Should I Take Nutritional Supplements For Crohn's Disease?

by Jeff Foster
Nutritional supplements for Crohn's disease have been widely discussed for many years.

Treatment plans vary from patient to patient based on the severity of the disease. Characterized by incredibly severe and chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, Crohn's disease is a chronic disorder which most often invades the lower part of the small intestine.

The severe inflammation associated with this disease can often lead to ulceration of the lining of the intestine.

Treatment for Crohn's disease must be consistent and aggressive to try to prevent long-term complications such as an intestinal blockage.

A discussion with your physician about whether nutritional supplements for Crohn's disease would be appropriate for you is a critical discussion.

It is very important that you remember you must not take any nutritional supplements for Crohn's disease without first having an in depth discussion with your health care provider. Many nutritional supplements can interact adversely with prescription medications you are taking for the management of your disease.

Many on the drugs typically prescribed for Crohn's disease interfere with the body's normal metabolism. This interference can lead to nutritional deficiencies.

Many battling Crohn's disease are found to be lacking in zinc, vitamins D and C, calcium, vitamin B6, folic acid, potassium, and magnesium. This deficiency can often be resolved by simply taking a complex multivitamin each day.

Some nutritional supplements are designed to reduce inflammation and improve the digestion of protein. One of these supplements, known as Bromelain, is an enzyme derived from pineapple. Healthcare providers often suggest ingesting 500 mg three times a day for the most benefit.

Some research studies indicate that fish oil supplements can help patients suffering with Crohn's disease to stay symptom-free. 1000 mg taken three times a day for two weeks, followed by 2000 mg three times a day for six weeks seem to be helpful to reduce symptoms.

When choosing a fish oil supplement be sure to choose an enteric-coated supplement since this will keep the capsule from dissolving until it gets into the intestinal tract itself.

Another nutritional supplement for Crohn's disease that has shown promise is a probiotic supplement. The supplement contains either acidophilus, bifidobacteria, or colostrums.

These very friendly bacteria help us to keep a healthy gastrointestinal tract and are an important part of an overall healthy lifestyle. There are studies which show evidence that probiotics can help the body effectively battle Crohn's disease.

Nutritional supplements for Crohn's disease seem to be gaining more and more proponents as more studies point to their benefits. It is important for you to discuss this option with your healthcare provider before you undertake the addition of nutritional supplements on your own.

Perhaps nutritional supplements for Crohn's disease might be the missing link in your overall treatment plan.