10 Ways to Control Crohn's Symptoms

A heating pad or warm compress may help soothe belly cramping and discomfort. Heat hasn't been studied specifically for Crohn's-related pain, but it may help relax muscles and make cramps feel less intense. There's also a little evidence from small studies that warming the lower belly area or back may stimulate gut movement and ease constipation. But these studies didn't include people with Crohn's, so it's not clear whether heat works the same way in everyone. Use comfortably warm — not hot — heat, and don't place a heating pad directly on bare skin.

Frequent or severe diarrhea can cause you to lose both water and important electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium. An oral rehydration drink, such as Pedialyte, won't stop the diarrhea, but it can help replace what your body is losing and lower your risk of dehydration. Sports drinks such as Gatorade also contain electrolytes, but they generally have more sugar and less sodium than true oral rehydration solutions, so they may be less effective when diarrhea is significant. Sip fluids throughout the day rather than trying to drink a large amount at once.

When constipation is the problem, foods with little or no fiber may make it harder to get things moving. Try cutting back on:

• Chips and other low-fiber packaged snacks
• Fast food
• Hot dogs, cold cuts, and other cured meats
• Frozen or microwave convenience meals
• Premade baked goods and other low-fiber refined foods

If constipation continues, contact your healthcare provider, because constipation can sometimes signal a blockage.

When diarrhea, cramping, or belly pain acts up, temporarily changing the texture and fiber content of your food may help. Softer, well-cooked, or pureed foods may be easier to tolerate, along with lower-fiber choices such as white rice, pasta, skinless potatoes, bananas, applesauce, and eggs. Raw vegetables, fruit skins, nuts, seeds, popcorn, and other high-fiber foods may make symptoms worse, especially if you have a narrowing, or stricture, in the intestine. These changes are usually meant to be temporary. As symptoms improve, gradually bring back a wider variety of foods as tolerated.

A large meal can be hard to face when you're dealing with cramping, nausea, belly pain, or a poor appetite. Instead of three big meals, try eating smaller meals and snacks throughout the day. Eating less at one time may reduce uncomfortable fullness and make it easier to get the calories and nutrients you need. Choose foods that provide protein and energy, eat slowly, and pay attention to what you tolerate best. If you're losing weight or regularly avoiding food because eating hurts, tell your doctor or a dietitian.

Even when Crohn's is under control, you can still have gas, bloating, cramping, or diarrhea. A temporary low-FODMAP diet may help reduce symptoms. FODMAPs are certain carbohydrates found in foods such as onions, garlic, wheat, beans, some dairy products, and some fruits. They may be poorly absorbed and fermented by bacteria in the gut, producing gas and drawing water into the intestine.

Home remedies can make symptoms easier to live with, but they don't treat the inflammation behind Crohn's disease. Whether you're having symptoms or feeling well, keep taking your prescribed Crohn's medications unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Your doctor may also approve medicines for specific symptoms — for example, an antidiarrheal for diarrhea or an osmotic laxative for constipation. But these medicines aren't safe in every situation. Check with your care team before adding an over-the-counter remedy.

Some common over-the-counter medicines can be risky with Crohn's:

• NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can irritate the digestive tract, increase the risk of bleeding, and may worsen Crohn's symptoms. Ask your doctor whether acetaminophen is a safer option.
• Antidiarrheal medicines shouldn't be used without medical guidance if you have a fever, bloody stool, severe intestinal inflammation, or a possible intestinal blockage.
• Laxatives aren't something to self-treat with if you have signs of a bowel obstruction, such as severe or worsening belly pain, bloating, vomiting, or if you can't pass stool or gas. Seek medical care instead.

Natural doesn't always mean safe — especially when you have a chronic digestive disease or take prescription medications.

• Colon cleanses and detox products have no proven benefit for Crohn's symptoms and may cause diarrhea, dehydration, electrolyte problems, or other complications.
• High-dose or bulky fiber supplements may be unsafe if you have an intestinal stricture or symptoms of an obstruction, because added bulk can worsen obstructive symptoms.
• Herbal and dietary supplements can cause digestive side effects, contain ingredients that aren't well studied, or interact with Crohn's medications. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking one.

Certain foods and drinks can make diarrhea, urgency, gas, or cramping worse for some people. During a bout of diarrhea, consider cutting back on:

• Coffee, tea, energy drinks, and other sources of caffeine, which can stimulate the bowel
• Sugar alcohols, such as sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol, found in sugar-free sweets, which can draw water into the intestine
• Very sugary foods and drinks, which may worsen diarrhea in some people
• High-fat or fried foods, such as fried chicken, french fries, and pizza, which may be harder to digest
• Milk and dairy if they worsen your symptoms, particularly if you're lactose intolerant