Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, refers to a category of conditions characterized by chronic inflammation of the intestines. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are forms of IBD. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation and bloody stools. IBD may also increase your risk of colorectal cancer. Dietary changes and supplements may help reduce symptoms of these conditions.
Talk to your physician before altering your diet or taking any supplement to address IBD symptoms.
Fiber-Rich Foods
Dietary fiber may reduce symptoms of IBD by adding bulk to stools, making them easier to pass through your intestines. This may reduce constipation, abdominal cramps and bloating. It may also reduce the risk of intestinal infection from toxins and bacteria in stools. Whole-grain breads, artichokes, broccoli, spinach, lentils, walnuts, sunflower seeds and kale will add fiber to your diet. You can also take psyllium supplements to obtain fiber and reduce IBD symptoms.
White Willow Bark
Chinese healers have used white willow bark as a pain reliever for more than 2,000 years, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The New Healing Herbs." White willow bark contains salicylates, which have a pain-reducing effect similar to aspirin. The salicylates in white willow supplements may also reduce inflammation. This may regulate intestinal contractions necessary to move wastes through your digestive system and may reduce abdominal pain. Check with your doctor before taking white willow supplements -- they may cause stomach upset and tinnitus, or ringing in the ears.
Vitamin K-Rich Foods
Vitamin K aids in the manufacture of blood platelets that stop bleeding. It may also speed healing of lesions along the inner walls of your intestinal tract, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Adding vitamin-K-rich foods to your diet, such as avocados, spinach, kale and eggs, may reduce the frequency of bloody stools associated with IBD. Vitamin K supplements are also available.
Fish
Fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel and halibut contain omega-3 fatty acids that may offer anti-inflammatory benefits. Consuming fish twice per week may reduce intestinal inflammation and relieve cramps and bloating. Omega-3 fatty acids also inhibit the formation of eicosanoids, which may increase your risk of colorectal cancer, according to Balch.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C. et al.; 2010
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
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