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crohn’s treatments

Read and learn more about crohn’s treatments. For more, visit the Crohn’s Disease website DrCrohns.org

Q: Know any natural treatments for Crohn’s disease?
I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease about 10 years ago and have been on medication ever since. I’ve been wanting to try to wean myself off them by doing some natural/alternative treatments. Does anyone know any good, proven ones?
I have tried Remicade and Entocort. My doctor mentioned Humira but decided against it.

A: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AlqhwhbHVYtxg73Nhc6CSGzsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20090329214012AAPlSqX

Check out my question, I would copy and paste it for your convenience, but there is too much info there. I know of multiple all natural substances which can be used and are cheap and effective.

Hey Travis, I wanted to make sure that you looked at my information because I care about your health so putting a link probably wasn’t sufficient. I’ve studied Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis for some time, to tell you the truth I have no social life whatsoever, I have OCD and social anxiety so I spend quite a bit of time immersed in research. The reason why mainstream medicine isn’t finding the cause of Crohn’s is because there are multiple causes, but the main underlying issue is usually if not always an autoimmune one.

The “immune system uses the lethal effects of oxidants by making production of oxidizing species a central part of its mechanism of KILLING PATHOGENS (wheat is a pathogen if you do not have the proper enzymes to digest it). Although the use of these highly reactive compounds in the cytotoxic response of phagocytes CAUSES DAMAGE TO HOST TISSUE, the non-specificity of these oxidants is an advantage since they will damage almost every part of their target cell. This prevents a pathogen from escaping this part of immune response by mutation of a single molecular target.

So in order to prevent pathogens from multiplying, the body attacks with a non-specific response which will damage target cells AND EVEN YOUR OWN TISSUE, for most people this is very small damage. In most people there is an enzyme which digests wheat, but if you don’t have this enzyme then your body will attack the wheat because it is treated as a pathogen.

DMSO and melatonin are all natural antioxidants which can freely move through any membranes, so using these substances neutralizes a lot of the oxidative damage but since a deficiency in the processing of wheat is a problem it’s best if you stop eating wheat and gluten which is in almost all packaged foods. I have pages of references to support this hypotheses, and the website I’ve added as a source goes into the process I described with more details. Melatonin makes you sleepy, and resets your biological clock in a way, so it’s best if you take this 30 mintues before you go to sleep like my brother who has Crohn’s.

Q: Has anybody been getting Remicade treatments for Crohn’s disease, but it is not working?
I have had three infusions and I feel nothing. Others have suggested that this has been a wonder of a drug for them.

A: Jasper,

I had remicade infusions for 7 years and in the beginning they worked really well for me but then they lost their effectiveness. From what I understand, it is a miracle medication for some but doesn’t help in the least for others. If it is not working for you, you could discuss the possibility of doing self injections of Humira. I know a few people who did terrible on the remicade but had great results with the Humira. For me the Humira didn’t work either but I hope that you find something that works for you. If you would like to discuss CD further just give me your yahoo messenger or email and I will get in touch with you. I have had CD for 14yrs and I am very knowledgeable about all the meds since I have been on them. :0) Best of luck with the CD, it is not an easy disease to live with.

Q: Natural treatments for Crohn’s disease?
I’ve heard about taking peppermint oil capsules to alleviate stomach cramping and pain, and omega 3 fish oil to reduce inflammation of the intestines, but does anyone with Crohn’s know of/use any other types of natural treatments to alleviate any symptoms?
thank you Iixiois, that was entirely not the answer i was looking for.

A: Other things that are helpful are:

1. Curcumin – This is an extract found in turmeric which has anti-inflammatory properties. You can put turmeric into most cooked foods. Studies have shown that adding a bit of white pepper can increase the effectiveness of turmeric by 2000%. The scientific explanation is that TNF-alpha elevation is part of the inflammatory process involved in the pathogenesis of Crohn’s Disease. Curcumin, a flavonoid from Curcuma longa (turmeric) is a known inhibitor of TNF-alpha. An in vitro study found TNF-alpha increased intestinal permeability and curcumin inhibited the NFkappaB- induced-TNF-alpha-stimulated increase in intestinal permeability. Curcumin inhibits several of the cytokines and genes involved in the pathogenesis of Crohn’s Disease.

2. Combined prebiotic/probiotic therapy – One study using probiotics (75 billion colony forming units [CFU] daily) and prebiotics (psyllium 10 g daily) showed that high-dose probiotic and prebiotic co-therapy can be safely and effectively used for the treatment of active Crohn’s disease.

3. Herbal medicines – boswellia serrata and berberine have been proven effective in Chrohn’s treatment as well. Berberine is an active constituent of several botanicals, including goldenseal, Oregon grape, Coptis, and barberry

Once you are already suffering from a flare-up, there are certain foods to avoid until you are feeling better. They include: alcohol (mixed drinks, beer, wine), butter, mayonnaise, margarine, oils, carbonated beverages, coffee, tea, chocolate, corn husks, dairy products (if lactose intolerant), fatty foods (fried foods), foods high in fiber, gas-producing foods (lentils, beans, legumes, cabbage, broccoli, onions), nuts and seeds (peanut butter, other nut butters), raw fruits, raw vegetables
red meat and pork, spicy foods, whole grains and bran.

Good luck.

Q: Are there any new treatments for Crohn’s disease?

A: There are several new therapies currently being tested in clinical trials. The FDA recently ok’d the return to testing for Elan/Biogen Idec’s monoclonal antibody called Tysabri. The preliminary findings were very positive. Treatment in these trials is provided free of charge. To find clinical trials for any disease state go to one of the following sites:
www.clinicaltrials.gov OR www.centerwatch.org

These list trials by disease and location so you can find a doc in your area that can work with you.

Q: are their known natural treatments for Crohn’s disease?

A: Boswalla is an herb that has been shown to be effective in GI disturbances such as Crohn’s or IRS. THere is evidence based medical proof of its efficacy, although it is not marketed very well since herbs are not regulated like drugs are int he US. BE CAREFUL of trying this without consulting your physician.

Q: treatments for crohn’s disease?
Anyone using 6-MP for the treatment of Crohn’s and if so how does it work for you?

A: I took it for about two years. It took a long time to work. It worked to a certain degree but lowered my immune system tremendously. Every cough and sneeze I would catch for people around me.
Once I got better, I tried more holistic approach to Crohns treatments.
You can read about Crohns treatments and medications:

http://www.journey-with-crohns-disease.com/crohns-disease-treatment.html

All the best to you

Q: Are hookworms an effective treatment for Crohn’s disease ? If so is the therapy available in the USA ?
What countries is it available in ?

A: Oh, my goodness! Yuck! I looked it up, and yes, there are studies showing that hookworm can be effective treatment of Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma and various other immune disorders. What a shocking discovery, but I don’t know if I could expose myself to it. I just typed your question in my search engine and found it. The lady I read about went to Africa and went barefoot. They can also cause undesirable side effects such as anemia. Thanks for an interesting question that made me curious enough to look it up. I learned something new today, because of you and it is a good thing to learn new things at my age.

Q: Does anyone have information on the use of injectable methotrexate for treatment of Crohn’s Disease?
My 15-year-old daughter is experiencing a severe Crohn’s Disease flare-up that has been resistant to several in- and out-patient medical therapies. Her G.I. doc now wants to try weekly, injectable methotrexate. Any information you can share? Thank you.

A: Methotrexate belongs to the class of drugs known as anti-metabolites. Antimetabolites impede the body’s natural chemical processes, such as DNA production and cell division. They are helpful in cancer treatments. The FDA is approving cancer treatments for Autoimmune Diseases such as Crohn’s. If you’re uncomfortable giving her a shot they do it in infusions. Before doing this, did your gastro say anything about Remicade or Humira? I have Crohn’s Disease and I’m on Remicade. If she is on 6 MP (Imuran) do not do this new drug. As you know she can only take Tylenol…that is about the basic that I can tell you off hand. I’m sorry she is in a flare, they’re trying to get mine back into remission and I hope they do the same for her. Good luck.

Pharmacy & Vet Tech/Crohnie

Q: Treatment for Crohn’s Disease?
My boyfriend’s mother has crohn’s disease and she has had some problems with it. She recently took a vacation to visit us (12 hrs away), and the day she got back home she went to the hospital for chemotherapy treatments. She told my b/f that it was nothing to worry about that it was just treatment for her crohn’s. I don’t know much about crohn’s/treatments, but I have never heard of chemotherapy as a form of treatment for this disease. She has lied to him once before when she was having renal failure and she told him that it was just a simple kidney infection. Is chemotherapy a treatment used for crohn’s disease?

A: i think so. theorpy means cure.

Q: I am uninsured, have crohn’s disease, not taking meds, no surgeries in 12 years. I can’t find insurance.
I haven’t had any Crohn’s treatment for the past two years, no problems. How can I find a provider that will not disciminate against pre-existing conditions?

A: i think you’ll need to get a job that provides insurance.
good luck.

Q: Alternative medicine for Crohn’s Diesase treatment?
Do any of you know of or have tried effective alternative treatments for Crohn’s disease? Please be as specific as possible – I am looking for things that will help. Thanks

A: L-Glutamine, an amino acid that is the main source of energy for the mucosal cells that line the intestines, and helps them heal. Dosage is adjusted for each patient. The common dose range is 6 to 25 grams divided into 3 doses per day, 30 minutes before meals. Glutamine may increase T-cell attack in Crohn’s disease. In the Crohn’s patient glutamine may also be metabolized into citrulline, which is converted to arginine, a substrate for nitric oxide sythesis. Excessive nitric oxide has been shown to contribute to tissue injury and inflammation in Crohn’s disease. L-glutamine seems to be effective in ulcerative colitis.

A clinical study of ulcerative colitis patients demonstrated that feeding 30 g daily of glutamine-rich germinated barley foodstuff (GBF) for four weeks resulted in significant clinical and endoscopic improvement, independent of disease state. Disease exacerbation returned when GBF treatment was discontinued.

It has also been suggested that cabbage juice consumption may provide benefit to patients with gastric ulcers and gastritis, by virtue of its high glutamine content.

Q: Has anyone tried Dr. Ray Lala’s healing mineral treatment for Crohn’s disease/Ulcerative Colitis?
While I will appreciate other remedies, I am specifically looking for results from the Dr. Lala treatment.

A: hi sm, I am a crohn’s pt. for over 20 yrs. Have you checked out the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s site for information?

They have tons of stuff ranging from diet, newer treatments to put pts. in remission faster, locating a local support chapter, as well as a live chat, a hotline, and an open forum where you can post questions to others who have IBD.

If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. There are so many scams out there which will take our hard earned $$$ by offering false promises of a cure.

When a cure is found for IBD, I am sure it will hit the newpapers first as well as our GIs.

good luck to you.

Q: Do you have Crohn’s Disease or know of anyone that does??
I need to know some treatments for Crohn’s Disease or anything that is helpful to understand more about Crohn’s. I’m really confused because my brother has Crohn’s and he is extremely sick. I’m really scared because of his condition. Please help!! Anything is helpful!!

A: hi tina, i am a female crohn’s pt. dxed at the age of 12. I’ve had it for 23 yrs.

Have you checked out the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s website? They have tons of information ranging from how to treat it, diet, coping skills, surgery, how it’s dxed, to locating a local support chapter near you to educate pts. as well as their family/friends about IBD (inflammatory bowel disease).

They have a hotline as well as a live chat that is run by healthcare experts who are well versed in IBD. There is also a forum where anyone w/IBD or who has a family member with it can ask questions to others in the same situation.

Is your brother a candidate for the newer treatments like Remicade, Entocort, Humira, 6MP, Imuran, or Methotrexate? These are the meds most GIs are using seeing as steroids have serious side effects after being on them for a long time. Have him ask for pain medication such as Demerol, Tylenol 3, Darvocet as well as something for stomach spasms like Bentyl. He is entitled to be made comfortable until his CD gets into remission.

Feel free to email me if you have questions. I’ve been an active CCFA member for over 15 yrs. I wish your brother a speedy remission.

Q: For treatment of Crohn’s Disease (vs. Ulerative Colitis), do you recommend Prednisone or Entocort?
Since Crohn’s affects the whole digestive system (rather than the more localized areas in UC), I was wondering if any of you CD patients have had better (or at least adequate) flare treatment on Entocort, rather than on Prednisone. I’d love it if my daughter with CD could be treated with something other than Prednisone… Thank you.

A: I’ve had CD for about 10 years now. I was put on Entocort about a year and a half ago, and i love it! I have only had 2 flares since i’ve started taking it, and only had to be hospitalized for one. When the flares get acute, my doc puts me on the prednisone along with the entocort, but thats usually just for a two week period till everything calms down. As far as using Entocort for maintanence, i can’t say anything bad about it – I love it, its like a miracle drug to me!

Q: what is the best treatment for Crohn’s?
I have crohn’s and have trouble…pain and other symptoms, what can I do other than watch what I eat and take drugs??? (prescription drugs) I am just not well….please help.

A: hi big, I am a crohn’s pt. myself for over 20 yrs.

If you check out the crohn’s & colitis foundation’s site, they have an open forum where you can post questions to those who have CD, use their live chat and hotline run by healthcare experts, look up information on the latest treatments–Remicade infusions, Humira shots, Entocort capsules, pain mgt., diet, latest surgical techniques, finding a local CCFA support chapter near you, etc.

I am on pain mgt. for a hernia, Entocort to keep things under control for over 5 yrs., had Remicade and Humira a few yrs. ago, attend the local support chapters to meet drug reps, dieticians, local GIs, and to get information on which hospitals and MDs to avoid when treating a flare up.

You have that right as a patient to be made comfortable when in pain. Ask your GI or primary care MD for Darvocet, Percocet, etc. as well as a muscle relaxer, and an antispasmatic like bentyl for the stomach spasms.

I feel for you. Definitely check out CCFA and post on their forum. Family members are welcome at CCFA’s site and local meetings to educate themselves on what we go through.

I hope you feel better.

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