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Breaking down the top 5 supplements for Crohn's

Probiotics and Crohn’s – partners against GI distress

Did you ever wonder why they are called probiotics? Is it because they offer a lot of pros to people who supplement their diets with them? While there is no doubt probiotics are beneficial in maintaining a healthy gut, what do they do to help control the unpleasant GI tract issues associated with Crohn’s? 

Digestive problems are par for the course with Crohn’s. Let us break it down for you: gas, bloating, cramping, diarrhea or constipation. It totally messes with your microbiome, making it hard for your digestive tract to function properly. Research points to the fact that probiotics can help ease the many symptoms of Crohn’s when included in a daily regimen. Not only do probiotics get things balanced in your GI, but they also fight inflammation and immune system anomalies, two other issues associated with Crohn’s. Why is this important? Inflammation causes systemic pain in our bodies, and inflammation is triggered by our immune systems when they feel like the body is being “attacked.” Quality probiotics increase the intestine’s barrier function and cytokines – anti-inflammatory compounds found in the GI tract. Choosing a probiotic that also includes prebiotics to help breakdown foods before digestion is the best option for success. 

 

Turmeric and Crohn’s – going down in flames

Turmeric contains a compound known as curcumin. It may be a little difficult to pronounce, but it is extremely effective against Crohn’s Disease. It helps combat inflammation and pain in the body – two things that go hand-in-hand when you are living with Crohn’s. 

What will taking a turmeric supplement do for your Crohn’s? Let us discuss the pros and cons of this amazing yellowish-orange spice. Researchers already know turmeric impacts human cells by reducing their ability to produce an inflammatory response in our bodies. Why is this important? Since Crohn’s is aggravated by inflammation, it makes sense that turmeric can help those living with this chronic condition because it is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Researchers also believe turmeric can reduce symptom severity during flare-ups and help with periods of remission. Best of all, most people tolerate turmeric well, so the likelihood of adverse effects is slim to none. It does not upset the delicate balance of bacteria in your gut, which is important when dealing with a GI tract condition. If your gut microbiome it out of whack, you guessed it…inflammation can result. One of the only downsides to turmeric is it is not recommended for people prone to kidney stones or other gallbladder issues, or those with diabetes or taking blood thinners for other health conditions. 

 

Boswellia Extract and Crohn’s – acid is the name of the game

Boswellia extract is packed with four acids researchers consider game changers when it comes to fighting the ill effects of Crohn’s. All four acids are extremely powerful and work collaboratively to reduce inflammation and irritation of the GI tract. 

We already know Boswellia is a great anti-inflammatory, but what does that have to do with fighting Crohn’s? Absolutely everything. Researchers believe the Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) in Boswellia is so strong that it rivals the effects of prescription anti-inflammatories. Studies support the fact that 70 percent of people with Crohn’s who include Boswellia extract in their daily diets achieve remission. Continuing to take Boswellia after achieving remission can help suppress new flare-ups.

Boswellia has been found to protect the integrity of the colonic mucosal lining from the damage Crohn’s can cause. Not only is Boswellia great for reducing inflammation, but it also can reduce pain without increasing the risk for ulcers. When you are managing Crohn’s, reducing pain and inflammation are two of the most important things you can do. It is important to note that you should not take Boswellia extra for more than eight consecutive weeks. Consult your physician before starting, as it may interact with some prescription medications. 

 

Psyllium Husk and Crohn’s – more than just your average laxative

Psyllium is just a fancy name for a form of fiber that comes from the Plantago ovata plant’s seeds. It gained popularity as a bulk-forming laxative, but it does offer other benefits for the heart and pancreas. 

So, you are probably wondering why you need to include this lavish-sounding supplement into your daily regimen for combatting Crohn’s, right? When you are living with Crohn’s disease, the common inflammation can cause backups in your plumbing. The result is constipation followed by painful bowel movements. Psyllium husk earns the nickname “colon cleanser” for its ability to keep your GI tract in working order. It is more than just your average laxative. Its high fiber content can reduce flare-ups, making it more effective than other products designed to relieve constipation and regulate the GI tract. The other plus is it is safe and gentle for use by most everyone, with little to no side effects. Fiber in your diet is healthy and necessary. But you just have to be careful you are not overdoing it with the fiber, as too much of a good thing can send your body from constipation to diarrhea mode in a hurry. 

 

Aloe Vera – saying goodbye to the pain and “aloe” to relief

Aloe Vera is a miracle medicinal plant, soothing everything from burns to inflammation in the GI tract. When you’re living with Crohn’s, you know all about GI “distress.” Wouldn’t it be nice if there was an easy way to help relieve it? Just add some Aloe Vera to your daily diet to ease the nasty symptoms associated with Crohn’s. 

What is it about this magical plant that works so well in combatting the GI issues associated with mild to moderate Crohn’s? For starters, aloe vera plants contain salicylic acid, a soothing anti-inflammatory. They also have glycoproteins that act as analgesics to help reduce both pain and inflammation. If you deal with bouts of constipation and painful bowel movements, aloe vera has natural detoxifying abilities and can improve bowel regularity. Just be careful you do not drink too much. Balance is important when combating the irritating symptoms of Crohn’s. Overdoing it with the aloe vera can cause diarrhea. Consuming too much aloe vera also can speed up your immune system, which has its own set of issues, including encouraging your body to “attack” the “invaders,” which causes inflammation. The goal of treating Crohn’s is to reduce inflammation in the bowel and GI tract.

 

 

Written by: CureRate

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