If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, then this article is for you. Here, we take a brief look at the characteristics of Crohn’s Disease, and then we discuss four of the most suitable dietary supplements which can aid and improve quality of life for someone with Crohn’s.
Addressing Crohn’s Disease Symptoms
Crohn’s disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which causes inflammation within the digestive tract. This inflammation is most common in the small intestine, but can also occur in other areas of the digestive tract. This inflammation can occur in a small segment of tissue or in a more continuous span of the digestive tract.
Symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe, and they can come and go gradually, or suddenly in some cases. Symptoms of Crohn’s disease include abdominal cramping, diarrhea, fever, fatigue, blood in the stool, reduced appetite, and weight loss.
No sole cause is known for Crohn’s, but a variety of factors can increase the risk of the disease and precipitate its onset. Hereditary factors and immune responses in some people could contribute to Crohn’s disease. Smoking also contributes to Crohn’s, as well as the use of certain medications, because of their effect on the digestive system.
There is no cure for Crohn’s disease. If you experience the symptoms described above, talk to your doctor. Doctors can test for Crohn’s disease, and often treat it through pharmaceutical approaches. Treatment greatly improves quality of life and could lead to remission of Crohn’s disease. Supplements are often recommended to make up for nutrient deficiencies due to Crohn’s.
Supplements for Treating Crohn’s Disease
Individuals with Crohn’s disease must prioritize proper nutrition, considering the nature of the disease. Following are four of the most ideal supplements for someone with Crohn’s disease to add to their routine, and potentially improve their bodily health and quality of life.
Curcumin: Research has shown that the anti-inflammatory and other medicinal properties of curcumin could reduce the effects of Crohn’s disease. The ability of curcumin to combat inflammation stands out, but its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties could help someone with Crohn’s who is experiencing an infection. Further research has shown that curcumin is generally helpful for the remission of IBS. For these reasons, a curcumin supplement could be very helpful to someone with Crohn’s disease.
Vitamin D has been studied for some time in its relationship to Crohn’s disease. Studies have shown that Crohn’s can lead to a deficiency in vitamin D, which can have a variety of detrimental effects. However, recent research suggests that there could be an inverse relationship, wherein vitamin D deficiency increases the severity of Crohn’ disease. For this reason, it is believed that supplementing with vitamin D could reduce the inflammation of Crohn’s disease, and therefore its symptoms.
Boswellia: Evidence suggests that regular supplementation with extract of the Boswellia serrata herb coincides with a reduction in Crohn’s disease symptoms. Taking Boswelliacould also contribute to remission of Crohn’s disease. The benefits of this herb come from its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Folic acid is necessary for the body to digest both fats and carbohydrates. However, some of the standard prescription medications for Crohn’s disease can impair the body’s ability to absorb folic acid. For this reason, supplementing with folic acid could potentially improve digestion and quality of life for someone with Crohn’s.
Psyllium husk powder is a form of fiber that could help those with Crohn’s disease. A psyllium husk fiber supplement could reduce diarrhea, which can occur due to Crohn’s, by adding some bulk to the stool. This could improve the quality of life for someone with Crohn’s disease.
If you or someone you care about has Crohn’s disease, then these five natural supplements must be on the table for consideration. Always talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplement for Crohn’s disease, because of potential interactions with other medications.