Crohn's disease is a chronic disorder which can affect any area of the gastrointestinal tract. The disease has several characteristics. First, the disease tends to have periods of remission and activity. It has a wide range of symptoms--diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, fatigue, fever, weight loss, and slow growth amongst children. Complications can occur outside of the intestinal tract including--ulcers in the mouth or on the tongue, sore eyes, and stiff joints.

Crohn's disease causes inflammation of the intestines. The disease causes an unwelcome response from the immune system. It forces the immune system to react to harmless substances, like food, as if they were invading foreign objects. The immune system releases white blood cells into the lining of the intestines, which in turn causes intestinal inflammation. The cells then release a harmful product which leads to many of the symptoms of Crohn's disease.

Natural Treatment for Crohn's Disease

There is no known cure for Crohn's disease, and hence the goals of any treatments are to control inflammation, replenish nutrients, and manage symptoms. The principal purpose of natural treatment for Crohn's disease is the replenishment of lost nutrients. The symptoms of the disease tend to cause nutrient and mineral deficiencies in the patient. This is because symptoms, such as diarrhea, do not allow the body to efficiently absorb the required nutrients from food. Following a healthy diet, or in some instances nutritional supplements, can help replenish lost nutrients.

There are several natural substances which have shown promise towards controlling inflammation. Fish oil is known to have anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have shown, however, conflicting data as to how effective fish oil is in Crohn's patients. The herb boswellia is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects. A study of 102 Crohn's sufferers showed those who used boswellia experienced effects just as well as those taking the common drug mesalazine.