Two million people in North America and 95,000 in the United Kingdom are affected by Crohn’s disease. Causes and cures are unknown but some scientists believe it is related to an auto-immune response while others think it is a low stomach acid response. Complications can result in arthritis and inflammation in the eyes and are not restricted to the intestines.

Patients can be in remission without symptoms and at times they can experience relapses with symptom flare ups. You can avoid your flare up triggers but you must understand what they are as these triggers can vary between individuals. Natural remedies are used by many Crohn’s disease sufferers to avoid having to take drugs or because medications are expensive. The chance of a relapse occurring can be reduced if natural remedies are used.

Successful treatment is dependant upon a good diet taken alongside natural remedies. Yeast, wheat and milk should be avoided as this can bring relief to many sufferers of this disease. Research shows that proper intakes of Omega-6 fatty acids (sesame seed, corn oil) and Omega-3 fatty acids (Flaxseed oil, oily fish such as trout and salmon) lessens the risk of developing Crohn’s disease and improve chances of attaining remission.

If taken daily (initially one teaspoon, steadily increasing it to one tablespoon), the anti-inflammatory properties of hemp oil, a well balanced oil which contains Omega-3, 6, and 9, are effective in reducing inflammatory processes. Taking steroid and antibiotics can destroy the good bacteria in the alimentary tract and cause candida, a fungal infection. Usually occurring as harmless yeast in the bowel, an overgrowth of Candida can spread in the blood and cause low energy levels in those with compromised immune systems.

Wormwood and Zell Oxygen are two types of natural remedies, available from health food stores (for both Candida overgrowth and Crohn’s disease). If an individual is in remission, a diet, high in natural fiber should be taken and for those experiencing symptoms, a low residue, low fat diet is recommended. As they promote self healing in the body, proper nutrients are important in helping the intestines recover from inflammatory responses. This means that pain and diarrhea are more common and complications are more likely to occur. Abiding by a nutritious and well-balanced diet is extremely important. Crohn’s disease, as well as other inflammatory bowel disease, sufferers should steer clear of processed and high fat foods, caffeine and milk if they want to stay healthy.