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The health of your gut informs the health of your entire body. For those suffering from a bowel disease, you know how uncomfortable, painful, and emotionally taxing it is when your digestive system is under stress. Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition that affects your digestive system, which takes a toll on your overall well being. Thankfully, Crohn’s disease can be well managed using a combination of treatments, including naturopathic options. There are many naturopathic treatments for inflammatory bowel diseases that can relieve symptoms, prevent flare-ups, and improve your quality of life. But what is Crohn’s disease, and what causes it? Let’s dive into all the details about this problematic bowel disorder. What Is Crohn's Disease? Crohn’s disease is a digestive condition categorized as an IBD, or inflammatory bowel disease. It is considered an auto-immune condition, which means your immune system is attacking part of your body itself. According to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada, approximately 233,000 Canadians live with an IBD — with over half suffering from Crohn’s disease. If you have Crohn’s disease, you’ll experience inflammation, usually in your lower small intestine or colon. Inflammation can also occur in your stomach, mouth, esophagus, or rectum. Symptoms Of Crohn's Disease There are many uncomfortable and painful symptoms associated with Crohn’s disease, including: Diarrhea Bloody stool Cramping Abdominal pain Fatigue Weight loss Reduced appetite Fever Arthritis Eye inflammation These symptoms usually come and go in waves, or “flare-ups”. They can be triggered by a number of factors, from diet to sleep. What Causes Crohn's Disease? Unfortunately for those suffering from Crohn’s disease, the cause of this condition can be tricky to pinpoint. There are genetic and environmental factors that may contribute to the development of Crohn’s disease, however. Symptoms can often be triggered by various influences, many of which we do not fully understand; however, diet and stress are commonly known to affect flare-ups. Naturopathic Treatments For Crohn's Disease If you have Crohn’s disease, speak with your naturopathic doctor about all potential treatment routes. There are many ways you can mitigate symptoms and reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups. Natural treatments are important tools that are accessible, effective, and a great way to support any other treatments you may be undergoing. 1. Acupuncture Although acupuncture is often associated with joint and muscle pain, it’s also a viable treatment for inflammatory bowel diseases. Acupuncture is a long-used treatment where a practitioner inserts very thin needles into specific points along your body, causing your brain to release endorphins. It’s a mostly painless process — in fact, many find it incredibly relaxing. Acupuncture may reduce inflammation and strengthen your immune system, which is very important to prevent and help you deal with Crohn’s flare-ups. 2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Fatty acids are known to reduce inflammation, which is why they are a great natural way to help ease the symptoms of Crohn’s disease. According to this 2016 study, omega-3 fatty acids are effective in both the prevention and treatment of IBD. Omega-3 supplements are widely available and are generally well tolerated. They are also found in many healthy foods, including fish, nuts, seeds, spinach, and various oils including flaxseed. As always, make sure to consult your naturopath before taking a new supplement. 3. Chamomile Or Peppermint Tea Herbal teas aren’t just great for relaxation as a part of your nightly routine. It has been found that chamomile and peppermint teas are beneficial for those with Crohn’s disease. Chamomile flowers contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, and peppermint contains several antioxidants. These herbal remedies are overall safe, effective, and can be an enjoyable part of your treatment process. Use caution with Chamomile if you have a history of allergies to the daisy family. Consult a qualified practitioner if you’re pregnant and are considering peppermint. 4. Probiotics There are various kinds of bacteria residing in your gut, some of which are “good” bacteria and some of which are “bad”. The levels of beneficial bacteria can fluctuate, depending on if you’ve taken antibiotics or suffered from a recent illness. Probiotics are living microorganisms you can consume via supplementation or through various fermented foods. There are many different strains of probiotic supplements, so make sure to consult your medical provider to figure out which kind (and in what quantity) you should be consuming. Yogurt is known to be very high in probiotics, but dairy is a common intolerance among folks with Crohn’s disease. Other fermented foods, including kimchi, sauerkraut, tempeh, and kombucha, are also great sources of probiotics. 5. Prebiotics Many are familiar with the concept of probiotics, but how can you ensure the bacteria existing in your gut are flourishing? Prebiotics are the fuel or food for probiotics and “good” intestinal bacteria. Ingesting prebiotics along with probiotics may improve their efficacy. Prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates, and they are found in the following foods: Honey Artichokes Bananas Whole grains Onions and garlic Book An Appointment With Nardini Naturopathic If you have Crohn's disease, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Contact Nardini Naturopathic today to investigate the naturopathic IBD treatments available to you. I can help you determine what triggers symptoms, prevent flare-ups, and decrease the discomfort and pain that comes with this disorder. There are easy and accessible ways for you to manage your bowel inflammation. I would love to work with you on a treatment plan that fits in perfectly with your lifestyle. Book an appointment with me, Dr. Pat Nardini, at Nardini Naturopathic today.