Crohn's disease is a long-term health problem that causes inflammation of your digestive tract. The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America states that Crohn's disease -- named after Dr. Burrill B. Crohn, who first described the condition -- usually affects your small intestine or colon. Certain dietary supplements may help relieve the joint pain and other symptoms associated with Crohn's disease. Always check with your doctor before using supplements for this health purpose.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, is most common among people between the ages of 20 and 40 and affects two to seven out of every 100,000 people in America. Possible signs and symptoms associated with Crohn's disease include joint pain, fever, reduced appetite, pain with defecation, abdominal pain or cramping, diarrhea or constipation, unexplained weight loss, nausea and vomiting, fatigue and mouth ulcers. Smoking and living in an industrialized country are two major risk factors for this condition.
Helpful Joint Supplements
There are many dietary supplements that may help reduce joint pain or discomfort in people suffering from Crohn's disease. Certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that certain herbal supplements, including fenugreek, licorice, marshmallow, peppermint, rose hips, milk thistle extract and yerba mate may help reduce inflammation. Helpful non-herbal supplements for this problem may include essential fatty acids, bromelain and SAMe. A larger body of scientific research evidence may be necessary to validate the use of these supplements in people with Crohn's disease.
Featured Supplement
S-adenosylmethionine, or SAMe, may be one of the most effective joint supplements if you have Crohn's disease. SAMe, says the University of Maryland Medical Center, is a compound found throughout your body in almost every cell and tissue, and it has historically been used to reduce joint pain and inflammation. This naturally occurring compound has also been used in treating liver disease, depression and fibromyalgia. SAMe is most commonly consumed in tablet form.
Warning
Because there are many possible causes of joint pain, if you develop this symptom, report to your primary care provider as soon as possible for a proper assessment of your condition. Your doctor can order any relevant tests or refer you to a health-care specialist to help diagnose your condition. Some dietary supplements may contain powerful active ingredients that provoke significant changes within your body. Dietary supplements should always be treated with the same level of caution and respect afforded pharmaceutical drugs.
References
- Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America: About Crohn's Disease
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Crohn's Disease
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: S-adenosylmethionine
