Inflammatory Bowel Disease (+ 7 Natural Ways to Help Relieve IBD Symptoms)

Evidence Based

By Katherine Brind'Amour, PhD, MS

June 5, 2018

Inflammatory bowel disease is chronic inflammation (swelling and irritation) of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The two main diseases that fall in this category are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Both of these conditions are caused by an abnormal response from your body’s immune system, where your system attacks your own tissue.

Inflammatory bowel disease shares symptoms with many other conditions, such as celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, those two diagnoses are not considered inflammatory bowel diseases.

Lifestyle strategies and natural therapies may help relieve symptoms for people with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Together with conventional medicine, many people can find relief for their symptoms and even get into remission — time periods without symptoms.

What Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is used to describe conditions that cause long-term inflammation in the digestive tract. The two main diseases that fall in this category are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis: (1)

• Crohn’s disease involves inflammation throughout the digestive tract, including the large and small intestines. The damage often happens in patches rather than affecting the entire tract. However, it can impact multiple layers of tissue in the intestines.


• Ulcerative colitis impacts just the large intestine, called the colon. The damaged tissue usually affects the entire colon in a continuous stretch, causing colon pain and inflammation of the colon. In most cases it only causes inflammation in the innermost lining of the colon. It can also cause symptoms in the rectum.

Other less common diseases also fall under the umbrella term of inflammatory bowel diseases. These include: (2)

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• Microscopic colitis


• Behcet’s disease


• Lymphocyte colitis


• Collagenous colitis


• Diverticulosis-associated colitis

Inflammatory bowel diseases affect about 1.6 million Americans. (3) Unfortunately, there is no cure for IBD. The condition will flare up at times and at other times have no symptoms (remission). However, with treatment, most people can keep the disease under control so that they do not develop complications.

Complications of IBD can include: (2)

Is IBD a disability?

Depending on the severity of your symptoms and the impact of the disease on your ability to work, IBD may qualify as a disability. This may mean you can get disability income from the government. For some people, this can replace income lost by not being able to work full-time or at all. However, you will need the support of your physician and it requires time and paperwork to obtain approval. The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America offers a sample disability appeal letter that you can submit with the support of your doctor. (4)

Signs and Symptoms

Inflammatory bowel disease causes a wide range of symptoms. These may vary by the exact diagnosis and the severity of your disease. In general, inflammatory bowel disease symptoms include: (1, 5)

• Diarrhea for a long period of time


• Belly pain


• Cramping


• Bleeding from the rectum or blood in your stools


• Poor appetite


• Unintended weight loss


• Fatigue or lack of energy


• Fever


• Urgency for bowel movements

For a diagnosis, physicians will look for some key IBD signs, including the location and degree of tissue inflammation. Inflammatory bowel disease diagnosis will be done through endoscopy, colonoscopy and imaging tests, such as MRI, computed tomography (CT) or contrast radiography. Together with blood tests and stool samples, these imaging tests should help you get an accurate diagnosis.

People with inflammatory bowel disease may also have other symptoms or complications specific to their disease. IBD symptoms for people with complicated Crohn’s disease can include: (5)

• Bowel obstruction (swelling that causes a blockage in the bowels, which may need surgery to fix)


• Anal fissures (a tear in the skin of the anus)


• Malnutrition


• Ulcers


• Fistulas (when an ulcer goes through the wall of the intestine)

People with ulcerative colitis may also experience complications. Some of these include: (2, 5)

• Toxic megacolon (when the colon suddenly swells and gets wider)


• Holes in the colon


• Extreme dehydration from excessive diarrhea


• Anemia


• Colon cancer


• Liver disease


• Osteoporosis

Causes and Risk Factors

Although the exact cause of most inflammatory bowel disease is unknown, it is believed to be due to a problem with the immune system. The development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may be triggered when your body tries to fight off bacteria or a virus in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in your immune system attacking healthy tissue. There may also be a genetic component to IBD, making you more likely to develop it if you have certain genes or family members with the condition.

Risk factors for IBD include being under 30 years old, having Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, being of white race, having a close relative with IBD, smoking (a risk factor for Crohn’s), taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), living in developed countries or urban areas, living in northern climates, having a higher socioeconomic status, and consuming diets high in fat or refined foods.

While there isn't a single cause for IBD, treatments for the condition include medications such as aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, antibiotics, and biologic therapies, as well as surgery in severe cases. People with IBD may also take medications for symptoms such as anti-diarrheal medication and dietary supplements.

Natural ways to help manage IBD symptoms include keeping a food diary to track triggers, optimizing nutrition with the help of a dietitian, and considering liquid diets or supplements to address nutrient deficiencies. Many individuals with IBD, especially Crohn's disease, may struggle with proper food digestion and potential nutrient deficiencies that can lead to fatigue and osteoporosis. The Mayo Clinic recommends considering multivitamin and mineral supplements after consulting with a healthcare provider. Alternatively, supplements for specific nutrients may be beneficial. The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation suggests incorporating supplements or diets rich in nutrients such as iron, calcium, vitamin D, folic acid, vitamins A, E, and K, vitamin B12, and zinc to address potential deficiencies and support overall health.

It is also helpful to explore ready-made diet guides tailored for individuals with IBD to help identify trigger foods and manage symptoms effectively. Additionally, complementary supplements like green tea polyphenols, resveratrol, curcumin, rutin, bromelain, pomegranate, fish oil, aloe vera gel, wheatgrass juice, germinated barley, cinnamon extract, freeze-dried black raspberry powder, American ginseng, and ginger extract have shown potential benefits in reducing inflammation and supporting gut health in individuals with IBD.

Managing stress is crucial for individuals with IBD, as flare-ups may be triggered by high-stress levels. Engaging in regular exercise, seeking talk therapy or support groups, and practicing relaxation techniques can help alleviate stress and improve overall well-being. Considering probiotics and prebiotics may also aid in maintaining a healthy bacterial balance in the gut and reducing inflammation.

Furthermore, quitting smoking is essential for individuals with IBD, as smoking can worsen symptoms and lead to more severe complications. Managing diarrhea, a common symptom of IBD, is important for maintaining quality of life and reducing discomfort associated with the condition. Managing diarrhea in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is crucial, especially during flares. Here are some tips for effectively managing diarrhea:

1. Be aware of restroom locations: Know where the bathrooms are, especially when traveling or in new places. Plan ahead and use the restroom before long stretches where access may be limited.

2. Stay hydrated: Drink extra fluids and consider other strategies for stopping diarrhea, ensuring they align with your IBD diet guidelines.

3. Find remedies that work for you: While waiting for medication to take effect, use your food diary and natural remedies to help control diarrhea.

4. Travel smartly: When traveling by plane, bus, or train, choose seats near restrooms. Inform security if you have an ostomy bag. For road trips, plan regular rest stops and locate rest areas along your route.

5. Carry an emergency kit: If you experience bowel urgency and have a long drive ahead or no access to a restroom, pack a 'back-up kit' with essentials like extra bags, wipes, hand sanitizer, and spare underwear.

It is important to take precautions when managing IBD:

- Avoid self-diagnosis and treatment; seek a proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional.
- Watch for warning signs of complications like heavy bleeding, weakness, severe pain, weight loss, fever, or worsening symptoms.
- Consult with your healthcare provider before taking supplements or making changes to your medication.
- Do not stop IBD medication without medical guidance; discuss any concerns or side effects with your doctor.

In conclusion, inflammatory bowel disease requires careful management and monitoring. By following the right diet, treatment plan, and lifestyle adjustments, many individuals with IBD can achieve good control of their condition. Remember to prioritize your health and seek professional guidance for the best outcomes. Rewrite the sentence.