Alternative Crohn's Disease Therapies And Cam

Diet is not the only way to reverse, cure, and control symptoms of
Crohn's disease. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is
another method that many patients are finding effective in controlling
this ailment. CAMs are practices, systems and products that are not
considered part of conventional medicine, but rather are used in
conjunction with conventional Crohn's disease treatments to help ease
the system. One such therapy useful in treating and said by many to
cure Crohn's is probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms,
usually good bacteria that help rebuild a person's immune system.
These good bacteria can be types of organisms, yeast or algae, and are
available in different types of food supplements. Another CAM
treatment that can be used is acupuncture. The practitioner would
concentrate on the areas that are afflicted and use the needles in the
appropriate positions along the body. Other types of Crohn's disease
treatment include: behavioral therapy; hypnosis; meditation;
relaxation therapy; and biofeedback. The success of a CAM in helping
the symptoms also depends on how much a patient believes in the
therapy. A type of inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease
therapies continue to be explored in case studies and research labs in
hope to rid this chronic disorder of the digestive tract that can
affect everything from the mouth to the anus. The majority of patients
with Crohns disease have irritation of the intestines, a break down of
the microflora, usually focused in the smaller of the two. It can
affect the colon, although any part of the gastrointestinal tract can
be harmed. Doctor's have not yet been able to determine the exact
cause of Crohn's disease and are less open minded to alternative
therapies. Some things that may cause it can include a weakened immune
systems, genetics, and environmental hazards. There is a possibility
that the inflammatory bowel disease is part of the body's defense
mechanism. There are a number of symptoms that are associated with
Crohn's disease, ranging from mild to severe. They include diarrhea,
abdominal pain or cramping with fever, bleeding from the rectum, and
appetite and weight loss. Fatigue is also a common symptom and other
bodily organs can be affected. Children who develop Crohns may have
delayed growth and sexual development problems. Fistulas and fissures
in the body can also develop as a result from Crohns disease. There
are five types of Crohns disease and depending on which part of the
body is affected and the severity of the symptoms will determine how
severe a case a patient may have. Two often the more severe the case
of Crohn's the more patients seek out alternative Crohn's Disease
therapies when conventional medicine doesn't work. Because of the
nature of Crohn's disease, a proper diet and alternative medicine
therapies may go a long way to controlling the symptoms and severity
of each individual patients case and even provide a cure. Diets high
in protein (especially from oily fish such as salmon and tuna) help
fight the protein deficiency caused by diarrhea. Complex carbohydrates
found in vegetables and fruit provide needed fiber. Patients are
advised to drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine. Omega-3 fatty
acids and food rich in potassium should also be consumed as part of
the diet. If a patient is considering use a complementary and
alternative medicine to treat their symptoms of Crohns disease, they
need to discuss each option in detail with their primary care
physician. With a firm game plan in hand, may sufferers of this
debilitating condition can find relief from alternative therapies.
Published at: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=203046&ca=Medicines+and+Remedies