Crohn's Disease Treatments

Crohn’s disease treatment can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with the uncertainty of flare-ups, unpredictable symptoms, and conflicting medical advice. When I was first diagnosed, I felt like I had no control over my health. I was told my only options were long-term medications, biologics, or even surgery. But after years of struggling with flare-ups, I decided to take control of my health by focusing on diet, lifestyle, and natural healing strategies.

This guide is a deep dive into everything I’ve learned over the past decade, covering conventional treatments, alternative approaches, dietary changes, supplements, and lifestyle adjustments that have helped me achieve long-term remission. While Crohn’s affects everyone differently, I hope sharing my experience can help others find their own path to healing.

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the digestive tract, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss. Unlike ulcerative colitis, which only affects the colon, Crohn’s can cause inflammation anywhere from the mouth to the anus. The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation, manage symptoms, and prevent complications.

How Treatment Plans Are Determined

Crohn’s is highly individualized, and treatment depends on factors such as:

• The severity of inflammation
• The location of the disease (small intestine, colon, or both)
• Whether there are complications like strictures or fistulas
• How the body responds to different treatments

For some, medication alone can keep symptoms under control. For others, diet and lifestyle adjustments play a crucial role. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Understanding the available treatment options helps in making informed decisions about managing the disease.

The standard medical approach focuses on controlling inflammation and preventing damage to the intestines. Most doctors rely on a combination of medications, and in severe cases, surgery.

1. Medications for Crohn’s Disease

Medications are typically the first line of treatment and can range from mild anti-inflammatory drugs to powerful immune suppressors.

Aminosalicylates (5-ASA Drugs)

• Examples: Mesalamine (Asacol, Pentasa, Lialda)
• These are mild anti-inflammatory drugs primarily used for ulcerative colitis but sometimes prescribed for mild Crohn’s.
• I have been taking Mesalamine for over 10 years.

Corticosteroids (Steroids)

• Examples: Prednisone, Budesonide (Entocort)
• Used for short-term relief of moderate to severe inflammation.
• While steroids can be effective in stopping a flare, they come with serious side effects like weight gain, mood swings, and weakened bones.
• I was prescribed prednisone during my worst flare, but I worked to get off of it quickly due to its harsh side effects.

Immunosuppressants

• Examples: Azathioprine (Imuran), Methotrexate, 6-Mercaptopurine
• These drugs suppress the immune system to reduce inflammation.
• They can take months to work and come with potential risks like increased infection rates and liver issues.
• I personally avoided these because I wanted a more natural approach.

Biologic Therapies

• Examples: Remicade (Infliximab), Humira (Adalimumab), Entyvio
• These target specific proteins in the immune system to stop inflammation at the source.
• Many people see great results with biologics, but they carry the risk of infections and immune suppression.
• I chose not to go on biologics due to potential side effects, but I know people who have had success with them.

Antibiotics

• Sometimes used to treat bacterial overgrowth or infections associated with Crohn’s complications.
• Common ones include Ciprofloxacin and Metronidazole.

2. Surgery for Crohn’s Disease

Surgery is usually the last resort when medications fail or complications arise. About 50% of Crohn’s patients will need surgery at some point.

Common procedures include:

• Resection – Removing damaged portions of the intestine and reconnecting the healthy sections.
• Strictureplasty – Widening narrowed parts of the intestines.
• Ileostomy/Colostomy – In severe cases, the intestines are rerouted through an opening in the abdomen.

I was lucky enough to avoid surgery by making significant lifestyle and diet changes, but for some, surgery is necessary and can provide long-term relief.

After feeling frustrated with conventional medicine, I decided to take a more natural approach. Through years of trial and error, I found that specific dietary and lifestyle changes made a huge impact on my symptoms.

1. My Crohn’s Diet: Eliminating Triggers and Supporting Healing

Diet was the single most important factor in my healing. I experimented with different approaches before finding what worked for me.

Examples of Foods I Avoid Completely

• Dairy – This was a major trigger for me. I cut out milk, cheese, and butter completely.
• Gluten and Grains – Wheat, rye, barley, and even oats caused bloating and flare-ups.
• Sugar and Processed Foods – Anything with added sugar or artificial ingredients made my symptoms worse.
• Seed Oils – Canola, soybean, sunflower, and vegetable oils are highly inflammatory.
• Alcohol and Caffeine – Both irritated my gut and increased urgency.

Example of Foods That Help My Gut Heal

• Bone Broth – Rich in collagen, it soothes my gut during flares.
• Grass-Fed Meats & Wild-Caught Fish – Simple proteins like steak, chicken, and salmon are easiest to digest.
• Cooked Vegetables – I focus on non-starchy vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and spinach.
• Healthy Fats – Extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil help reduce inflammation.

📌 More details on my diet: GutMellow Remission Roadmap

2. Supplements That Helped My Crohn’s

Alongside diet, supplements played a key role in my recovery.

Example of Supplements I Take

• Omega-3 Fish Oil – Reduces inflammation.
• Vitamin D & K2 – Supports immune function.
• Magnesium – Helps with digestion and stress reduction.
• Zinc – Essential for gut lining repair.
• Oregano Oil – Fights harmful gut bacteria.

3. Lifestyle Changes That Made a Difference

Healing isn’t just about food. Stress, sleep, and exercise also play a huge role.

How I Reduce Stress

• Meditation & Deep Breathing – Just 10 minutes a day helped me stay calm.
• Daily Walks – Gentle exercise improved my digestion.
• Journaling – Helped me track symptoms and recognize patterns.

Improving Sleep for Gut Health

• I aim for 8+ hours of sleep per night.
• I keep a consistent sleep schedule.
• I avoid screens and blue light before bed.

After years of living with IBD, remission feels like freedom. I can eat without fear, travel without stress, and finally feel in control of my health.

Signs I Was Improving

• No more mucus or blood in my stool.
• No more urgency or cramping.
• More energy and better focus.

Healing from Crohn’s isn’t about finding a magic cure. It's different for everyone, but I believe for the majority of people it’s about understanding your body, eliminating triggers, and giving your gut the support it needs.

After years of trial and error, I finally found a combination of strategies that worked for me. I went from constant flare-ups to long-term remission, without biologics or surgery. I created GutMellow to share my experience and help others navigate their own healing journey.

The GutMellow Remission Roadmap includes everything I wish I had when I was first diagnosed. It’s a comprehensive resource that outlines the exact steps I took to regain control of my gut health, including:

This blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While I am sharing my personal experience, every individual’s health journey is unique. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, supplements, medications, or lifestyle. Healing is a personal journey, and what worked for me may not work for everyone.