IS THERE A CURE FOR CROHN’S DISEASE?

QI’ve been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease/irritable bowel disease. Is there a cure for this condition in Ayurveda?

AIs Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) an early form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) like Crohn’s disease? Are IBS and IBD part of spectrum of the same disease? These are doubts that are still continuing in medicine. IBS coexists in a considerable number of Crohn’s patients. Different intestinal diseases can produce similar symptoms.

IBS is a condition that produces some symptoms similar to those of IBD like Crohn’s, but they are not the same condition. IBS is classified as a functional gastrointestinal disorder; a group of symptoms. It commonly causes cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhoea and constipation.

Pain associated with IBS usually gets relieved by bowel movements. If you have IBS, the intestinal contractions may be stronger, which force food to pass through your intestines more quickly, causing gas, bloating and diarrhoea. People with IBS may also have other functional disorders such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pelvic pain, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.

IBS is a less serious condition as it does not produce the destructive inflammation, intestinal bleeding, severe diarrhoea and malnutrition and complications as seen in Crohn’s.

Meet an Ayurvedic doctor for a detailed analysis and prescription. In many cases, you can control irritable bowel syndrome by managing your diet, lifestyle and stress.

Dietary fibre can have mixed results. Avoid chocolate, caffeinated beverages such as coffee and sodas, and sugar-free sweeteners. Have fenugreek, pomegranate, curry leaves, turmeric and asparagus in your diet. Try low-fat foods; also eat small meals. Drink plenty of fluids and include nutritional supplements. Drink plenty of water each day; eat small meals more frequently.