It is believed that nearly half a million Americans suffer from Crohn’s disease, a severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that usually affects the final part of the small intestine and the beginning section of the colon. Similar to other inflammatory bowel disease, like ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease is painful and debilitating and can develop fatal complications.

Since Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis share similar characteristics Crohn’s disease is sometimes misdiagnosed as ulcerative colitis. Both conditions can inflame the lining of the digestive, cause runny, bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, loss of appetite and weight loss. However, unlike ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease can affect the entire digestive tract and penetrate deep into the affected tissues.

Crohn’s disease symptoms usually include diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, bloody stools, intestinal ulcers and both appetite and weight loss.

While there are no known cures for Crohn’s disease there are therapies that may reduce the signs, severity and symptoms of the disease.

Nutritional supplements that may be useful

multivitamin
vitamin D
EPA and DHA

fish oil
Not withstanding the possible benefits of fish oil supplementation for individuals with Crohn’s disease, fish oil is not a cure for the disease.


Use of DHEA, especially in large amounts, should be supervised by a physician.

Herbs that may be useful

While there is no scientific evidence to support the use herbs for Crohn’s disease there are variety of herbs with anti-inflammatory properties that have been recommended by doctors. These include aloe juice, chamomile, licorice and yarrow.