Here are the most popular Crohn’s treatments.
Treating Crohn’s disease involves a mix of approaches to help manage symptoms and maintain remission. When considering popular Crohn’s treatments, medications are often the first line of defense, including anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system suppressors, and antibiotics to control inflammation and prevent flare-ups. Some people find relief with biologics, which target specific parts of the immune system. Since certain foods can trigger symptoms, working with a dietitian to identify and avoid those triggers can be really helpful. Lifestyle changes, like stress management and regular exercise, can also make a difference.
1
Vitamin D
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10
Vitamin D is essential for immune function and gut health. Supplementation may help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of Crohn’s disease, especially in individuals with vitamin D deficiency.
2
Iron
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3
Iron supplements are often recommended for Crohn's patients with anemia caused by chronic blood loss or malabsorption, helping to restore iron levels and prevent fatigue.
3
High fiber diet
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35
A high fiber diet may help regulate bowel movements and improve gut health for some individuals with Crohn’s disease. However, it should be introduced gradually and monitored closely, as fiber may worsen symptoms for others.
4
Aloe vera
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26
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe the digestive tract and reduce symptoms of Crohn’s disease, particularly during flare-ups.
5
Nutritional supplements
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28
Nutritional supplements can help fill dietary gaps and ensure adequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals, especially when Crohn’s disease interferes with nutrient absorption.
6
Budesonide (oral)
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36
Budesonide is a corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation in the intestines, helping to control flare-ups of Crohn’s disease with fewer systemic side effects than traditional steroids.
7
Low fiber diet
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33
A low fiber diet may be recommended during flare-ups to reduce irritation in the digestive tract, limiting foods that are hard to digest or may exacerbate symptoms.
8
Probiotics
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19
Probiotics can help restore the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut, promoting digestive health and potentially reducing inflammation and flare-ups in Crohn's patients.
9
Specific Carbohydrate Diet
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57
The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) eliminates certain carbohydrates to reduce gut inflammation, improve gut health, and minimize symptoms in some individuals with Crohn's disease.
10
Mesalazine (Asacol)
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18
Mesalazine is an anti-inflammatory drug commonly used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s, targeting the intestines to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
11
Psyllium husk fiber
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22
Psyllium husk is a source of soluble fiber that can help regulate bowel movements and improve stool consistency, although it should be used cautiously in Crohn’s patients.
12
Medical cannabis
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39
Medical cannabis may help manage pain, nausea, and inflammation associated with Crohn’s disease. Some studies suggest it can provide relief from symptoms and improve quality of life.
13
Lialda
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23
Lialda is an oral medication that contains mesalamine and is used to treat inflammation in the intestines, helping to control flare-ups and maintain remission in Crohn’s disease.
14
Chiropractic therapy
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29
Chiropractic therapy may help manage pain and improve gut function by addressing musculoskeletal issues, although its use in Crohn’s treatment is more adjunctive.
15
Steroids
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23
Steroids like prednisone are used to reduce inflammation during severe flare-ups of Crohn’s disease, although they are typically prescribed for short periods due to side effects.
16
Remicade
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4
Remicade (infliximab) is a biologic medication that targets specific molecules involved in inflammation, helping to manage moderate to severe Crohn’s disease and induce remission.
17
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
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25
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help individuals manage stress and anxiety associated with Crohn’s disease, potentially reducing flare-ups and improving emotional well-being.
18
Small meals
93
17
Eating small, frequent meals can ease digestion and reduce the burden on the gut, preventing large meals from triggering symptoms of Crohn’s disease.
19
Low-residue diet
71
5
A low-residue diet reduces the amount of undigested food in the intestines, helping to manage flare-ups and decrease symptoms like diarrhea and cramping in Crohn’s patients.
20
Xifaxan
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17
Xifaxan is an antibiotic that may help control infections and reduce inflammation in the intestines, commonly used in patients with Crohn’s disease experiencing bacterial overgrowth.
21
Massage therapy
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30
Massage therapy may help alleviate stress, reduce pain, and improve circulation, potentially providing relief for some Crohn's patients, especially those with abdominal discomfort.
22
Melatonin
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23
Melatonin, known for regulating sleep, may also help reduce inflammation and promote gut health, improving symptoms in some individuals with Crohn’s disease.
23
Humira
52
3
Humira (adalimumab) is a biologic drug that targets specific immune system proteins involved in inflammation, commonly used to manage moderate to severe Crohn’s disease.
24
Xanax
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27
Xanax (alprazolam), an anti-anxiety medication, may be prescribed to help manage the stress and anxiety that can exacerbate Crohn’s disease symptoms.
25
Cod liver oil
53
6
Cod liver oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. It may help reduce gut inflammation and manage Crohn’s disease flare-ups.
26
Naproxen
58
13
Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, but it should be avoided in Crohn’s disease as it can irritate the digestive tract and worsen symptoms.
27
Keto diet
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18
The ketogenic (keto) diet, which is low in carbohydrates and high in fats, may help some individuals manage Crohn’s disease by reducing inflammation and improving gut health.
28
Active lifestyle
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12
Regular physical activity can improve overall health, reduce stress, and promote better digestion, potentially helping to manage Crohn’s disease symptoms.
29
Salazopyrin
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31
Salazopyrin (sulfasalazine) is a medication that reduces inflammation in the intestines and is commonly used to treat Crohn’s disease, especially when other medications are not effective.
30
Entocort
38
2
Entocort is a corticosteroid designed to specifically target the intestines, reducing inflammation and flare-ups in Crohn’s disease with a lower risk of systemic side effects.
31
J-Pouch
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18
A J-pouch is a surgical procedure in which a new pouch is created from the small intestine to collect waste after the colon is removed. It can help some individuals with severe Crohn's disease.
32
Site-Specific Immunomodulator
46
13
Site-specific immunomodulators are designed to target specific immune responses in the intestines, potentially reducing inflammation and managing Crohn’s disease more effectively.
33
Homeopathics
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25
Homeopathic treatments are based on the principle of using highly diluted substances to stimulate healing. Some Crohn’s patients use homeopathics as complementary therapies.
34
Whole foods diet
37
4
A whole foods diet emphasizes the consumption of natural, minimally processed foods, providing essential nutrients while avoiding irritants that can trigger Crohn’s symptoms.
35
Reduce stress
42
9
Reducing stress through relaxation techniques, meditation, or therapy can help lower the risk of Crohn’s disease flare-ups by decreasing the impact of stress on the immune system.
36
Pentassa
36
5
Pentassa (mesalamine) is a medication that helps reduce inflammation in the intestines and is commonly used in the treatment of Crohn’s disease to induce and maintain remission.
37
Rowasa
39
10
Rowasa is a medication containing mesalamine that is administered rectally to reduce inflammation in the colon, used in some cases of Crohn’s disease involving the lower digestive tract.
38
Infliximab
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24
Infliximab is a biologic drug that works by targeting and neutralizing specific inflammatory molecules in the immune system, providing effective treatment for moderate to severe Crohn’s disease.
39
Gluten-free diet
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6
A gluten-free diet may help some individuals with Crohn’s disease by reducing inflammation and gut irritation caused by gluten intolerance or sensitivity.
40
Paleo diet
24
3
The paleo diet, which excludes processed foods, grains, and dairy, may help reduce inflammation and manage symptoms in some individuals with Crohn's disease.
41
Turmeric
27
6
Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound, which may help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms in individuals with Crohn’s disease.
42
Chinese herbs
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27
Traditional Chinese herbs, such as ginseng and licorice root, are sometimes used to promote digestive health and reduce inflammation in Crohn’s disease.
43
Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)
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3
Low Dose Naltrexone is an off-label treatment that may help modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, offering relief for some Crohn’s patients.
44
Acupuncture
27
12
Acupuncture is a complementary therapy that may help relieve pain, reduce stress, and improve gut health by stimulating specific points on the body.
45
Ayurvedic herbs
21
7
Ayurvedic herbs, such as ashwagandha and turmeric, are used in traditional Indian medicine to reduce inflammation, promote gut health, and manage Crohn’s disease symptoms.
46
Physical therapy
23
12
Physical therapy can help manage joint pain, improve mobility, and alleviate some of the physical symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, especially in cases with arthritis.