Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are chronic inflammatory bowel diseases that affect the digestive system. They are characterised by inflammation and damage to the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fatigue, and weight loss. Medications play a crucial role in managing Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These medications target specific aspects of the immune system to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Although medications’ effectiveness may vary, they can significantly improve symptom control, induce remission, and prevent complications.
What else could you do beyond taking prescribed medication?
While conventional medical treatments, such as medications and surgery, play a crucial role in managing IBD, a holistic approach can complement these interventions and improve overall well-being.
A comprehensive and personalised approach to treating IBD involves collaboration between patients, healthcare providers, and various healthcare professionals, such as nutritionists and mental health specialists.
It is essential to discuss any dietary changes with your doctor. If a multidisciplinary team treats you, you may have access to a specialist dietitian. Diet can play a significant role in managing symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). By identifying and eliminating trigger foods, such as gluten, dairy, and certain fruits and vegetables, you may be able to reduce inflammation and improve gut health. Additionally, probiotics, which are live microorganisms that promote gut health, may be beneficial in maintaining remission.
Mind-body therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and hypnotherapy have shown promising outcomes in treating IBD symptoms. These therapies can manage stress, enhance coping mechanisms, and improve well-being.
Lifestyle changes can significantly improve the management of inflammatory bowel disease. Maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and managing stress through yoga and meditation can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
Studies have been conducted on the potential benefits of complementary and alternative medicine therapies, such as acupuncture and herbal medicine, in managing symptoms of IBD. However, more rigorous research is necessary to determine their efficacy and safety.
A comprehensive method of managing inflammatory bowel disease involves combining conventional medical treatments with lifestyle changes, stress management, and supplementary therapies. This approach considers the disease’s physical, psychological, and social factors to promote overall health and enhance the quality of life for those affected by IBD.
Healthy weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to manage Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Research studies have shown that being overweight or obese can worsen the symptoms, increase the risk of flare-ups, and result in complications such as malnutrition, kidney stones, and joint pain. On the other hand, keeping a healthy weight has been linked to better management of symptoms, enhanced quality of life, and decreased healthcare expenses. Studies suggest that people with IBD who follow healthy dietary patterns and participate in regular physical activity are more likely to maintain a healthy body weight and achieve better overall health results.
Maintaining muscle mass
Individuals suffering from CD and UC must maintain their muscle mass, as it plays a vital role in overall health and disease management. Studies have shown that due to chronic inflammation and malabsorption, people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are prone to muscle loss or sarcopenia. This condition can worsen the symptoms, impair physical function, and increase the risk of adverse health outcomes. On the other hand, maintaining muscle mass can lead to improved symptom control and enhanced quality of life. Becoming a bodybuilder is unnecessary; instead, we should focus on maintaining our muscle and bone health. To prevent muscle loss and promote muscle maintenance among IBD patients, following a healthy diet with adequate protein intake, regular exercise, and proper nutrition is crucial.
Exercise can help!
It won’t cure IBD. It is not a solution for all the symptoms. However, regular physical activity is crucial in managing IBD. Studies show that exercise can help with symptoms, improve life quality, and reduce healthcare costs. Regular exercise can assist in managing weight by burning calories and increasing metabolism. Reducing excess weight can alleviate the burden on the digestive system and enhance overall health. Exercise boosts muscle growth and helps maintain muscle mass, which is essential for strength, mobility, and overall well-being. IBD patients frequently experience sarcopenia, a condition of muscle loss, and regular exercise can help prevent it. Exercise can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, which are often associated with IBD. It can also enhance sleep quality and elevate mood, ultimately contributing to overall well-being.
Not sure where to start?
References
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