From frequently feeling fatigued to extra toilet breaks; experiencing variable bowel movements to even joint pains and skin rashes, Crohn’s disease can truly take a toll on health.

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is actually an autoimmune disease, where the body mistakenly attacks its own tissues, in this case, the digestive tract, causing inflammation and damage.

While Crohn’s disease may be a tad bit difficult to manage with conventional medicines, Homeopathic treatment can genuinely become a boon for those suffering from Crohn’s disease. Besides, a healthy diet can go a long way in managing symptoms and reducing inflammation. So, let’s talk about how you can fuel your body to deal with Crohn’s disease.

First of all, it’s important to note that Crohn’s disease affects people differently. Therefore, what works for one person may not work for another. However, there are some general guidelines that can help you maintain a healthy diet.

Foods to include:

• Lean protein: Chicken, fish, turkey, tofu, and eggs are excellent sources of protein that are easy to digest.
• Fruits and vegetables: These are packed with nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation. However, avoid raw fruits and vegetables, as they can be hard on your digestive system. Instead, try steaming, baking, or pureeing them.
• Gluten-free diet: Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. For people with Crohn’s disease, consuming gluten can lead to inflammation and worsen symptoms. And so going gluten-free can help in reducing inflammation, improving nutrient absorption, and promoting digestive health.
• Millets: The presence of a good amount of dietary fiber in millet works well to improve the digestive system function. It combats constipation, flatulence, bloating, and cramping and regularizes bowel function.
• Healthy fats: Avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil are all great sources of healthy fats that can help reduce inflammation.
• Vegan Diet: Vegan diet involves eliminating all animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey. A vegan diet again helps reduce inflammation, improve digestive health & also support the nutrient needs that include protein, iron, calcium, vitamin B12 & Vitamin D.

Foods to exclude:

• Dairy: Many people with Crohn’s disease have difficulty digesting lactose, the sugar found in milk and other dairy products. Therefore, avoiding dairy products or switching to lactose-free alternatives is best.
• Processed foods: These are often high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, which can exacerbate inflammation.
• Fried foods: Fried foods can be hard to digest and are high in unhealthy fats.

How to overcome a flare-up?

1. Choose lower fiber:  But only during a flare-up to reduce the amount of stool output. You may not always need a low-fiber diet. Avoid raw veggies and fruits.
2. Opt for lactose-free foods such as non-dairy milk alternatives, such as almond milk, soy milk, rice milk, and oat milk. Other lactose-free foods include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains such as rice and oats.
3. Decrease intake of concentrated sweets: Too much-concentrated sugar may make loose stool worse. Foods such as soda, regular sports drinks, candy, and even fruit juices can pull water into the intestine. Avoid that.
4. Decrease intake of alcohol: Alcohol may worsen symptoms, so it’s better avoided.
5. If you have strictures avoid nuts, seeds, beans, and corn kernels: A stricture is a narrowing of a section of the intestine that causes problems by slowing or blocking the movement of food through the area. These foods are likely to be hung up inside the stricture and not be able to pass through.
6. Incorporate omega-3s: Omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce inflammation. Chia seeds are one of your best sources during a flare-up.
7. Eat small, frequent meals: It can help to reduce symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.
8. If your appetite is decreased, consider liquid nutritional drinks

In the words of Hippocrates, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” By eating a healthy diet and taking care of your emotional well-being, you can help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

But let’s be honest, eating healthy all the time can be a real pain in the gut. So, indulge in some humor and enjoy the ride! As the great Julia Child once said, “The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook.” So go ahead and treat yourself to that steak (just make sure it’s lean and cooked properly!).

Apart from a healthy diet, here are some key self-care strategies to focus on every day that can help you manage your Crohn’s symptoms and feel in control of your well-being.

1. Get a good night’s sleep:
   1. Avoid caffeine for 8 hours prior to bedtime
   1. Engage in daily exercise
   1. Create a schedule and stick to it!
   1. Establish a consistent bedtime routine and unwind. Try reading a book, taking a bath, or journaling.
   1. Avoid using screens for an hour before bed
2. Physical Activity & Exercise
   1. Bicycling
   1. Yoga
   1. Walking/jogging
   1. Swimming
   1. Light weight training
3. Manage difficult emotions and stress management:

The gut, often referred to as the second brain, is home to trillions of living microbes that have many functions in the body, synthesizing neurotransmitters that send chemical messages to the brain to regulate sleep, pain, appetite, mood, and emotion. This intricate network of interactions between the gut and brain is formally called the gut-brain connection.

1. Meditation, Yogic practices, and stress reduction techniques can help in the long run to calm your turmoil, establish peace within, and helps you live in harmony with yourself and others.
   1. Consider seeing a counselor or a doctor who can help
   1. Engage yourself in creative activities, volunteering services and join a group of like-minded people
   1. Inner peace and happiness are they key to good physical health

• Consider Homeopathy treatment
  • Homeopathy is indeed one of the most effective, natural, and safest bets to treat autoimmune diseases such as Crohn’s Disease
  • Homeopathy can reduce the symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, and rectal bleeding.
  • Homeopathy can also treat the underlying psychosomatic causes which can be different in different cases.
  • At our Healing Harmony Homeopathic Clinic, we take pride in saying that we have treated a number of cases with Crohn’s disease and have helped them heal their digestive systems naturally.
  • Dr. Prajakta Vaidya and Dr. Preety Shah along with their team of doctors work closely with patients and address their needs and concerns. Their approach includes Homeopathic medicines along with other Integrated therapies like Meditations, Emotional release process, Zen healing, Yoga, and mindful eating.

In conclusion, managing Crohn’s disease requires a holistic approach, including a healthy diet and emotional well-being, and some magic of Homeopathy. So, eat well, stay stress-free, and don’t forget to laugh – it’s the best medicine!