Crohn's disease is characterized by inflammation of (most commonly) the small intestine while ulcerative colitis affects the large intestine. Steroids, anti-inflammatory medications, and surgery are just some of the medical treatment options for these two diagnoses. Though there are some differences between the two disorders, I am going to address them together in a general fashion.

Figuring out what is causing the inflammation is one of the first steps. Intestinal permeability is shown to be extremely high in persons with these disorders. This is where investigating for food allergies (wheat, dairy, corn, and soy are the most prevalent), food intolerances (lactose), yeast, fungal, bacterial, and parasitic infections become very important. The general labs that hospitals run only pick up the more than obvious parasitic infections and only scan for general food intolerances, if they even run the tests. Performing a comprehensive digestive analysis becomes very beneficial. It will provide more information than you probably cared to know about your gut.

The "4R" program is very beneficial in cases of digestive disturbance. This stands for:

Remove: the offenders, as just described - read about allergies in the Health Topics section
Replace: enzymes and nutrients as necessary
Reinoculate: with "healthy" beneficial bacteria (probiotics)
Repair: the GI tract with essential omega 3 and 6 fats (anti-inflammatory), proteins, and nutrients such as glutamine, vitamin E, immunoglobulins, zinc, and various antioxidants, as indicated

Investigating stress levels is also important. Many times there is a high level of cortisone in persons with Crohn's or colitis. Cortisone will suppress and deplete the natural immune barrier of the gut (secretory IgA) leading to increased incidence of infections and food allergies. This will lead to inflammation.

These conditions are very manageable with a very high success rate if the right steps are taken.