Alternative Crohn's Disease Therapies And CAM

Diet is not the only way to reverse, cure, and control symptoms of Crohn's disease. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is another method that many patients are finding effective in controlling this ailment. CAMs are practices, systems and products that are not considered part of conventional medicine, but rather are used in conjunction with conventional Crohn's disease treatments to help ease the system.

One such therapy useful in treating and said by some to cure Crohn's is probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms, usually good bacteria that help rebuild a person's immune system. These good bacteria can be types of organisms, yeast or algae, and are available in different types of food supplements. Another CAM treatment that can be used is acupuncture. The practitioner would concentrate on the areas that are afflicted and use the needles in the appropriate positions along the body. Other types of Crohn's disease treatment include: behavioral therapy; hypnosis; meditation; relaxation therapy; and biofeedback. The success of a CAM in helping the symptoms also depends on how much a patient believes in the therapy.

A type of inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease therapies continue to be explored in case studies and research labs in hope to rid this chronic disorder of the digestive tract that can affect everything from the mouth to the anus.

The majority of patients with Crohns disease have irritation of the intestines, a break down of the microflora, usually focused in the smaller of the two. It can affect the colon, although any part of the gastrointestinal tract can be harmed. Doctor's have not yet been able to determine the exact cause of Crohn's disease and are less open minded to alternative therapies. Some things that may cause it can include a weakened immune systems, genetics, and environmental hazards. There is a possibility that the inflammatory bowel disease is part of the body's defense mechanism.

There are a number of symptoms that are associated with Crohn's disease, ranging from mild to severe. They include diarrhea, abdominal pain or cramping with fever, bleeding from the rectum, and appetite and weight loss. Fatigue is also a common symptom and other bodily organs can be affected. Children who develop Crohns may have delayed growth and sexual development problems. Fistulas and fissures in the body can also develop as a result from Crohns disease. There are five types of Crohns disease and depending on which part of the body is affected and the severity of the symptoms will determine how severe a case a patient may have. Two often the more severe the case of Crohn's the more patients seek out alternative Crohn's Disease therapies when conventional medicine doesn't work.

Because of the nature of Crohn's disease, a proper diet and alternative medicine therapies may go a long way to controlling the symptoms and severity of each individual patients case and even provide a cure. Diets high in protein (especially from oily fish such as salmon and tuna) help fight the protein deficiency caused by diarrhea. Complex carbohydrates found in vegetables and fruit provide needed fiber. Patients are advised to drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine. Omega-3 fatty acids and food rich in potassium should also be consumed as part of the diet.

If a patient is considering use a complementary and alternative medicine to treat their symptoms of Crohns disease, they need to discuss each option in detail with their primary care physician. With a firm game plan in hand, may sufferers of this debilitating condition can find relief from alternative therapies.