Latest news with #gastrointestinal
Medscape
a day ago
- Health
- Medscape
Can Mind-Body Therapies Improve GI Outcomes?
A growing body of research shows that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) can help treat certain gastrointestinal disorders. With up to 44% of people with diagnosed gastrointestinal (GI) disorders using CAM, chances are most gastroenterologists — whether they know it or not — are seeing patients who take products or engage in practices that fall under its umbrella. Gerard Mullin, MD Many gastroenterologists are unfamiliar with CAM because it isn't widely taught in medical school. 'Some doctors even discourage the use of CAM because they've never heard of a given intervention,' said Gerard Mullin, MD, associate professor of medicine and director of the Johns Hopkins GI Clinical Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland. Unfortunately, many patients aren't telling their doctors about their CAM use because they're afraid of being judged, Mullin said. Patients also may not disclose their CAM use because they don't realize it's important to share with their physician or their doctor simply hasn't asked them about it. But CAM's popularity makes it important for gastroenterologists to be educated about what their patients may be using, the risks and benefits of various CAM products and practices, and the evidence base that might or might not support their use. Gastroenterologists also may want to incorporate CAM into their practices to offer what's known as integrative gastroenterology. Many arguments support this approach, Mullin, editor of the book Integrative Gastroenterology , told Medscape Medical News . Digestive disease rates are very high and are increasing, he noted. 'The escalating prevalence of obesity, anxiety, depression, stress, consumption of ultraprocessed foods, and food-borne illnesses contribute to a digestive disease epidemic,' Mullin told Medscape Medical News . 'Adopting an integrative model can contribute to more effective prevention and treatment of these conditions.' CAM comprises an array of different modalities and approaches, from oral products to mind-body practices and alternative styles of medicine. This article cannot provide an exhaustive analysis of all CAM interventions for GI conditions, but it reviews several evidence-based approaches for common disorders. Why CAM? David Hass, MD, associate clinical professor with the Division of Digestive Diseases at Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, became interested in integrative medicine because he treated many patients who came to him after consultations with other physicians for troublesome symptoms of disorders of the gut-brain interaction, also known as functional gastrointestinal disorders. David Hass, MD 'These patients can be difficult to treat,' he said. 'Many have undergone multiple studies and scans and tried multiple medications. I wanted to be helpful and explore what else might be out there for them that may not be traditional or mainstream but is evidence-based.' CAM is appealing to patients because these approaches often provide a sense of control of their bodies and health and because they offer an alternative when conventional approaches fail to alleviate symptoms or provide a cure, said Hass, a partner at the Physicians Alliance of Connecticut in Hamden and coauthor of a review article on CAM for functional GI disorders. Interventions once considered alternative have attracted more research attention and become more accepted in the conventional medical community, Nitin Ahuja, MD, associate professor of clinical medicine (gastroenterology) at Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, told Medscape Medical News . Nitin Ahuja, MD For example, L-glutamine therapy has been found to alleviate symptoms in postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with diarrhea and intestinal hyperpermeability. Until relatively recently, the concept of intestinal permeability or 'leaky gut' had been 'discussed mostly in alternative health spaces.' But an increasing body of evidence now supports the legitimacy of the diagnosis in certain GI conditions. Similarly, mind-body medicine was once categorized as alternative medicine. But interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based approaches are gaining traction in conventional circles and amassing evidence of its efficacy. 'Additionally, while a substantial gap remains between anecdotal and empirical understandings of some of the approaches previous considered 'alternative,' they also raise thought-provoking mechanistic hypotheses and invitations for further research,' said Ahuja, who is also director of the Program in Neurogastroenterology and Motility, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania, and author of a review article critically appraising popular remedies for esophageal symptoms. Dietary Supplements Several herbal products have been shown as effective for GI conditions. For example, ginger has been found to be generally safe and useful in treating nausea and vomiting. However, it can inhibit platelet aggregation and potentially be mutagenic, so it should be used cautiously in patients already taking antiplatelet therapy and in pregnant women. Vitamin B 6 (pyridoxine) has been shown to be helpful with nausea during pregnancy. For functional dyspepsia, peppermint and caraway have been researched extensively. In a number of studies, both agents have yielded statistically significant improvements in bloating and epigastric pain compared to placebo. Several herbal products can protect the stomach and esophagus in the setting of gastritis and when a patient is transitioning off proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Zinc carnosine and glutamine can protect the gastrointestinal lining, repair damaged cells, stabilize gut mucosa, and decrease inflammation. Glutamine may play a role in supporting the gut microbiome and gut mucosal wall integrity and in modulating inflammatory responses. Steve Irsfeld, RPh Other nutrients that help decrease inflammation and restore the mucosal lining include apple pectin, marshmallow root, slippery elm bark, licorice root, and okra, Steve Irsfeld, RPh, owner and pharmacist in charge at Irsfeld Pharmacy, Dickinson, North Dakota, told Medscape Medical News . Irsfeld recommends curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties in the gut, and bovine colostrum. He told Medscape Medical News that he believes histamine 2 blockers and PPIs are overprescribed for heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). 'They're designed to suppress stomach acid, but they're being prescribed without verifying that hyperacidity is actually present,' he said. 'We wouldn't prescribe antihypertensives or statin drugs, for example, without checking the patient's blood pressure or cholesterol, but we administer PPIs without ascertaining stomach acid levels merely on the assumption that if the patient has symptoms or visible inflammation, the acid levels must be elevated.' Prolonged use of PPIs can have adverse effects, including infections, impaired nutrient absorption, dementia, kidney disease, hypergastrinemia, and a rebound effect upon discontinuation. Studies have found that the herbal preparation STW-5 (Iberogast) can improve symptoms of epigastric pain and GERD, Hass noted. The product contains bitter candytuft, chamomile, peppermint, caraway, licorice root, lemon balm leaves, celandine, angelica root, and milk thistle. To promote colon health, Irsfeld recommends probiotics. 'We're now able to recommend highly targeted probiotic strains,' he said. For example, Saccharomyces boulardii has been shown to be helpful in counterbalancing the effects of antibiotics on the gut microbiota during antibiotic therapy. After antibiotic discontinuation, the patient can transition to a different probiotic. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture, the application of small needles or pressure to specific points in the body, is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, in which health is regarded as stemming from the alignment of qi, or 'vital energy.' Its practitioners aim to remove blockages or reduce excesses in qi, which flows through specific channels in the body, known as meridians. Shi-Hong Loh, MD 'In acupuncture, there are meridians that govern the GI system,' Shi-Hong Loh, MD, of Dao Sheng Acupuncture, Hoboken and Hackensack, New Jersey, told Medscape Medical News . 'Meridians are typically not tied to Western concepts of anatomy or neurology. The points we use are often related to the parasympathetic nervous system, with nerve distribution from areas in the thoracic and lumbar spine. That type of nerve innervation is from the spinal area and controls abdominal and intestinal function.' Acupuncture is highly personalized, Loh said. 'Everything is specific to the condition and the individual, and the interpretation of each practitioner.' Manual and electroacupuncture have shown utility for patients with GI conditions, including functional GI disorders, constipation, GERD, inflammatory bowel disease, ileus, acute pancreatitis, and gastroparesis. A recent systematic review of 10 randomized controlled functional MRI trials comparing acupuncture to sham acupuncture, moxibustion, placement on a waiting list, or medication found that acupuncture improved GI symptoms and psychological status in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders and regulated functional connectivity and activity in brain regions associated with visceral sensation, pain regulation, and emotion. Loh said that in addition to acupuncture, he often recommends Chinese herbs and encourages patients to identify whether their eating patterns affect their conditions. 'When I see a patient with GI symptoms, such as IBS, I know the symptoms are often related to diet, so I don't depend on acupuncture alone. I look at the whole picture,' he said. Loh advises patients with upper GI symptoms to 'pay attention to their eating habits, daily behavior, and activities. Do they eat too much or too fast? Do they lie down soon after eating? Do they eat a lot of greasy foods? Are they taking in enough fiber?' Acupuncture can play an important role for patients who don't respond to conventional treatments, Loh said. 'It's reasonable for the gastroenterologist or internist to refer these patients to an experienced, knowledgeable, licensed acupuncturist,' he said. The Mind-Body Connection Stress is an established driver of many GI conditions. Loh described a patient with ulcerative colitis and an extremely high-stress job whose symptoms abated whenever he went on vacation. 'I've noticed the same pattern in other patients, too,' he said. Loh often targets acupuncture points that 'calm the spirit and ease anxiety, as well as those directly addressing the intestinal symptoms.' In addition, he often recommends psychotherapy — especially cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which has been shown to be effective for a number of GI conditions, such as IBS. A review of nine studies encompassing more than 600 patients with gastroduodenal disorders of the gut-brain interaction found that CBT effectively improved GI symptoms and psychological outcomes. 'There have been an impressive number of studies demonstrating that CBT is effective in improving symptoms of IBS when compared to usual medical care, antidepressants, placebo, antispasmodic agents, or support therapies,' Loh said. One meta-analysis found a number needed to treat of 3 for treatment with CBT, which is 'tremendously beneficial,' Hass noted. The placebo effect may play a role, he said, 'but if I can help people get better with a placebo, I have no problem with that.' Other evidence-based mind-body approaches include gut-directed hypnotherapy, meditation, mindfulness-based therapies, guided imagery, and yoga. A systematic review of six randomized controlled trials found evidence that in patients with IBS, yoga can decrease bowel symptoms, disease severity, and anxiety, as well as improve physical functioning and quality of life. Like CBT, hypnotherapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction 'aim to reduce overactivity to stressors and to improve maladaptive coping behaviors,' said Hass, who has been trained in hypnotherapy. 'Particularly for anxiety-provoked symptoms due to catastrophizing, CBT would be the modality of choice.' Hypnotherapy and mindfulness meditation have been found effective in several GI cancers, as well as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, Hass noted. Some research has shown that mind-body approaches can decrease tumor necrosis factor alpha — a cytokine involved in inflammatory bowel disease — and other inflammatory markers. Gastroenterologists may wish to consider incorporating these evidence-based therapies into their treatment regimens for GI disorders, especially functional bowel diseases, Hass said. Using these interventions in conjunction with standard medical therapies 'may alleviate symptoms more quickly than when medical therapies alone are used,' he added. Ahuja, Hass, Loh, and Mullin reported no relevant financial relationships. Irsfeld reported being an unpaid member of the scientific board for NutriDyn, which manufactures Dynamic GI Integrity.
Health Line
3 days ago
- Health
- Health Line
Is It Safe to Take a GLP-1 Medication with Digestive Health Conditions?
Consider safety when combining GLP-1 medications with preexisting digestive health conditions. GLP-1 medications are prescribed to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. They're also prescribed for weight loss in people with obesity. GLP-1 medications belong to a class of drugs that include semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, and several others. Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic, two popular GLP-1 drugs. Liraglutide is the active ingredient in Saxenda, and dulaglutide is the active ingredient in Trulicity. GLP-1 medications may cause uncomfortable side effects and increase the risk of gastrointestinal conditions. Digestive health and GLP-1 medications GLP-1 medications work by mimicking the effects of the GLP-1 hormone, which is produced within the small intestine. Like the naturally occurring hormone your body makes, GLP-1 medications slow digestion (stomach emptying) and signal your brain that you feel full and can stop eating. They also trigger the release of insulin from the pancreas and inhibit the secretion of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels. Several GLP-1 medications, including Wegovy, list many side effects, including gastrointestinal side effects, directly on their labels. These side effects may include: vomiting nausea diarrhea constipation bloating gas and belching heartburn stomach flu dehydration, especially in people with kidney failure More serious side effects may include: What the research says GLP-1 agonists are approved for people with type 2 diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels, and some are approved for weight loss. Let's take a look at the research and implications of people who have taken GLP-1 agonists along with various gastrointestinal conditions. A large 2023 study including people without diabetes who were using GLP-1 agonists for weight loss found that this class of medications may increase the risk of gastrointestinal conditions, such as gastroparesis. Researchers found the drugs did not increase the risk of biliary disease (conditions of the gallbladder or bile ducts) in participants. These adverse effects are thought to be rare but should be considered by people who wish to use GLP-1 medications for weight loss. A 2022 study involving people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) found that ROSE 010, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, reduced IBS pain during flare-ups, primarily in female participants. When given in higher doses, however, nausea became more pronounced. A large 2024 study found that adults treated with semaglutide for diabetes mellitus are not at higher risk of diverticulitis and seem to have a lower risk of diverticulosis. Much more research is needed to uncover the potential benefits, as well as risks, of these medications. Tips for managing GLP-1 use with digestive conditions Talk with your healthcare professional about the benefits of GLP-1 medications versus their risks. Your age, underlying health conditions, and other factors, such as needle phobia, should be taken into account. In many instances, you and a healthcare professional may determine that the benefits outweigh the risks. Or, you may decide that the side effects are not worth the benefits, or that they make you too uncomfortable to continue taking these drugs. To manage digestive conditions and side effects while taking a GLP-1 agonist, follow these tips: follow the dosage instructions exactly as prescribed slowly increase your fiber intake, as recommended by your healthcare professional consider taking fiber supplements if constipation occurs drink plenty of water to remain hydrated eat small, frequent meals rather than large meals avoid eating too close to bedtime avoid spicy or fatty foods exercise regularly to aid with digestion
Washington Post
5 days ago
- Health
- Washington Post
How to deal with heartburn
Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with any advertisers on this site. Most of us have experienced the burning sensation of heartburn at least occasionally, perhaps after eating a lot, eating too quickly or indulging in a spicy meal. Heartburn, which is caused by acid reflux — when stomach contents back up into your esophagus and even mouth — also tends to crop up more often as we get older. 'Your esophageal sphincter, the muscle that prevents acid from rising up into your esophagus, loses tone as you age,' says Yi Qin, a gastrointestinal specialist at Cleveland Clinic. In addition, she says, as you age or gain weight, you're more vulnerable to a hiatal hernia, where the upper part of the stomach protrudes up through the diaphragm and into the chest cavity. Both stimulate acid reflux and heartburn.
Health Line
22-05-2025
- Health
- Health Line
What to Know About a Combined Colonoscopy and Endoscopy
A combined colonoscopy and endoscopy lets a doctor examine your upper and lower gastrointestinal tract, all in one procedure. Doctors use a combined colonoscopy and endoscopy to help diagnose the cause of gastrointestinal symptoms that you might be experiencing, such as abdominal pain, persistent heartburn, or unusual bowel movements. Colonoscopies and endoscopies are typically safe procedures with a minimal risk of complications. Keep reading to learn when a combined colonoscopy and endoscopy might be used and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. What is the goal of a combined colonoscopy and endoscopy? Doctors use a combined endoscopy and colonoscopy to examine the lining of your esophagus, stomach, upper small intestine, and large bowel. The procedure helps doctors investigate the cause of specific symptoms you may be experiencing. For example, an endoscopy can help determine the cause of: bleeding pain persistent heartburn nausea and vomiting difficulty swallowing unexplained weight loss A colonoscopy can help your doctor determine the cause of: abdominal pain or discomfort diarrhea changes in your bowel activity anal bleeding unexpected weight loss During a combined colonoscopy and endoscopy, doctors can identify many underlying conditions, including: internal inflammation or swelling blockages or structures that are obstructing your gastrointestinal tract celiac disease ulcers gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) cancer What's the procedure like for a combined colonoscopy and endoscopy? Before the procedure Your healthcare team will typically give you a printed handout with the steps you must follow before your procedure. This may include information about stopping specific medications, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or constipating agents, about a week before the combined procedure. The day before you undergo a combined endoscopy and colonoscopy, you may need to take an oral laxative (called a ' bowel prep ') to clear your bowels. This makes it easier for the doctors to see the lining of your intestines. In addition, you may not be allowed to eat or drink anything for 8 hours before the procedure. During the procedure After you arrive at the clinic or hospital, a member of the healthcare team will ask you to fill out an assessment form. Your doctor or a nurse will review your assessment form with you, and they may take your blood pressure and pulse. They may also ask you to change into a clinic-provided gown and shorts. You'll then meet the endoscopist before the procedure starts. You'll have the opportunity to discuss what will happen during the colonoscopy and endoscopy. You can also ask them any questions you may have. During the procedure, you'll be given a light sedative through a needle in your arm so you won't feel any discomfort. Your healthcare team will stay with you throughout the entire process. They will monitor your pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen levels to ensure your safety. During the endoscopy During the endoscopy, the doctor will pass an endoscope down your throat, through your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The endoscope has a tiny camera mounted on its structure, which allows your doctor to view the inside of your gastrointestinal tract. The endoscope can also blow air into your GI tract, making the area easier to assess. During the exam, your doctor may also collect a tissue sample for testing (biopsy), stop any bleeding that they find, or complete other procedures, such as removing an obstruction. During the colonoscopy After completing the endoscopy, your doctor will insert a colonoscope through your anus and rectum to check your large intestine. The colonoscope will blow air into your intestine, making it easier to see. Some types of colonoscopy use a stream of water instead of blowing air into the intestine, which may be a more comfortable option for a person undergoing the procedure. Once the coloscope reaches the opening of your small intestine, the doctor will start examining the large intestine again while retracting the coloscope. As with the endoscopy, your doctor has the option to remove polyps or other tissues that they may want to biopsy. After the procedure If you're having your procedure done at an outpatient clinic, it may take a couple of hours after the procedure before you can go home. This time allows the anesthesia to wear off. You may not be able to drive for 24 hours, so it's a good idea to arrange for someone to drive you to and from the clinic. The entire procedure can last 5 to 90 minutes. An endoscopy usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes, while a colonoscopy may last 0 to 60 minutes. What's the recovery like for a combined colonoscopy and endoscopy? After a combined colonoscopy and endoscopy, you may experience symptoms including: a light blood discharge from your rectum if the doctor removed polyps during the examination abdominal pain caused by the air pumped in during the procedure nausea for a couple of hours after the end of the exam sore throat for a couple of days after the test After the combined colonoscopy and endoscopy, your doctor may give you the result of your test. However, a biopsy result may take a few days to get. What are the potential risks or side effects of a combined colonoscopy and endoscopy? The potential risks and side effects of a combined colonoscopy and endoscopy are rare but can include: abdominal pain bleeding perforation reaction to sedatives causing heart or breathing problems You should seek medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms after you have attended a combined colonoscopy and endoscopy: bloody vomit throat pain or difficulty swallowing bloody diarrhea or bowel movements blood discharge from your rectum that does not get better severe abdominal pain that gets worse chest pain dizziness or weakness How much does a combined colonoscopy and endoscopy cost? The average cost for a combined colonoscopy and endoscopy in the United States varies by state, city, and clinic. According to MDsave, costs range from $2,346 to $10,221, depending on where you have the procedure done. Generally, it's less expensive to undergo a combined colonoscopy and endoscopy on the same day during the same procedure rather than booking two different sessions. In most cases, a combined colonoscopy and endoscopy would be covered by medical insurance policies when recommended by a doctor. Contact your insurance company if you're unsure. Takeaway A combined colonoscopy and endoscopy can help doctors diagnose the cause of symptoms you might be experiencing, such as abdominal pain, persistent heartburn, or atypical bowel movements. The procedure allows doctors to examine the interior of your gastrointestinal tract. The risks of a combined colonoscopy are rare but can include perforation or internal bleeding. However, your healthcare team will constantly monitor you during the procedure to ensure your safety and to make you as comfortable as possible.
Health Line
19-05-2025
- Health
- Health Line
What Does a Crohn's Flare Up Feel Like and How to Manage
Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and microscopic colitis are all types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Since Crohn's disease affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, you may have symptoms like constipation or abdominal cramps. Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that affects 1% of people in the United States. It's a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It can be hard for anyone who doesn't have Crohn's disease to understand what it's like to experience a flare-up. (This is when symptoms suddenly intensify or return after a period of calm.) Symptoms of a Crohn's flare The symptoms of a Crohn's disease flare-up can vary, depending on which part of the GI tract is affected. Some common symptoms include: diarrhea fatigue rectal bleeding abdominal cramps constipation nausea loss of appetite feeling like your bowel movements are incomplete Even though Crohn's mostly affects the GI tract, it can sometimes cause inflammation in other places. For example, you may also experience: joint pain eye inflammation skin inflammation fatigue If you have Crohn's disease, these symptoms may make it hard for you to function comfortably in a work or social setting. In more severe cases, symptoms can make it difficult to keep a job or a long-term relationship. People can experience different symptoms and different degrees of severity, but it's common to find it hard to cope with the challenges of this disease. Crohn's takes an emotional toll If you have Crohn's disease, you may experience feelings of guilt and sadness during a flare-up. Due to the sensitive nature of Crohn's symptoms, it can be hard to explain to friends and colleagues why you have to cancel plans or make an abrupt exit. At times, people may also feel like a burden to others, which could intensify feelings of guilt. Symptoms, like bleeding and cramps, are frightening and may lead to increased levels of stress and anxiety. This, in turn, can worsen flare-ups. Other symptoms, like diarrhea and constipation, are often embarrassing to talk about and may make experiencing a flare-up a lonely and isolating experience. Crohn's can be unpredictable For many people with Crohn's disease, the unpredictable nature of flare-ups can also be extremely frustrating. There's no way to know when one might happen, and the symptoms are often so bad that you're forced to stop whatever you're doing — no matter how important it is. Whether you're in the middle of a presentation at work or out celebrating a friend's birthday, if you experience a flare-up, it immediately becomes your top priority. Since there's currently no cure for Crohn's, you might also feel helpless or hopeless. Research advances Just because there's no cure, it doesn't mean there's no hope. Crohn's research is always advancing, and researchers are developing more knowledge about how this disease develops in the body. These days, there are a number of immune-suppressive therapies that may even lead to disease remission. Certain medications and lifestyle choices are also now known to help reduce the intensity of flare-ups. How to manage flare-ups Before you look for the best strategies to help manage your Crohn's flare-ups, the first thing you may wish to do is to see your doctor. Your doctor will be able to tell you how severe your symptoms are and when you need to manage them in a medical setting or if you can do it at home. To know with certainty that you have Crohn's disease, and to determine the severity of your symptoms, your doctor will carry out a physical exam and ask you questions. In addition, the doctor may: run blood tests refer you to an endoscopy or colonoscopy, and, in some cases, take a tissue sample (a biopsy) run imaging tests, like an X-ray, CT, or MRI carry out a stool test Based on the results of these tests, your doctor may decide you need treatment that may include prescription medications. Different types of medications are offered for different needs. In certain severe cases, some people may need surgery. Lifestyle changes In some cases, you may be able to manage your symptoms naturally or by making lifestyle changes in combination with other therapies. According to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation (CCF), a number of strategies may help keep Crohn's flare-ups at bay. These include both physical and lifestyle strategies. Physical strategies: Practice good anal hygiene. This includes showering with a hand shower, cleansing the anal area with wet wipes instead of toilet paper, applying appropriate skin protectants to the skin around the anus. You can also take a bath in warm salt water to reduce soreness. Take over-the-counter medications. This includes taking diarrhea medications, such as Imodium or Pepto-Bismol, medicinal mouth washers for canker sores, and analgesics for general symptoms of pain. Speak with your doctor to find the best options for you. Rest your joints. To reduce joint pain, try resting the affected joints, applying heat on the painful area, and doing physical therapy exercises. Other strategies: Take multivitamins. Crohn's disease may interfere with your body's ability to absorb important nutrients. Consider asking your doctor to get a test for vitamin deficiencies and a recommendation for the right multivitamins for you. Eat a healthy diet. Eating a balanced diet will also help your body get the nutrients it needs. It may also help reduce canker sores. Have regular medical checkups. Seeing your doctor regularly, even when your symptoms are in remission, will help you avoid an unexpected return of symptoms that can become severe. Track your symptoms. In between appointments, it's helpful to record your symptoms so that your doctor can see how they're progressing and how they're affecting your life. Exercise. Regular physical activity, even if it's low intensity, may improve your health and boost your immune system. It can also help improve bone strength and reduce stress. Limit smoking. If you smoke, quitting can be difficult. Finding support for the process is important because smoking can make your symptoms worse. Resources for quitting are available at Reduce stress. Stress may worsen symptoms. Ways that may help you reduce stress include meditation, yoga, cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy, biofeedback, and guided imagery. Build a support system. Talking with someone you trust about your symptoms may help relieve the sense of isolation that can come with a flare-up. Support groups and discussion forums are also available (both online and in person) if you're looking for a community outside your immediate social circle. Try looking for the local chapter of CCF in your area, as well as support groups in your area. Describing a Crohn's flare-up in three words We asked people with Crohn's disease to describe their Crohn's flare-ups in three words. Here's what they said: 'Diarrhea, nausea, pain' — @emilyt804 'Scary, isolating, tiring' — @paigejoanna 'Debilitating, unpredictable, frustrating' — @bakerstreetjedi 'Guilt, sadness, pain' — @adelaidejuliette As you can see, living with Crohn's disease can be challenging, frustrating, and stressful. If you're one of the thousands of Americans with Crohn's disease, know that you're not alone — and you've got nothing to be embarrassed about. Takeaway Crohn's disease isn't the result of something you did wrong, nor is it something you should feel ashamed of or guilty about. Living with the condition requires a lot of strength, so don't waste your energy on what others might think. If you sense that someone is judging you for your Crohn's disease, it's likely that they're either uninformed about the condition or compensating for their own insecurities. It may surprise you how understanding people are once they learn about what you're going through. Don't be afraid to open up to your support system, and don't feel bad if your flare-ups require you to alter your schedule.
