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Natural Alternatives for Crohn's Disease

There are a wide range of alternative therapies for Crohn's disease. They include diet modification, relaxation techniques, and natural supplements. Though these therapies may provide relief to some Crohn's sufferers, they are not a cure for the disease.

  1. Types

    • Popular natural remedies for Crohn's include: diet modification, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, yoga, massage, and herbal or homeopathic supplements. The goal of these therapies is to manage and reduce the occurrence of inflammation. It is thought that relaxation and self-healing supplements will aid in restoring the body's natural function.

    Methods

    • Altering diet is one of the most popular natural treatments for the symptoms of Crohn's disease. The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD diet), created by Elaine Gottschall, eliminates nearly all carbohydrates, sugars, and preservatives. Another diet, created by Crohn's sufferer Virginia Harper, uses the principals of the macrobiotic to manage the disease.

    Example

    • One common diet modification is the use of probiotics. Probiotics are dietary supplements that provide healthy bacteria to help regulate the digestive system. Probiotics can also be found in yogurt, miso, and kefir (a probiotic dairy beverage). Some people add probiotics to their diet as a treatment for Crohn's without other diet modifications.

    Significance

    • As of 2009 very little research has been done on alternative therapies for Crohn's disease. According to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, the only way to know the value of a treatment is by "appropriate, rigorous testing." That kind of testing has not been conducted by the medical community. The benefits of alternative therapy have only been supported by individual statements.

    Famous Ties

    • Mike McCready, lead guitarist for the rock group Pearl Jam, has been a follower of the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. In a 2005 article for The Seattle Times, he outlined some of the symptom relief he experienced after starting the diet. McCready was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in 1984 at the age of 21.

    Warning

    • Natural therapy for Crohn's disease should be discussed with a physician. It is not a substitution for regular medical care. As of 2009 there is no cure for Crohn's disease.

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