Complementary and alternative treatment for Crohn's and ulcerative colitis is available at Rush

At Rush, we believe that complementary and alternative treatments can be beneficial to patients with Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. Unfortunately, there is not much research available to determine the effectiveness of these treatments in patients with IBD. 

The Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program at Rush is conducting research funded by the National Institutes of Health to evaluate the effectiveness of such treatments.

We have two studies under way to examine the impact of diet and stress on individuals with Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. Below is a brief description of the studies:

Crohn's and Diet Study

This study is examining the effects of diet or dietary supplement in maintaining remission of Crohn's disease. Additionally, the research will try to determine whether such diets or supplements are safe, acceptable and beneficial. The study is also looking to see if dietary treatments change Crohn's disease-related damage in the colon (i.e. oxidative stress) or the bacteria in the colon.  Each study participant will need to follow a study diet and take a study supplement. Visit our Crohn's & Diet Study page for more information.

Mind/Body Medicine and Ulcerative Colitis

The purpose of this study is to determine whether one of two mind/body courses prevents flare-up in patients with ulcerative colitis. Patients will need to attend an eight-week mind/body course to participate in the study.  Patients with Crohn's disease are eligible and welcome to enroll in the eight-week mind/body course. Visit our Mind/Body Medicine and Ulcerative Colitis page for more information.

In the News

The Rush IBD Program has been featured in the following media outlets for our work with complementary and alternative treatment for Crohn's and ulcerative colitis:

• Chicago Tribune, "Doctors Going Alternative," January 14, 2009
• Women's World, "Meditation Cured Her Crohn's Disease," December 15, 2008
• Fox Chicago 32, "Possible Breakthrough in Treating Crohn's Disease", September 23, 2008
• ABC-7 Healthbeat, "Alternative Medicine May Relieve Digestive Disorders," August 1, 2008
• Take Charge, Crohn's & Colitis Foundation Magazine,"Conventional and Complementary Therapies: Finding Common Ground", February 2008

For Appointments or More Information

To make an appointment with the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program at Rush, or for more information, please contact our office at (312) 942-1414.