement in your condition.
Alternatively,
you can take ginger supplements after consulting your doctor.
8. Cod Liver Oil
Cod liver
oil is also recommended for those suffering from Crohn’s disease. This oil is
rich in two omega-3 fatty acids – DHA and EPA. Both these fatty acids are
anti-inflammatory agents that help reduce inflammation in the intestinal
mucosa. Plus, cod liver oil has vitamins D and A, which are important for
people who have Crohn’s disease.
REMEMBER
See your
doctor if you have persistent changes in your bowel habits or if you have any
of the signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease, such as:
Abdominal
pain
Blood in
your stool
Ongoing
bouts of diarrhea that don't respond to over-the-counter (OTC) medications
Unexplained
fever lasting more than a day or two
Unexplained
weight loss