The article was written by MSc Mai Vien Phuong - Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Doctor - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.
Crohn's is a disease that has no one-size-fits-all treatment formula. You may need to try a variety of solutions to find the one that works best for you.Talk to your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications or starting an exercise program. Here are some ways to help treat Crohn's disease.
1. Take Antidiarrheal Medications
Diarrhea is one of the most frustrating symptoms of trying to live a normal life with Crohn's disease. It can also lead to serious health consequences if left untreated. Some over-the-counter medications that can help relieve symptoms of diarrhea, gas, or bloating include:
- Loperamide (Imodium A-D).
- Bismuth-subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol).
- Psyllium (Metamucil).
Methylcellulose (Citrucel).
Before you take an over-the-counter medication to soothe your stomach, talk to your doctor. Your symptoms may reflect a worsening of inflammation, and your doctor may need to change your medication.
2. Ask your doctor about pain relievers
Your doctor may recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol) if your stomach pain is accompanied by joint pain.
Do not use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to treat stomach pain, including ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Advil) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn). Although NSAIDs can help reduce some joint pain, they can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and worsen your symptoms.
3. Avoid Certain Foods
You may need to give up some of your favorite foods to maintain your health. Some foods and drinks can worsen your symptoms. While there is no specific evidence that a particular food causes inflammation related to Crohn's disease, some of them may have an adverse effect.
Consider keeping a food diary to track foods that aggravate your symptoms. There are some specific foods you’ll want to pay attention to. If you find that the following foods make your stomach upset, you may want to avoid them altogether:
- Dairy products.
- High-fat foods.
- High-fiber foods; such as beans, popcorn, and nuts.
- Raw fruits and vegetables (these should only be consume cooked).
- Spicy foods.
- Alcohol.
- Caffeine.
4. Focus on bland foods
If you are experiencing stomach pain, eat bland foods such as:
- Dry toast
- Rice
- Eggs
- Bananas
- Applesauce
- Skinless boiled chicken
5. Divide your meals into smaller, more frequent ones
Eat five or six small meals throughout the day instead of two or three large ones. This ensures that your body receives enough nutrients and calories without putting stress on your stomach.
6. Try a Herbal Remedy
Some herbs may help soothe your stomach. While there is not much evidence that these herbs are effective in treating Crohn's disease, using them traditionally may help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.
Herbs and herbal teas can have side effects, and some herbs interact with others. Talk to your doctor about the herbs and supplements you are taking.
- Ginger: The stem and root of the ginger plant are commonly used in cooking. But what you may not know is that it is also a dietary supplement to treat nausea and vomiting. Ginger is also considered an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It is available in many forms; including fresh, dried, pickled, preserved, crystallized, candied, and powdered.
- Turmeric: Turmeric is a spice related to ginger. A compound found in turmeric called curcumin is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and may be helpful in treating Crohn's disease. Some small clinical studies on people with Crohn's disease and other inflammatory conditions have shown promising results, but further research is still needed. You can find fresh turmeric at grocery stores. It is also available in powdered form, which you can add to your meals, or in capsule form.
- Peppermint: Peppermint soothes the muscles of your stomach, and there is evidence that it can help alleviate inflammatory pain in the gastrointestinal tract. Peppermint is commonly found in tea or capsule form.
- Slippery Elm: The bark of the slippery elm tree is a demulcent, which is a substance that protects inflamed tissues. When the bark is mixed with water, it turns into a sticky substance called mucilage. Mucilage coats and soothes your stomach and intestines. One study showed that slippery elm has antioxidant effects in people with Crohn's disease. To make slippery elm bark tea, add about 2 tablespoons of the powder to a cup of boiling water and steep for a few minutes. Slippery elm is also available in lozenge or capsule form.
- Marshmallow: Marshmallows (an herb, not the snack) have been studied for their ability to protect and soothe stomach tissues, reducing inflammation and stomach acid secretion. To make tea, steep 2 to 5 grams of dried leaves or 5 grams of dried root in 1 cup of hot water.
- Boswellia (Indian Frankincense): The acids produced by the Boswellia genus in the Burseraceae family are thought to have healing properties. In a small study of people with ulcerative colitis, 14 of 20 participants who received boswellia gum resin experienced remission of their disease. Another study conducted in 2001 found that boswellia was as effective as mesalazine (a standard Crohn's disease treatment) in treating 102 participants with Crohn's disease.
7. Consider using fruit juice
If solid foods make your stomach feel worse, fruit juice is a great option to still get the necessary nutrients and calories without adding extra stress to your digestive process. You can combine herbal remedies like ginger with various fruits and vegetables. Start with a simple recipe of one apple, one carrot, and a small piece of ginger. Since juice removes fiber, the nutrients can be absorbed more easily.
8. Find ways to reduce stress
Your stomach may be “angry” because you are under too much stress. Try these techniques to help you relax and reduce your stress levels:
- Yoga.
- Meditation.
- Deep breathing exercises.
You can set aside a certain amount of time each day to practice or try these techniques. Exercise is also a great way to reduce your stress levels. Even low-intensity exercises, such as walking for 30 minutes, can be helpful. However, be sure to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program. Also, be sure to drink extra water before and during exercise to prevent dehydration.
9. See a doctor
Staying in contact with your doctor is crucial in managing Crohn's disease. Your doctor will likely want to monitor your symptoms to ensure your treatment is effective. It is very important to be open and honest with your doctor about these symptoms. If your abdominal pain and diarrhea worsen, inform your doctor immediately. You may need intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration.
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