Complementary therapies, including exercise and getting enough of certain vitamins, may help support your overall health with Crohn’s disease and relieve your symptoms.
Some complementary therapies, when used in combination with the treatment plan your doctor prescribed, may also help ease the discomfort associated with Crohn’s disease.
When considering additional therapies, it’s important to discuss them with a doctor before adding them to your routine. Be sure you let your doctor know about any vitamins or supplements you take or are considering, as certain supplements may interact with medications you may take or cause other side effects.
Keep reading to learn about complementary therapies that may help manage Crohn’s symptoms.
Crohn’s disease can affect the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Taking supplements can help relieve several Crohn’s-related vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
- Iron: Some people with Crohn’s may develop anemia due to blood loss from inflammation of the intestines. Iron supplements, taken either orally or through an IV, are an effective way to manage anemia.
- Vitamin D: If you have Crohn’s, you may also want to consider taking vitamin D supplements or getting more safe sun exposure. Vitamin D helps to metabolize calcium and keep your bones healthy, two things that can be affected by Crohn’s.
- Vitamin B12: Some people with Crohn’s have ileitis, which affects the lower portion of the small intestine where vitamin B12 is absorbed. If this applies to you, you may want to consider oral B12 supplements, intramuscular injections, or nasal spray, depending on the severity of the condition.
Remember to consult with your doctor before taking any new supplements. There’s a possibility that they may interfere with any medications you’re currently taking.
“I’ve found that a gluten-free diet with minimal processed foods help to keep my Crohn’s symptoms to a minimum. Foods that make me feel energized, strong, and keep my digestion happy are bone broth, avocado, simply prepared meats, and white rice to name my favorites.”
— Alexa Federico
Probiotics are a form of good bacteria that can help to maintain balance in the intestine. They may also keep certain other bacteria from overgrowing in the small intestine and causing digestive problems.
Evidence suggests that probiotics can help people with Crohn’s maintain remission.
Probiotics are generally considered to be safe. They’re available in a variety of forms, including capsules and powders, and are found in foods such as:
- yogurt
- miso
- tempeh
- sauerkraut
- kimchi
Turmeric is a spice that’s been used as a medicinal herb in India for centuries. Due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties of one of its main compounds, curcumin, many people use it as a complementary treatment for Crohn’s. Research suggests that it may help maintain remission.
Turmeric can be taken orally as a supplement or in its powdered form by mixing it with water. It can also be sprinkled directly onto foods, though this method may not provide enough curcumin to achieve the desired anti-inflammatory effects. Taking it with black pepper may increase the amount that is absorbed into your body.
Turmeric is considered safe for general use in people with Crohn’s disease. However, it may cause symptoms such as bloating and diarrhea in some cases. Taking too much
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapeutic practice that involves placing thin needles into the skin to stimulate specific sites known as acupoints.
Though more research is needed, some evidence suggests that acupuncture may be useful for managing mild Crohn’s disease. Its effect on cellular responses and secretions may potentially reduce inflammation and tissue damage.
Aside from some mild bleeding and superficial hematomas around the acupoints, the side effects of acupuncture aren’t typically severe. It’s
Practicing mindfulness techniques such as yoga and meditation can also be beneficial for Crohn’s. Since people with Crohn’s often have higher rates of stress and anxiety, employing mindfulness practices can help prevent stress from exacerbating symptoms and flare-ups. This can include:
- Yoga: You can find introductory yoga classes at many gyms, community centers, and online. If you feel more comfortable practicing yoga at home, you can also find instructional videos online.
- Meditation and deep breathing exercises: You can also access meditation and deep breathing exercises online and through mindfulness apps.
Mindfulness techniques can significantly improve your quality of life, even when you’re not having a Crohn’s flare-up.
Getting regular exercise can support your overall health, and it’s been shown to help with Crohn’s disease symptoms. It may also help improve your bone mineral density and lower your rate of relapse for certain symptoms.
Additionally, exercise may support the release of IL-6, a protein-coding gene that can increase peptides involved in repairing intestinal damage.
Although most forms of exercise are considered safe, some physical activity can exacerbate certain symptoms of Crohn’s, such as:
- fatigue
- joint pain
- diarrhea
It’s best to talk with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine. They may offer recommendations for specific activities to try.
“Exercise has helped me massively. At the start of my diagnosis, I wouldn’t be able to run more than 18 seconds on the treadmill without needing to rush to the toilet. However, once my body was in a more stable state of remission, I began to re-introduce exercise again and it has done wonders for both my body and mind, helping me feel stronger and more in control.” — Loïs Mills
Some complementary therapies, including taking probiotics and getting regular exercise, may help support your Crohn’s treatment plan and your overall health.
It’s best to talk with your doctor before making any drastic changes to your routine, especially when it comes to taking dietary supplements, which can cause side effects and interact with medications.
If you find a complementary therapy worsens any of your symptoms, it’s best to stop and talk with a doctor.