Over the years I have found a wide combination of conventional and alternative things that help me to control my IBD (&IBS). I take Asacol and probiotics daily, and Bentyl very infrequently. I have changed my diet drastically and keep up with my daily/weekly practices of Reiki, meditation, and yoga. These are the things that work for me and allow me to live a productive life. This doesn't mean I can do absolutely everything that I want all the time. I have my ups and downs, my good days and bad. For instance, my husband and I are working on a project that required a trip to India last month. I desperately wanted to go, I even thought about throwing caution to the wind and going, vowing to live in rice and yogurt and bottled water for three weeks. I talked to my doctors, I did hours of research, I talked to people who had traveled to India in the past, and ultimately had to make the decision that my traveling to this particular country was simply too risky for me and my gut. But, I am able to travel quite extensively to other locations, to live fully, and to participate with friends and family on a regular basis.

So, looking into "alternatives" to supplement conventional medicine for treating your IBD may be helpful as it has been for me. But, I suggest discussing your options and thoughts with your doctor first. Some of the "natural" supplements can interact badly with prescription medicines, or may not be right for you if you have certain other illnesses. It's always best to keep your doctors and pharmacists well apprised of all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking, as well as vitamins and supplements. For reasons I don't understand my system does not react well to most herbal remedies - ginseng, Echinacea, etc. will set off my gut faster than a diuretic, so do use caution and realize that "natural" or "herbal" doesn't intrinsically mean without possible side effects.