Crohn’s Disease is a condition that affects the gastrointestinal tract. It belongs to a class of conditions that cause Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD). Although it can affect any part of the digestive tract right from the mouth down to the anus, the condition is known to affect the beginning of the colon as well as the end of the small bowel. Crohn’s Disease is a chronic condition and cannot be cured indefinitely. However, it can be handled effectively with proper care with the help of both conventional and alternative medications.
Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s Disease affects the gastrointestinal tract. Some of the more common symptoms of the condition related to this part of the body include diarrhea, constipation, frequent bowel movements, abdominal pain and cramps, rectal bleeding (while passing stools) and a feeling of incomplete evacuation. The general symptom associated with the condition include fatigue, night sweats, fever, loss of appetite, weight loss and irregular menstrual cycles, etc.
Causes and risk factors associated with Crohn’ Disease
Two of the main reasons for Crohn’s condition in individuals is an irregular diet and high stress levels. A weakened immune system can also lead to the condition in certain cases. The risk factors associated with the disease also include age (between 15 and 35), genetics and environmental factors, etc.
Alternative medications for treatment of Crohn’s Disease
A lot of people have started turning towards alternative medications to treat chronic conditions. In the case of Crohn’s Disease, here are a few alternative medications that have shown to have positive results.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is an anti-inflammatory herb that can relax the digestive system and soften the stools. The glycoproteins present in aloe also help to reduce healing time of the digestive tract and the intestine in addition to reducing the pain caused by the condition. It also helps support skin growth at a faster rate.
Chamomile
Chamomile has been found to reduce the pain and flatulence caused by Crohn’s Disease. Chamomile contains a substance called methanol, which soothes the muscles present in the digestive tract and intestines. This would help relieve the pain caused by Crohn’s Disease. Chamomile tea, if ingested regularly can also improve the overall health of the digestive tract.
Peppermint Tea
Like chamomile, peppermint is known to have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that would help bring down the pain caused by Crohn’s disease in addition to promoting quick healing of the digestive tract. Peppermint tea taken on a regular basis can also help calm down the stomach muscles, thus alleviating problems related to digestion and flatulence.
Slippery Elm Bark
Slippery Elm Bark is another herb that can help treat Crohn’s condition as well as its symptoms effectively. Slippery elm bark contains substances that can soothe the inflamed mucous membranes in the stomach and digestive tract. This gel like substance is called mucilage and forms a protective layer along the digestive tract, thus helping deal with the pain and discomfort caused by Crohn’s disease.
Probiotics
Many studies have revealed that probiotic supplements can help treat Crohn’s disease effectively. Regular intake of prescribed probiotics can thus, keep the condition as well as its symptoms under control.
Prebiotics
These natural compounds are found to be beneficial for the stomach. They generate healthy intestinal bacteria which help flush out the harmful pathogens in the stomach, thus alleviating the symptoms of Crohn’s considerably.
Fish Oil
Another form of alternative treatment for Crohn’s involves the use of fish oil. Fish oil contains anti-inflammatory properties that benefit those suffering from the condition. It helps reduce the pain and inflammation caused by Crohn’s on the digestive tract and intestines, also dealing with digestive system related disorders in the process.
Crohn’s Disease is a type of IBD that affects the gastrointestinal tract. Along with standard medications, a lot of alternative medicines can be used to keep this chronic condition as well as its symptoms under control.
