Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) cause inflammation in the intestines and affect millions of people worldwide. The most common types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

These conditions can be debilitating, painful, and disruptive to your daily life. Thankfully, there are new treatment strategies emerging that are helping people with IBD manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. In this article, we will explore the latest treatment strategies for inflammatory bowel diseases.

1. Immunomodulators

Immunomodulators are medications that work by modifying the immune system to reduce inflammatory responses. These medications are often used in combination with other treatments. Some of the commonly used immunomodulators for treating IBD include:.

Methotrexate
Azathioprine
Mercaptopurine
Cyclosporine

2. Biologics

Biologics are a newer class of medications that target specific proteins in the body that are responsible for inflammation. These medications are given by injection or infusion and are often used in combination with other treatments.

Some of the commonly used biologics for treating IBD include:.

Adalimumab
Infliximab
Vedolizumab
Ustekinumab
Golimumab

3. Antibiotics

Antibiotics are often used to treat bacterial infections in the intestines that can cause or worsen inflammation in people with IBD. Some antibiotics that are commonly used to treat IBD include:.

Ciprofloxacin
Metronidazole
Rifaximin

4. Probiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your digestive tract. They are often used as a complementary treatment for IBD to help improve gut health and reduce inflammation. Some probiotics that are commonly used to treat IBD include:.

Bifidobacterium infantis
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Saccharomyces boulardii

5. Nutritional Therapy

Nutritional therapy is a type of treatment that uses diet to help manage the symptoms of IBD. There is evidence that suggests that certain diets, such as the low FODMAP diet, can help reduce inflammation and improve gut health in people with IBD.

Some nutritional therapies that may be helpful for people with IBD include:.

The Specific Carbohydrate Diet
The Low FODMAP Diet
The Mediterranean Diet
The Anti-Inflammatory Diet
The Paleo Diet

6. Surgery

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat IBD. Surgery may be recommended if you have complications such as intestinal blockages, abscesses, or fistulas that are causing pain or obstruction.

Surgery may involve removing part of the affected intestine or creating an ostomy to allow waste to pass through a hole in the abdominal wall.

7. Mind-Body Therapies

Mind-body therapies such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, and hypnotherapy may help to reduce stress and improve symptoms in people with IBD. These therapies may also help to improve overall quality of life and reduce the risk of flare-ups.

Some examples of mind-body therapies that may be helpful for people with IBD include:.

Meditation
Yoga
Hypnotherapy
Biofeedback
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

8. Exercise

Exercise may help to reduce inflammation and improve gut health in people with IBD. Regular exercise may also help to reduce stress and improve overall quality of life. Some types of exercise that may be helpful for people with IBD include:.

Walking or jogging
Cycling
Swimming
Weight lifting
Yoga

9. Complementary Therapies

Complementary therapies such as acupuncture and herbal remedies may help to reduce inflammation and improve gut health in people with IBD.

These therapies should be used in combination with other treatments and under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Some complementary therapies that may be helpful for people with IBD include:.

Acupuncture
Holistic medicine
Herbal remedies
Chiropractic care

10. Patient Education and Support

Patient education and support are essential for managing the symptoms of IBD.

Support groups, counseling, and educational resources can help individuals with IBD to better understand their condition, manage their symptoms, and improve their overall quality of life. Some resources for patient education and support for IBD include:.