How to Treat Crohn's Disease With Natural Remedies

Crohn's disease is one of a group of disorders known as inflammatory bowel disease. It causes inflammation, swelling and irritation of areas of the digestive tract. Crohn's disease can affect anyone of any age, although it is often diagnosed in young adults. Crohn's disease may be hereditary since it seems to run in some families. Although there is no known cure for Crohn's disease, people who suffer from the condition can function well with treatment, diet and lifestyle changes.

Evaluate Your Diet

• Certain foods and beverages can aggravate the symptoms of Crohn's disease. The Mayo Clinic recommends keeping a food diary to determine what foods may cause problems. Some people with inflammatory bowel disease do not digest dairy products properly. Eliminating or limiting dairy products may improve symptoms. If Crohn's disease affects the small intestine, you may not be able to absorb or digest fat properly. Try eating low-fat foods instead. Avoid foods that cause gas such as cabbage. Avoid spicy foods or greasy fried foods. Bake, boil and steam foods as an alternative. The Mayo Clinic also recommends eating five or six small meals each day rather than three large meals.

Drink Plenty of Liquids

• Drink plenty of water, but use caution when consuming other beverages, since they may aggravate the symptoms of Crohn's disease. Alcohol and beverages that contain caffeine stimulate the intestines and can make the diarrhea worse. Carbonated drinks will cause gas. You can drink milk as long as it does not cause any adverse effects. However, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends not exceeding two cups of milk per day. This includes milk contained in other dairy products such as yogurt or cottage cheese.

What Can You Eat?

• The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends that people with Crohn's disease follow a low-residue fiber diet to lessen the severity of symptoms such as cramping and diarrhea. Low-residue fiber foods are easy to digest and will slow down bowel movements. These foods include cooked vegetables such as potatoes, green beans, carrots and beets. You can eat raw fruits such as bananas, watermelon, peaches and plums. Bacon, fish, poultry, eggs and smooth peanut butter are good sources of protein. The foods listed here are only a sample of the allowed foods on the low-residue fiber diet.

Say No to Smoking

• According to the Mayo Clinic, smoking increases the risk of developing Crohn's disease and worsens symptoms if you already have it. People who smoke are more likely to have relapses, need medication and may even require surgery. Quitting smoking can make Crohn's disease less severe.