supplements for Crohn's Disease

Crohn’s disease can be a very uncomfortable disorder to have.  It causes an inflammation of the digestive tract, ranging from the mouth to the anus.  The inflammation can cause extreme pain or cramping in the abdomen and intestines, and very commonly cause diarrhea.  In addition, Crohn’s disease may cause ulcers, nutritional deficiencies, bloody stool, and vomiting.  While there are periods of remission, there is no cure for Crohn’s disease.  People who develop the disease have it for life, and when its symptoms are active, it can destroy one’s ability to be a normal citizen in society.

It is not surprising, then, that those inflicted with Crohn’s disease often look for complementary or alternative disease treatments to suppress the symptoms of Crohn’s disease.  The main disease treatment for Crohn’s disease has always been anti-inflammatory drugs to combat the inflammation in the intestines.  More serious cases may require a combination of medications or even surgery.  Mild symptoms may be resolved using antidiarrheal medicine such as loperamide.  Other medications include medicines that suppress the immune system, or colon disease medicine.  In more severe cases, there are additional disease treatments available.

For those who do not have access to medical care, or do not experience success with these drugs, they may try other supplements to further increase the medical attention for their Crohn’s disease.  Some of these alternative disease treatments are listed below:

1.  Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are generally good for the health of a human being, but also have anti-inflammatory properties.  These acids are often found in fish such as salmon and tuna and other sources such as walnuts, canola oil, or pumpkin seeds.  Studies have found inconsistent results regarding the effectiveness of omega-3 fatty aids in stopping relapse of Crohn’s, but it does not stop people from trying.  Since omega-3 fatty acids are healthy in general, including effectively reducing the risk of heart disease, it is a safe attempt at quelling the symptoms of Crohn’s.

2.  Boswellia

Also known as frankincense, Boswellia is an herb that has been found to give benefits to those suffering from symptoms of Crohn’s disease.  It is often sold as a dietary supplement, and is easy to find, but is not approved as an official disease treatment.

3.  Slippery Elm

Slipper Elm supplements have historically been used as a remedy to treat intestinal issues.  The supplements are made from the bark of an elm tree.  The effects on Crohn’s disease have not been studied, but it has been found to possess a significant amount of antioxidants, beneficial to disease treatment.

4.  Bromelain

An enzyme found in pineapples, bromelain is extracted from stems and juices of pineapples.  It has been used for digestive issues and is used in Germany for sinusitis.  While there is still no evidence of its efficacy in suppressing Crohn’s disease, there have been reports of it being effective in inducing remission.

These alternative disease treatments may help an individual suppress his or her symptoms of Crohn’s disease, but one should always consult their doctor before using such disease treatments.