Crohn’s Disease which is known as Grahani Roga in Ayurveda is a type of inflammatory bowel disease. It is caused due to an inflammatory reaction in the small intestine because of some autoimmune reactions. The symptoms may vary from person to person but can affect any part of the digestive system ranging from the mouth to the anus.
Research says that around 3 million Americans suffer from Crohn’s Disease. It has become so common in today’s world due to the changing environment and food habits. Many are habituated to processed and junk foods and eating incompatible foods leading to not only Crohn’s disease but also many other intestinal and lifestyle disorders.
Following an Ayurvedic way of lifestyle and keeping away from stress has enormous benefits in the healing of Crohn’s Disease. Although the disease is not cured completely but can be managed successfully by Ayurveda.
What is Crohn’s Disease as per Ayurveda?
Ayurveda refers to Crohn’s Disease as Grahani Roga. Usually, Grahani is an Ayurvedic anatomical term used for intestines. Inflammation in these small intestines leads to rising flare-ups when the person eats triggering foods. People often suffer from worsened GI symptoms after eating certain foods. Ayurveda considers adopting a westernised lifestyle and food habits can exaggerate the condition.
Causes of Crohn’s Disease: Ayurvedic Reasons
There is no particular cause for this condition. But, Ayurveda says that the following causes may be the reasons for this disease. Crohn’s Disease in USA is common and patients get the disease frequently because of the following reasons:-
- Imbalance of three doshas.
- Vitiation of Pitta dosha.
- An autoimmune reaction where the body starts producing allergic reactions leading to information.
- Mandagi, which is poor digestion and poor appetite.
- Invasion of microorganisms causes infections in the gut.
- Improper or altered immune response.
What Can Amplify Crohn’s Disease?
Ayurveda mentions that the following conditions may exaggerate the condition and make the person’s symptoms worse:-
- High-stress levels
- Intake of incompatible food, that is, Viruddh Aahar
- Low quality of living causes poor digestion and poor sleep habits which may further worsen the situation.
- Reduced Agni leads to poor digestion.
- Intake of refined foods and junk foods.
Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Stomach pain
- Fistula
- Mouth ulcers
- Bloody stools
- Iron deficiency
- Fatigue
- Renal stones
- Inflammation in other body parts like the liver and bile.
- Night sweats
- Rectal bleeding and pain
Herbs for Crohn’s Disease
There are 10 ancient Ayurvedic miraculous herbs which have brought magical results in Crohn’s Disease patients. The top 10 hers are:-
- Dadima (Punica granatum)
- Chhoti Dudhi (Euphorbia thymifolia)
- Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus niruri)
- Nirgungi (Vitex negundo)
- Bilva (Aegle marmelos)
- Musta (Cyperus rotundus)
- Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum)
- Changeri (Oxalis corniculata)
- Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa)
- Kutaj (Wrightia antidysenterica)
Along with the above-mentioned herbs following a proper diet in Crohn’s Disease will help to regulate its worsening symptoms.
Does Maintaining a Proper Diet Help You?
Many studies have shown that following a particular diet will surely help to manage symptoms. The patient can find relief from the flare-ups and also GI symptoms. Upon thorough research, we have come up with two types of diets that are best proven to manage Crohn’s Disease for you:-
1. Low FODMAP Diet
- FODMAP means fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols.
- These are short-chain carbohydrates.
- These are poorly absorbed and cause inflammation in the stomach.
- So avoiding them will surely relieve the symptoms of Crohn’s Disease.
Foods that are Low in FODMAP
- Veggies like carrots, lettuce and cucumber
- Fruits like strawberries, pineapple, and grapes
- Chicken, eggs and tofu are the protein sources low in FODMAP
- Brown rice, lentils and quinoa
- Chia seeds, green beans, and chickpeas are rich in fibre and low in FODMAP.
How Can You Start?
Along with the top 10 herbs for Crohn’s Disease following this diet will be a rescuer. Quote down the foods that are rich in FODMAP and forgo them entirely. Follow this diet for 2-6 weeks. To prevent malnutrition, switch to other highly nutritious foods. If you are getting positive results like lessened flare-ups and reduced gastrointestinal symptoms, then it is clear that you are sensitive to foods that are rich in FODMAP and following a low FODMAP diet will be your helper in your Crohn’s Disease Recovery Journey.
2. Gluten-Free Diet
Gluten-Free Diet includes foods that do not have gluten. Gluten is a protein which is present in foods like wheat, barley, and rye and causes gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, cramps and nausea. Following a gluten-free diet will surely help you to heal your Crohn’s symptoms too. Some are sensitive to gluten and some are not. Those who are sensitive can immensely benefit from this diet. Before you start this diet, it is vital to know whether you are sensitive to these foods.
Can I Include this in My Diet?
Well, this is the most common question our patients ask us. Even though following a gluten-free diet and replacing them with other options is good, you may miss out on a lot of nutrients which may even lead to malnutrition and other complications. So the better option is to follow this diet:-
- If you find relief after eating gluten-free foods.
- If your GI symptoms have reduced.
- And if you are well adapted to this diet without any side effects.
You should always watch out for the foods you eat and the reactions you get after eating those foods. If your flare-ups are worsening after consuming gluten, then it’s clear that you are sensitive to it and following a gluten-free diet will comfort you. This is a brief about the top 10 Herbs for Crohn’s Disease and the two types of diets that will aid you in healing the flare-ups.
I don’t have Celiac Disease but I have Crohn’s, can I take this diet?
It is commonly believed that a gluten-free diet is recommended only if you have Celiac Disease but there are many studies which cite that both Celiac Disease and Crohn’s Disease are genetically correlated and a gluten-free diet is found to give relief to Crohn’s Disease patients too. So, even if you have either of these conditions, you can include a gluten-free diet and reap its advantages.
Foods You Can Swap with Gluten-Rich Foods:–
- Buckwheat with whole-grain wheat
- Corn
- Sorghum
- Millet
- Brown rice for your carbohydrates
- Quinoa
- Oats for rich fibre
- Amaranth
- Large lettuce leaves
A Quick Wrap Up
Crohn’s disease can be better managed naturally using Ayurvedic herbs. Ayurveda has better treatment than any other alternative medicine. Ayurveda always focuses on the regulation and management of the root cause of the disease and Ayurveda also has miraculous herbs that have an impact on your overall health too.
Dr. Sahil Gupta, an Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist and the founder of IAFA has around 14+ years of experience and has treated many patients not only from India but also from western countries. So, no matter where you are, you are just a click away and without any delay contact us to book an online consultation and heal your Crohn’s Flare-ups naturally from the expert.
Dr. Sahil Gupta also recommends you a personalised diet along with the ancient herbs which will help you to boost immunity and prevent you from other disorders. At IAFA, you will get the best treatment because “Your health is Our Priority“.