-I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease a month ago and am currently on
Prednisone which has helped with the symptoms , but I would not like
to be on any steroid or immunosupressant drugs long term.
-I have visited numerous Crohn's websites but would like to know if
you could suggest alternative therapies/natural medicines for crohn's
disease.
Hi mydana,
First, I am very sorry you have been diagnosed with Crohn?s
disease(along with one million people worldwide!) but I am very
pleased to see you becoming better informed about your condition.
Taking control of your disease and its treatment can produce only
positive effects.
I have included most alternate therapies found while researching your
question. I have tried to include only information that appeared to be
reliable. I have purposely omitted sites that claim bizarre "remedies"
such as the worm?s eggs ?cure? Crohn?s, although I did include the
coconut oil remedy! (I believe in the placebo effect, even if there is
no scientific proof of efficacy) I have also included some newer
traditional medicines, in case you need to try them in the future.
Please discuss any alternate therapies you may decide to try with your
physician. Homeopathic/herbal/botanical remedies and vitamins may help
your condition, but they may cause unwanted side effects if taken
concurrently with prescription drugs. Allergies are always a
possibility, and letting your doctor know everything you take is
prudent.
Alternate Therapies:
DMSO (Dimethylsulfoxide): The theory here is that DMSO is thought to
reduce the level of iron in the intestine. A lack of iron reduces the
flora (bacteria) in the gut.
http://www.newtreatments.org/loadlocal.php3?hid=31
This site describes one woman?s successful use of DMSO topically, on
her abdomen, and other CD patients' use of DMSO and melatonin.(I?d run
this by your doctor before trying, just in case there could be a drug
interaction, allergy, or side effects)
http://www.krysalis.net/crohntest.htm
Relaxation: You may have already discovered that stress can exacerbate
the symptoms of your Crohn's disease. Relaxation training can be used
to reduce stress and to manage chronic pain.?Stress appears to play a
role in the exacerbation of Crohn's disease. While no adequate studies
demonstrate the benefit of relaxation techniques for Crohn's disease,
studies have been done assessing psychotherapy as treatment.?
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/m3225/4_68/106672892/p4/article.jhtml?term=
http://www.genesishealth.com/micromedex/altmedgen/amm0117.aspx
Biofeedback: Biofeedback is a relaxation therapy that uses a machine
to monitor your temperature, perspiration level, brain waves, and
blood flow.
http://www.drweil.com/app/cda/drw_cda.html-command=GlossaryDetail-pt=Glossary-glossaryId=92
http://insightwellnesscenter.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/bio_inst.html
Accupuncture: Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine
that has been used successfully for over 3000 years. This form of
therapy uses very thin sterile needles inserted into special points on
your body. It is thought that this therapy is effective in helping to
manage chronic pain by using the needles to stimulate the brain, which
then releases endorphins, chemicals that block pain.
http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/how_symptoms_managed_000103_8.htm
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/acupuncture/index.htm
http://www.internethealthlibrary.com/Health-problems/Crohn's%20Disease%20-%20researchAltTherapies.htm
Find an acupuncturist, from the American Academy of Medical Accupuncture:
http://www.medicalacupuncture.org/findadoc/index.html
Hypnotherapy:Some research ahs suggested that hypnosis can boost the
immune system.
This abstract from the American Institute of Hypnotherapy,., Irvine,
CA, USA states that some CD patients have been cured by hypnotherapy.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10882886&dopt=Abstract
http://www.internethealthlibrary.com/Health-problems/Crohn's%20Disease%20-%20researchAltTherapies.htm
Homeopathy: ?The theory behind homeopathy is the notion that "like heals like."
In other words, you can cure a disease by using a very small amount of
the substance that causes the disease. In homeopathic remedies, the
actual disease-inducing substance is so diluted, it is almost
impossible to detect.?
http://www.crohnsresource.com/about/altmed.jsp#vitamin
From USA Drug web site:
Mercurius?for foul-smelling diarrhea that may have streaks of blood
accompanied by a sensation of incomplete emptying; this remedy is most
appropriate for individuals who tend to feel exhausted following bowel
movements, experience fluctuations in body temperature, perspire
frequently, and have a thirst for cold fluids
Podophyllum?for explosive, gushing, painless diarrhea that worsens
after eating or drinking; exhaustion often follows bowel movements and
the individuals for whom this remedy is appropriate may experience
painful cramps in the lower legs and feet
Veratrum album?for profuse, watery diarrhea accompanied by stomach
cramps, bloated abdomen, vomiting, exhaustion, and chills; the
diarrhea tends to worsen as a result of eating fruit; the individual
for whom this therapy is appropriate tends to crave cold liquids
Again, run these treatments by your doctor first.
http://www.usadrug.com/IMCAccess/ConsConditions/CrohnsDiseasecc.shtml#Homeopathic
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
?Several studies have suggested that HBOT may be a useful additional
treatment for some people with CD. HBOT is a technique in which a
person is given 100% oxygen at greater than normal pressure.?
http://www.usadrug.com/IMCAccess/ConsConditions/CrohnsDiseasecc.shtml#Homeopathic
According to this site, hyperbaric oxygen therapy should be considered
as treatment for CD when other therapies are ineffective. It appears
that the inflammatory process in the intestine causes a hypoxia (lack
of oxygen), which HBOT relieves by increasing oxygen tension in the
tissues. The actual manner in which HBOT helps alleviate pain and
inflammation is not well understood.
http://www.reimerhbo.com/crohns_dis.htm
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=7774472&dopt=Abstract
http://www.hbot4u.com/bowel7.html
Exercise:
From USA Drug: ? One small study suggests that exercise increases the
sense of satisfaction, decreases worrying, enhances energy, and
lessens feelings of hopelessness in those with CD. Although exercise
is generally considered safe for people with CD, those with the
condition must take certain precautions when exercising and should
talk to their healthcare practitioners before starting an exercise
program. It is especially important for people with CD to drink one to
two glasses of water before exercising and one glass of water every
twenty minutes while exercising to prevent dehydration. Exercise
should be avoided during symptom flare-ups or if the individual has a
fever.?
http://www.usadrug.com/IMCAccess/ConsConditions/CrohnsDiseasecc.shtml#Homeopathic
Vitamins and Botanicals/Herbal/Natural/Non-mainstream Therapies:
Some researchers have shown that Crohn?s sufferers have excessive
levels of free radicals in their bodies, and that certain nutrients
help create anti-oxidant enzymes. These nutrients include: Vitamin C,
Vitamin E, Beta carotene, Copper, Manganese, Selenium and zinc, flax
seed oil, omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)
Keep in mind that the efficacy of herbals has not been tested or
studied to the extent of ?mainstream? medicines. Standardization of
the purity and concentration of herbals is not regulated as toughly as
prescription drugs either. With that said, if herbals/botanicals make
you feel better, do not interact with prescribed drugs,and cause no
side effects, then there should be no argument against them. Advise
your physician if you take any herbal/botanicals or vitamin
supplements.
Marshmallow root, golden seal, cat?s claw, aloe vera juice,
peppermint, chamomile, slippery elm bark, tumeric, gingko and wild
indigo are some natural and herbal medicinals used for CD.
http://www.crohnsresource.com/about/altmed.jsp#vitamin
http://www.wizardofvitamins.com/science/concerns/crohnsdisease.asp
http://www.wizardofvitamins.com/science/nutrients/catsclaw.asp
http://www.usadrug.com/IMCAccess/ConsConditions/CrohnsDiseasecc.shtml#Homeopathic
Glutamine is an amino acid that is thought to provide energy for
gastrointestinal cells.
http://www.wizardofvitamins.com/science/nutrients/glutamine.asp
http://www.mdheal.org/crohn's.htm
Molocure capsules are made from the aloe vera molecule:
http://www.molocure.com/index.shtml
http://www.molocure.com/nontoxic.shtml
Coconut cookies can help, according to this coconut oil merchant.
http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/vcnocrohns.htm
http://www.coconut-info.com/
Zinc Zinc is thought to remove free radicals from the bloodstream.
Studies are under way to determine whether zinc supplementation might
reduce inflammation.
http://ibscrohns.about.com/cs/crohnsdisease/a/dbcrohnsdisease_3.htm
Many CD patients have a low serum zinc level, casuign speculation that
this may have an affect on Crohn?s. "No one knows whether the low
serum zinc levels seen in Crohn's disease is due to diet, poor
absorption, or increased losses caused by the disease. But, because
zinc is involved in over 70 physiological processes, including cell
division and protein formation, it's clear that a zinc deficiency
during growth periods can have serious and life-long repercussions,"
said Dr. Sandra Kim, a Baylor research fellow who is also working on
the study."
http://www.bcm.tmc.edu/cnrc/consumer/archives/zinc-chrons.htm
Probiotics
Probiotics, are a supplemental form of micro-organisms, used for years
to maintain intestinal flora(bacteria). The most recognized form of
probiotics is yogurt, which contains lactobacillus and bifidobacteria.
Bifidobacteria has been shown to boost the immune system. Probiotics
prevent overgrowth of E.coli and becteroides, which can aggravate CD.
See a microscopic picture here:
http://distans.livstek.lth.se:2080/bifido.htm
?The most common strains are Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus
casei, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium longum and the yeast
Saccharomyces boulardii. Of the beneficial strains, the Lactobacillus
species is most prominent in the small intestine, whereas
Bifidobacteria tends to reside in the large intestine.?
http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/digestiveproblems/a/Acidophilus.htm
?Friendly bacteria including acidophilus and lactobacilus, may be
beneficial in Crohn's disease. Optimal dosing has not been determined
but 1/4-1/2 teaspoon (1-2 grams) twice daily is a common dose.?
http://www.genesishealth.com/micromedex/altmedgen/amm0117.aspx
http://ibscrohns.about.com/library/tips/bltip-13.htm
This abstract of a Spanish study concludes that probiotics are helpful
in reducing inflammation in CD.
?CONCLUSIONS: Probiotics interact with immunocompetent cells using the
mucosal interface and modulate locally the production of
proinflammatory cytokines.?
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12377803&dopt=Abstract
http://thyroid.about.com/library/news/blprobiotic.htm
Appendectomy:
Having your appendix removed may help! It seems people who have an
appendectomy ? had much less severe symptoms and were not as likely to
require immunosuppressive drugs or surgery?
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/National/story_53007.asp
New and Upcoming Medical Treatments:
Rifaximin is a non-systemic, gastrointestinal site-specific
antibiotic, approved and in use in Italy since 1987. The manufacturer,
Salix, is seeking FDA approval in the US.
?Data from 29 patients show that at the end of a sixteen week
treatment period, Rifaximin reduced the mean Crohn's Disease Activity
Index (CDAI) score, a standard measure of treatment effectiveness in
patients with Crohn's disease, by 43 percent compared to baseline?
http://www.biospace.com/news_story.cfm?StoryID=14023120&full=1
http://www.salix.com/newsroom/101303.html
Sargramostim
Sargramostim ? ?made by Berlex Laboratories, is an immune-system
stimulator originally developed as an anti-cancer drug, is showing
promise for the treatment of moderately to severely active Crohn's
disease.? Sargramostim, originally used as a colony-stimulating
factor for leukemia patients, is generally well tolerated and is not
immunosuppressive in nature.
http://www.docguide.com/news/content.nsf/news/8525697700573E1885256DCC004E4E8F?OpenDocument&c=IBD&count=10
http://www.berlex.com/pressroom/2002/crohns.htm
Interleukin 10
Interleukin 10 (IL-10) is a cytokine that suppresses inflammation.
Researchers are now studying the effectiveness of synthetic IL-10 in
treating CD.
http://ibscrohns.about.com/cs/crohnsdisease/a/dbcrohnsdisease_3.htm
http://gut.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/49/1/42
But a team of researchers from the Flanders Interuniversity Institute
for Biotechnology say the bacterium solves that problem by delivering
interleukin-10 directly into the intestine. The new method would
require 10,000 times less interleukin-10 to cure the disease.
http://healingwellibd.subportal.com/health/Diseases_and_Conditions/Bowel/Inflammatory_Bowel_Disease/104597.html
Anti- TNF:
Remicade (Infliximab)
Remicade works by neutralizing inflammation producing proteins,
slowing or stopping further inflammation. Remicade targets only the
protein that causes inflammation in Crohn?s disease. ?REMICADE is also
indicated for reducing the number of draining enterocutaneous and
rectovaginal fistulas and maintaining fistula closure in patients with
fistulizing Crohn?s disease.
REMICADE is not a cure for Crohn's disease. But for many patients, it
can lessen the impact of Crohn's disease and help them return to more
normal, active lives.?
http://www.healingwell.com/resources.asp?ID=8&Category=Crohns_Disease
http://ibscrohns.about.com/cs/crohnsdisease/a/dbcrohnsdisease_2.htm
http://www.wcjb.com/news.asp?id=8721
LookSmart
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/m3225/4_68/106672892/p4/article.jhtml?term=
A study in France has determined that Crohn?s patients taking TNF have
an increased incidence of opportunistic infections, such as
tuberculosis, bacterial, viral and fungal infections.
http://www.docguide.com/news/content.nsf/news/8525697700573E1885256DAA0047F36B?OpenDocument&c=Respiratory%20Infections&count=10
http://www.wcjb.com/news.asp?id=8721
Antegren (natalizumab) This drug recently ??did not meet the primary
endpoint of response, which was defined as a 70 point drop in the
Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) at week 10.? But ??nearly 72%
of the 905 patients enrolled in the trial demonstrated evidence of
active inflammation, and these patients had statistically significant
clinical responses and remission rates at week 10 compared to
placebo.? The manufacturer (Elan) expects to continue development of
this potentially promising drug.
http://www.ccfa.org/
http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/1FC1E6.htm
http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20031111005906&newsLang=en
Diet:
The use of a specific diet is controversial in CD, but Crohn?s
patients do seem to burn more calories that other folks. If your
weight is normal, no supplemental meals are necessary, but if you are
underweight, you may need to increase the amount of nutritious foods
you consume, or use nutritional drinks such as Ensure or Sustacal as a
supplement.
It seems that certain foods bother some patients more than others. The
rule of thumb is: Avoid foods that exacerbate your discomfort. Gluten
containing foods, corn, milk, caffeinated drinks, alcohol, grains,
popcorn, carbohydrates, MSG and spicy foods seem to cause problems for
many CD patients. Consider keeping a food diary to help track what
foods cause you problems.
Try eating smaller meals every few hours if large meals make your
symptoms worse. Eat when you?re hungry, your digestion will improve.
Take small bites and chew well. Have a drink (water, juice, etc.) with
your meals.
Keep hydrated, by drinking small amounts of fluid, often. Electrolyte
drinks like Gatorade may help after bouts of diarrhea. Green tea has
been reported to have beneficial effects on CD patients.
http://www.about-crohns-disease.com/html/diet___nutrition.php3
University of Maryland Medicine site:
http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_role_of_diet_crohns_disease_000103_7.htm
?Remission of Crohn's Disease may be maintained for long periods when
foods to which patients are intolerant are identified and eliminated
from the patient's diet, according to researchers from Cambridge,
England, as reported in Drug Therapy (January 1986).
In their controlled study, seven of ten patients with remitted Crohn's
Disease who excluded specific foods remained in remission for six
months (Lancet 1985;2:177-180). In contrast, none of the ten similar
patients who consumed an unrefined carbohydrate, fiber-rich diet were
able to stay in remission for this length of time.?
http://www.consciouschoice.com/holisticmd/hmd085.html
Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) No sigar, no grains, no liquid milk!
http://members.aol.com/crohnscure/
http://www.about-crohns-disease.com/html/diet___nutrition.php3
From this About web site : ?Can diet control CD?
No special diet has been proven effective for preventing or treating
this disease. Some people find their symptoms are made worse by milk,
alcohol, hot spices, or fiber. People are encouraged to follow a
nutritious diet and avoid any foods that seem to worsen symptoms. But
there are no consistent rules.?
http://ibscrohns.about.com/cs/crohnsdisease/a/dbcrohnsdisease_3.htm
?Nutritional complications are common in CD. Deficiencies of proteins,
calories, and vitamins are well documented in CD. These deficiencies
may be caused by inadequate dietary intake, intestinal loss of
protein, or poor absorption (malabsorption).?
http://ibscrohns.about.com/cs/crohnsdisease/a/dbcrohnsdisease.htm
Extra:
No Laughing Matter:
?Public lavatory cleanliness is an important issue to many of those
living with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn?s disease and ulcerative
colitis.)?
http://ibd.patientcommunity.com/news.cfm
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=573&e=12&u=/nm/life_singapore_toilets_dc
Refrigerators are to Blame for Crohn?s Disease
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/354816.cms
http://www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=516510
Resources:
Crohn?s and Colitis Foundation of America
http://www.ccfa.org/
Patient Community, support and news for Crohn?s Disease patients.
http://ibd.patientcommunity.com/index.cfm
Healing Well
http://www.healingwell.com/ibd/
Find clinical trials for CD here:
http://www.ccfa.org/trials
Savvy Patient
http://www.savvypatients.com/ibd.htm
A very long article on the emotional aspect of Crohn?s.
http://ibscrohns.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cognitivetherapy.com%2Ffuller.html
Online support group:
http://crohns.meetup.com/members/425
There you go, mydanda, I wish you the best!
If any part of my answer is unclear, or if I have duplicated any
information you already have, please request an Answer Clarification
before rating. By doing so, I will be able to assist you further, if
possible.
Regards,
crabcakes-ga
Search Stategy:
alternate therapy Crohn's disease
herbal Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease treatment
natural medicine Crohn's Crohn disease -- Britannica Online Encyclopedia::
Britannica online encyclopedia article on Crohn disease:Chronic inflammations of the small intestine include tuberculosis and regional enteritis (Crohn
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/143761/Crohn-diseaseHOME |
tyanx for quick comprehensive & useful response
I am open to suggestions regarding any "non-mainstream" remedies you
consider relevant.
Hi Mydana
As I'm sure you know only too well, Crohn's disease can be very
serious. Please discuss any potential therapies that you are
considering with your primary care physician. And I would caution you
against premature dismissal of today's conventional approaches.
That being said, Crohn's is thought to be one of a family of
inflammatory diseases that might be mediated by high levels of TNF-?
(Tumor Necrosis Factor, normally found in some white blood cells such
as macrophages). Lowering the TNF-? levels is how Remicade
(infliximab) is thought to work.
Recently, investigators have noticed that a relatively common
antidepressant and smoking cessation drug, bupropion (Wellbutrin or
Zyban) has induced remission or at least symptom improvement in
various inflammatory conditions including Crohn's and Psoriasis. It
might work through a similar anti-TNF-? mechanism.
Bupropion's benefits have not been firmly established but there are
some studies underway and being contemplated. If the promising early
observations are verified it would offer a far more affordable
medication than Remicade.
In addition, bupropion has been around for more than 15 years. Most
physicians are familiar with it. It is normally well tolerated with
few serious side effects.
I refer you and your doctor to the following articles to start.
Kast RE, Altschuler EL. Remission of Crohn's disease on bupropion.
Gastroenterology. 2001 Nov;121(5):1260-1.
Altschuler EL, Kast RE. Bupropion in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis:
decreased tumor necrosis factor-alpha? Psychosom Med. 2003
Jul-Aug;65(4):719.
Kane S, Altschuler EL, Kast RE. Crohn's disease remission on
bupropion. Gastroenterology. 2003 Oct;125(4):1290.
Best of luck. Consider your options carefully.
Sincerely
BiMode
Hello, mydana:
I usually don't answer Health questions because I'm not a doctor and
health is something very serious, but I have a friend that suffers
from Crohn disease for a long time, I can request him to tell me more
about that disease and what he does to keep and almost "normal"
lifestyle. Would you be interested in such information?
Regards. Hardin MD : Crohns Disease & IBD::
Sep 26, 2007 From the University of Iowa, the *best* lists of Internet sources in Crohns Disease & inflammatory bowel disease.
http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/hardin/Md/crohnsdisease.htmlHOME |
Genetic haul lifts hopes on Crohn's - The Boston Globe::
Jul 7, 2008 If finding disease-related genes is like fishing, then scientists have recently shifted from rods and reels to big nets, and they have just
http://www.boston.com/news/health/articles/2008/07/07/genetic_haul_lifts_hopes_on_crohns/HOME |
Crohn's & Me - Crohn's Academic Scholarship::
UCB proudly offers 30 one-time scholarships of up to $10000 to people diagnosed with Crohn's disease who are entering college, are currently enrolled in
http://www.crohnsandme.com/thescoop/scholarship.aspHOME |
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