4 Non-Diet Ways To Reduce Crohn's/Colitis Symptoms

Here are 4 evidence-based activities that may help reduce symptoms in people with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. 

1. Gut-directed hypnotherapy

Gut-directed hypnotherapy is a form of medical hypnosis in which a person is guided into a relaxed, focused state of awareness about their gastrointestinal tract.

In this hypnotic state, people are asked to think about/visualize the improved health and function of their bodies which can lead to a therapeutic effect.

Gut-directed hypnotherapy has been shown in research studies to prolong periods of remission in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and decrease the likelihood of flares^1,2.

Another study showed that a single 50-minute hypnosis session may decrease markers of inflammation in ulcerative colitis patients³.

2. Pelvic floor physical therapy

The pelvic floor is a collection of muscles at the bottom of the pelvis that support your bladder, bowel, and sex organs.

Working with a pelvic floor physical therapist to strengthen and activate these muscles while in remission has been shown to improve symptoms in 68% of IBD patients who experience difficulty with bowel evacuation and 80% of IBD patients with fecal incontinence⁴.

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3. Exercise

Exercise has been shown to decrease fatigue and improve quality of life in people with inflammatory bowel disease in remission.

In a recent study, 22 IBD patients in remission who completed a 12-week exercise program including 3x 1-hour workouts per week reported significant improvements in their level of fatigue and quality of life at the end of the study compared to the beginning⁵.

Another study of 306 IBD patients in New Zealand showed that higher levels of physical activity were associated with lower levels of fatigue in patients with active disease and in remission⁶. 

For more info on exercise and IBD, check out our post on everything you need to know about exercise and IBD. 

4. Mindfulness-based therapy

Mindfulness-based therapy has been shown in studies to reduce stress, depression, and improve quality of life in people with inflammatory bowel disease⁷.

Another study showed that a mindfulness-based therapy program administered over 6 months improved inflammatory markers in people with IBD⁸.

Mindfulness-based activities include walking meditations, body scans, breathing exercises, and yoga. 

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