Which product is best for ME?

Fiber for Crohn's and Colitis

try fiber for crohn's or colitis

Fiber for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Colitis information
Do I have ulcerative colitis (UC)?
Other types of colitis
What are the treatments for colitis?
Is there natural help for colitis?

Crohn's Disease information
Do I have Crohn's Disease?
What are the treatments for Crohn's?
Are there natural supplement recommendations for Crohn's?
How is Crohn's different from colitis?
How does IBD differ from IBS?

Colitis - One Form of IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)

Colitis is an inflammation of the lining of the colon ("-itis" means "inflammation"). Symptoms of colitis are diarrhea (which can be bloody) and abdominal pain. According to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, about half of those with ulcerative colitis will have relatively mild symptoms. More serious symptoms may include:

People with colitis often find that they have long periods of no symptoms that alternate with flare-up periods.

Do I have UC (ulcerative colitis)? Colitis sometimes begins with ulcerative proctitis, an inflammation of the rectum. With proctitis, you may find:

Other types of colitis

  • Feeling you haven’t fully emptied after a bowel movement? Pain in the lower left of the abdomen? These are symptoms of Proctosigmoiditis: Colitis affecting the rectum and the sigmoid colon (the lower segment of colon located right above the rectum). Symptoms also include bloody diarrhea and cramping.

  • Severe pain on the left side of your abdomen? Diarrhea and loss of appetite? These are symptoms of Left-sided colitis: This is a continuous inflammation that begins at the rectum and extends into the colon near the spleen.

  • Severe abdominal pain? Diarrhea, cramping and major weight loss? This could indicate Pan-ulcerative (total) colitis: This colitis affects the entire colon. Symptoms include diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, cramps, and extensive weight loss. Potentially serious complications include massive bleeding and acute dilation of the colon (toxic megacolon), which may lead to perforation (an opening in the bowel wall). Serious complications may require surgery.
  • To get a diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis, visit your doctor. A stool sample and possibly blood sample may be taken. After these results, a sigmoidoscopy or total colonoscopy may be required.

    • This information is not intended to replace the advice of a physician. See a doctor or health practitioner for diagnosis of your symptoms.

    How is colitis treated?
    Current treatments include anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, immunomodulators and antibiotics. Sometimes surgery is used, like J-pouch (ileal pouch reconstruction) surgery.

    Are there any natural alternatives that can help my colitis?
    Some colitis patients have used Konsyl Easy Mix psyllium fiber with success. Some who have had J-pouch surgery like the bulking of psyllium fiber to slow bowel movement. One colectomy patient wrote to Konsyl:

    "I take Konsyl to slow down my bowel movements after having had colectomy surgery. It has enabled me to substantially reduce the number of times per day that I go to the bathroom. I had a colectomy and I have found Konsyl Easy Mix to be helpful in slowing down my elimination of fluids. After having my J-pouch (colectomy) surgery, I was eliminating fluids very frequently. Konsyl Easy Mix + VSL-3 probiotic has become my standard regulatory drink twice a day, sometimes 3 times a day. It has been extremely beneficial for me once I started taking Konsyl about a year and a half after my initial colon surgery." Dan in California


    You can try a complimentary sample of Easy Mix. You can also purchase a large size of Konsyl Easy Mix psyllium fiber online in the Konsyl Store.

    This information is not intended to replace the advice of a physician. See a doctor or health practitioner for diagnosis and treatment of your symptoms.

    Back to top
    Helping a friend?   Click to email this page to him or her. (Opens a pop-up window.)

    Crohn’s Disease – An Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

    Crohn’s Disease is one condition grouped under Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). It may also be referred to as ileitis, regional enteritis, or Crohn’s colitis. Crohn’s causes a variety of digestive problems. Symptoms may include:
    • Diarrhea
    • Abdominal cramps
    • Fever
    • Rectal bleeding
    • Appetite loss
    • Weight loss

    Do I have Crohn's disease?
    Crohn's is diagnosed by a gastroenterologist. To help find out if you have Crohn's disease, keep a daily diary of symptoms. Write down the frequency and description of your bowel movements (diarrhea, soft, firm, bloody, etc). Keep track of the foods you eat and their effects. Do you get cramping or other stomach pains? Make a note of any fever you experience. Once you receive treatment from a gastroenterologist or other caregiver, continue to keep track of these same symptoms. You'll be able to see if your Crohn's condition improves.

    This information is not intended to replace the advice of a physician. See a doctor or health practitioner for diagnosis of your symptoms.

    How is Crohn’s treated?
    Currently, there are a number of pharmaceutical treatments given to patients with Crohn’s, including corticosteroids, immunomodulators and antibiotics. In some cases, surgery is recommended. Probiotic therapy is being researched.

    Are there any natural treatments or supplements that can help Crohn’s symptoms?
    Dr. Weil recommends acupuncture for IBD. He also suggests radical changes in your diet can help control Crohn’s symptoms.

    A personalized amount of added fiber may also help inflammatory bowel symptoms. One customer with Crohn’s recommends Konsyl Balance, a blend of psyllium fiber and the prebiotic inulin. Linda H. of Missouri, writes:

     

    "I have had diagnosed Crohn's Disease since 1978 and I had surgery for the condition in 1980. I had periodic flare-ups but not since I began to use Konsyl Balance. I was given a sample of the product by Dr. Fleshman (chief of colon-rectal surgery at Barnes-Jewish Hospital/Washington U. Med. School). He stated that he uses the product daily and that I should try it. I have to say that Konsyl Balance is an unbelievable product, I have been using it for two years and I feel better than I have in 40 years! You have to know that I began having difficulty with Chron's Disease in my early 20's and I just turned 60. I am so thankful that I found this product.


    I have definitely noticed that after taking Balance, my system is more settled and normal (at least for me) and I can eat foods that I could never eat before such as shredded wheat cereal, apples and plums with peelings, etc. It has truly changed my life. Please let me know if I can do anything else to promote the product. For me it has been a miracle ... I can't remember feeling this good."

    Konsyl Balance is a powder that is mixed with water. You can customize the amount to fit what makes YOU feel best. Start with a half teaspoon and gradually increase to your tolerance. Purchase Konsyl Balance in our online store.

    This information is not intended to replace the advice of a physician. See a doctor or health practitioner for diagnosis and treatment of your symptoms.

    How does Crohn’s disease differ from ulcerative colitis?
    The two conditions have similar symptoms, but ulcerative colitis afflicts only the colon.
    Some patients with colitis have tried Konsyl Easy Mix and found it beneficial for their colitis symptoms. Try a complimentary sample of Easy Mix.

    How does IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) compare to IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)?
    IBS is not caused by inflammation. It involves movement in the large intestine. It can cause abdominal cramping, bloating and a change in bowel habits. Some people with the IBS get constipation. Some have diarrhea. Some alternate between constipation and diarrhea. Learn more about IBS. Some Konsyl customers have found that all-natural psyllium fiber relieves IBS symptoms. Read a letter from a dietician who recommends fiber for IBS.

    Back to top

    This information is not intended to replace the advice of a physician.

    Did you find this article useful?   Click to email this page to a friend. (Opens a pop-up window.)

    Learn how Konsyl Fiber and Supplements can help with other conditions:
    Constipation | Constipation in Women | Hemorrhoids | Diverticulitis | Diabetes | Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) | Pregnancy | Cholesterol & Heart Disease | Colon Health | Weight Management