You may benefit by taking the following nutritional supplements. Remember to check with your doctor to avoid drug interactions with potential blood thinners (cod liver oil and turmeric).
Cod Liver Oil
Cod liver oil provides Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and DHA (a powerful omega-3 fatty acid), reduces inflammation and supports the immune system. It was used by the Vikings to promote health and relieve soreness. The British recognized it as a remedy for rheumatism in the eighteenth century, and it reached its peak of popularity in the US in the early 20th century. It is making a strong comeback and is widely available in liquid or capsule form.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D, which is technically a hormone and not a vitamin, is important to bone health, the immune system, and the nervous system. Ask your doctor to recommend an appropriate dose of Vitamin D3. You can also boost your levels with sunshine, egg yolks, liver, and saltwater fish (try some cod liver oil) [1].
Probiotics
According to research by Dr. Whitney Bowe of SUNY, Brooklyn, and Dr. Alan Logan of the Integrative Care center of Toronto, microbiota in the gut and oral probiotic supplements have the ability to “influence systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, glycemic control, tissue lipid content and even mood itself.”[2] Find a brand that works for you, switch it up from time to time, and include fermented foods and beverages in your diet.
Multivitamin
If you have Crohn’s, you are not absorbing the nutrients you need. Help yourself along with a good quality supplement. We like products from Garden of Life.
B-12
According to the Linus Pauling Research Institute at Oregon State University, vitamin B-12 deficiency due to malabsorption is commonly associated with inflammatory bowel disease. To ensure that you get what you need, use a sublingual supplement (no sugar please) or spray [3]
Vitamin C
Research has shown that Vitamin C is antimicrobial and supports the function of killer cells in the immune system. A 2006 study suggests a strong correlation between vitamin C intake and a reduction in CRP inflammatory markers [4]
Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin and a host of other anti-inflammatory compounds. It has been successfully used in India for centuries. Take it with black pepper in order to ensure proper absorption, or try mixing a small amount with goat’s milk yogurt to experience rapid relief during a flare-up.
Oil of oregano (limited)
Use caution with this powerful antibiotic, anti-viral, anti-fungal remedy. Oil of Oregano may be used carefully on a limited basis in order to fight infection. Remember that you may be killing some good gut flora along with the bad, and follow each course of treatment with probiotics and fermented vegetables (or as an alternative, pet the dog and dig around in the compost heap).
Sources:
[1] http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/vitamind.html
[2] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3038963/
[3] http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/vitaminB12/
[4] http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/83/3/567.full.pdf