Complementary therapies, like exercise and making sure you get enough of certain vitamins, might help support your overall health when you have Crohn’s disease and even ease some of your symptoms.
Some of these therapies, when used alongside the treatment plan your doctor has given you, could also help reduce the discomfort that comes with Crohn’s.
Before adding any new therapies to your routine, it’s important to talk to your doctor about them. Make sure to let them know about any vitamins or supplements you’re taking or thinking about trying—some might interact with your medications or cause side effects.
Keep reading to learn about complementary therapies that could help manage Crohn’s symptoms.
1. Vitamin Supplements
Crohn’s disease can make it harder for your body to absorb nutrients. Taking supplements might help with some of the vitamin and mineral deficiencies that come with Crohn’s.
- Iron: Some people with Crohn’s develop anemia because of blood loss from intestinal inflammation. Iron supplements (taken by mouth or through an IV) can help manage this.
- Vitamin D: If you have Crohn’s, you might want to try vitamin D supplements or safe sun exposure. Vitamin D helps your body use calcium and keeps your bones strong—both things Crohn’s can affect.
- Vitamin B12: Some people with Crohn’s have ileitis, which affects the part of the small intestine that absorbs B12. If that’s you, you might consider oral supplements, injections, or nasal spray, depending on how severe it is.
Always check with your doctor before starting any new supplement—they could interfere with medications you’re already taking.
“I’ve found that a gluten-free diet with minimal processed foods helps keep my Crohn’s symptoms under control. Foods that make me feel energized, strong, and keep my digestion happy are bone broth, avocado, simply prepared meats, and white rice—just to name a few of my favorites.”
— Alexa Federico
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2. Probiotics
Probiotics are good bacteria that help keep your gut balanced. They might also stop harmful bacteria from growing too much in your small intestine and causing digestive issues.
Research suggests probiotics could help people with Crohn’s stay in remission.
They’re generally safe and come in capsules, powders, or foods like:
- Yogurt
- Miso
- Tempeh
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
3. Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that’s been used as medicine in India for centuries. Thanks to curcumin, its main anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound, many people use it as a complementary treatment for Crohn’s. Some studies suggest it might help maintain remission.
You can take turmeric as a supplement, mixed with water, or sprinkled on food—though eating it this way might not give you enough curcumin for strong anti-inflammatory effects. Taking it with black pepper may help your body absorb more.
Turmeric is usually safe for people with Crohn’s, but it can sometimes cause bloating or diarrhea. Taking too much might lead to side effects.
4. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapy where thin needles are placed in the skin at specific points to stimulate healing.
While more research is needed, some evidence suggests it might help with mild Crohn’s disease. It could reduce inflammation and tissue damage by affecting cellular responses.
Side effects are usually mild (like slight bleeding or bruising), and it’s generally considered safe.
5. Mindfulness Techniques
Practicing mindfulness—like yoga and meditation—can also help with Crohn’s. Since stress and anxiety often make symptoms worse, these techniques might help prevent flare-ups.
- Yoga: You can find beginner classes at gyms, community centers, or online. If you prefer practicing at home, there are plenty of online videos.
- Meditation & Deep Breathing: You can try guided sessions online or through mindfulness apps.
These techniques can improve your quality of life, even when you’re not in a flare.
6. Exercise
Regular exercise is great for your overall health—and it might help with Crohn’s symptoms, too. It could improve bone strength and even lower the chance of some symptoms coming back.
Exercise might also boost IL-6, a gene that helps produce peptides involved in healing intestinal damage.
While most exercise is safe, some activities can worsen symptoms like:
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Diarrhea
Talk to your doctor before starting a new workout routine—they can suggest the best activities for you.
“Exercise has helped me massively. When I was first diagnosed, I couldn’t run for more than 18 seconds without rushing to the bathroom. But once I was in remission, I slowly started exercising again, and it’s done wonders for my body and mind—making me feel stronger and more in control.”
The Bottom Line
Some complementary therapies—like probiotics, exercise, and mindfulness—might help support your Crohn’s treatment and overall health.
But always check with your doctor before making big changes, especially with supplements, since they can cause side effects or interact with meds.
If a therapy makes your symptoms worse, stop and talk to your doctor.