Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that typically affects the end of the small intestine and beginning of the colon, but can occur anywhere in the digestive system. Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease include:
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
The incidence of Crohn’s is equal among men and women, but the prevalence is higher in those of Northern European and Anglo-Saxon descent. Onset usually occurs between 14-24 years of age. Medical treatment is aimed at reducing inflammation and relieving symptoms. Some examples include: antidiarrheal drugs, aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, biologics, surgery. Conversely, Naturopathic medicine seeks to identify the underlying trigger(s) that promote immune dysregulation and inflammation. The natural treatments applied include:
- Acupuncture and Asian medicine
- Botanical medicine
- Diet counselling, including the identification and elimination of dietary triggers
- Hydrotherapy
- Lifestyle counselling
- Nutraceuticals, including supplements to heal the digestive system
The duration of treatment will vary based on the complexity of the case, but generally it is advised that patients commit 3 months to healing the digestive system, balancing the immune system and developing tools for prevention. Overall, Naturopathic treatment will help to reduce pain, expedite healing, reduce reliance on medication, and reduce the number and severity of flares.