by Jackie Hart, MD
Q: Are there any alternative treatments for Crohns disease?
A: Crohns disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), similar to ulcerative colitis (UC). The symptoms can include diarrhea, bleeding, abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and even malnutrition. Crohns disease and UC are associated with an increased risk of colon cancer.
I recommend integrating alternative therapies with the standard medical treatments that you and your doctor decide to use.
Diet
Enriching your diet with omega-3 fatty acids may help diminish the inflammation in your colon. Supplementation with two to three tablespoons of flaxseed per day is probably the best way to do this (for either type of IBD), because flax contains a substance called lignan, which may help protect against cancer. Try sprinkling ground flaxseeds on cereal, salads, or yogurt. (Make sure to keep the flaxseeds refrigerated and grind within 24 hours of use with a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle. Pre-ground flax powder in special mylar packaging may be used instead, but it still must be kept refrigerated).
Walnuts, green leafy vegetables, and fish (particularly sardines and herring) are good sources of omega-3s as well. (Note: you should not eat pickled herring if you are on a class of medications used for depression called monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors). Working with a dietitian to develop a practical plan for a diet that includes more omega-3s can be helpful.
During acute, active flare-ups of the Crohns, you will likely need to avoid most of the foods mentioned here, including the flax. But incorporating these foods into your general diet between flares may lessen the frequency and intensity of the inflammation.
Supplements
Inflammation in the intestines can influence absorption of micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals. The mineral selenium is often depleted with Crohns disease and should be replenished; 200 micrograms per day is a good amount to take. Also, take 75-100 milligrams/day of a B vitamin complex and 800 micrograms of folic acid, particularly if parts of your small intestines are involved in the inflammatory process.
Flavonoids in the form of quercetin (500 milligrams taken before meals) may also help to reduce inflammation as well as the food sensitivities sometimes associated with Crohns disease.
Relaxation and stress management
Practices that help with both relaxation and the emotions associated with Crohns disease are very important. Individual therapy, group support, hypnotherapy, and biofeedback are all approaches to consider. In addition, you may want to try to incorporate a regular routine of either yoga or tai chi.
Q: Are there any alternative treatments for Crohns disease?
A: Crohns disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), similar to ulcerative colitis (UC). The symptoms can include diarrhea, bleeding, abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and even malnutrition. Crohns disease and UC are associated with an increased risk of colon cancer.
I recommend integrating alternative therapies with the standard medical treatments that you and your doctor decide to use.
Diet
Enriching your diet with omega-3 fatty acids may help diminish the inflammation in your colon. Supplementation with two to three tablespoons of flaxseed per day is probably the best way to do this (for either type of IBD), because flax contains a substance called lignan, which may help protect against cancer. Try sprinkling ground flaxseeds on cereal, salads, or yogurt. (Make sure to keep the flaxseeds refrigerated and grind within 24 hours of use with a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle. Pre-ground flax powder in special mylar packaging may be used instead, but it still must be kept refrigerated).
Walnuts, green leafy vegetables, and fish (particularly sardines and herring) are good sources of omega-3s as well. (Note: you should not eat pickled herring if you are on a class of medications used for depression called monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors). Working with a dietitian to develop a practical plan for a diet that includes more omega-3s can be helpful.
During acute, active flare-ups of the Crohns, you will likely need to avoid most of the foods mentioned here, including the flax. But incorporating these foods into your general diet between flares may lessen the frequency and intensity of the inflammation.
Supplements
Inflammation in the intestines can influence absorption of micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals. The mineral selenium is often depleted with Crohns disease and should be replenished; 200 micrograms per day is a good amount to take. Also, take 75-100 milligrams/day of a B vitamin complex and 800 micrograms of folic acid, particularly if parts of your small intestines are involved in the inflammatory process.
Flavonoids in the form of quercetin (500 milligrams taken before meals) may also help to reduce inflammation as well as the food sensitivities sometimes associated with Crohns disease.
Relaxation and stress management
Practices that help with both relaxation and the emotions associated with Crohns disease are very important. Individual therapy, group support, hypnotherapy, and biofeedback are all approaches to consider. In addition, you may want to try to incorporate a regular routine of either yoga or tai chi.