Approximately 70,000 new cases of Crohn’s disease are identified in the United States every year. If you were recently diagnosed with this condition, you might feel overwhelmed and have many questions. While there isn’t a cure yet, treatments, including alternative medicine, are available. To help you find relief, here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions about Crohn’s disease.

What You Should Know About Crohn’s Disease

What is it?

Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune condition that affects the lining of the gastrointestinal tract (GI). It can range from mild to severe. The condition sometimes causes inflammation outside of the GI tract, including the skin and joints.

What are the symptoms?

Abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue are the most common symptoms of Crohn’s disease. You may also experience blood in the stool, bowel obstructions, nausea, and vomiting. Children with this condition may have delayed growth.

What causes it?

While the clear cause of Crohn’s disease hasn’t been determined, some experts believe that genetics, environmental pollution, and immune system abnormalities may be to blame. If several members of your family have this disease, you have a higher risk of developing it.

Are there any natural treatments?

Although medication is typically the first treatment doctors recommend for Crohn’s disease, more people are looking at alternative medicine to alleviate their symptoms without drugs. 

Probiotics, for example, may be able to improve symptoms by adding good bacteria to the system. They can be found in foods like Japanese miso, sauerkraut, and yogurt. Omega-3 fatty acids are another common alternative medicine. Found in foods like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseed, they decrease the inflammation that’s common in Crohn’s disease, providing you some relief. Acupuncture, which releases mood-boosting endorphins, may also reduce your pain and boost your immune system.

If you’re looking for alternative medicine solutions to alleviate your Crohn’s disease symptoms, turn to the professionals at the Center For The Healing Arts PC in Westport, CT. Led by holistic doctor Robban A. Sica, MD, the facility provides several therapies, including IV therapy and hormone replacement, to treat a wide variety of conditions. They focus on treating the root cause of your illness and truly care about your health and wellness. Visit their website for more information about their offerings or call (203) 799-7733 to schedule an appointment.