Psilocybin and Crohn's
An increasing number of scientific studies are confirming that psilocybin acts as an anti-inflammatory. Most natural treatments for Crohn's disease work because they possess these anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Could psilocybin therefore, as an anti-inflammatory at the cellular level, make a difference for individuals with Crohn's?
What is Crohn's disease?
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the digestive tract, causing abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition. The inflammation caused by Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. These symptoms have a significant impact on patients' quality of life. Understanding the underlying causes and treatments of this condition is essential for finding a cure for this disease.
Possible causes
The causes of Crohn's disease are not yet fully known to date. However, scientific research has shown that factors such as heredity and a disturbed immune system likely play a role in the onset of the disease. Furthermore, risk factors such as age, ethnicity, family history, smoking, the use of anti-inflammatory medications, and certain environmental factors may contribute to the development of Crohn's disease. We therefore do not yet know everything about this condition, but thanks to scientific studies, we are increasingly understanding how the disease can manifest itself.
What we do know about Crohn's
Through measurements, it is known which inflammatory products occur in high concentrations in Crohn's disease. These products include C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha. These measurements enable us to better understand the disease and develop targeted treatments that counteract these inflammatory products.
Does psilocybin have an anti-inflammatory effect in Crohn's disease?
According to various scientific studies, psilocybin can precisely lower the inflammatory markers that are elevated in Crohn's. In theory, this seems to be a solution to be able to reduce Crohn's symptoms and get the disease under control. Below, we indicate per topic whether psilocybin can have a positive influence on Crohn's inflammatory processes.
CRP
C-reactive protein remains lowered for a long time after using psilocybin.
There is some evidence to suggest that lowering C-reactive protein (CRP) levels may potentially help in the treatment of Crohn's disease. Lowering CRP is an indication of reduced inflammation levels.
IL-6
Interleukin-6 is also persistently decreased for a long time after using psilocybin.
According to research, lowering IL-6 in people with Crohn's disease can either reduce or worsen symptoms. For now, it is unclear why this happens and further research is needed to get a clear picture.
TNF-α
During the use of psilocybin, tumour necrosis factor-alpha is reduced.
Lowering TNF-α can reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea and weight loss. Psilocybin reduces TNF-α primarily during the use of high doses.
Tentative conclusion on the efficacy of psilocybin
Lowering inflammation in the gut in Crohn's disease is seen as the best solution to counteract the harmfulness of Crohn's. Psilocybin can reduce various inflammatory factors. Whether psilocybin thereby contributes to reducing Crohn's must be further investigated. For example, a previous study showed that blocking IL-6 alone could contribute to exacerbation of the disease, which may be due to the selective blockade of solely IL-6. This is because IL-6 plays a dual role by both inhibiting and promoting inflammation.
Whether it is wise to start using psilocybin for Crohn's disease is something we cannot, of course, say with certainty. We believe that psilocybin will primarily have an anti-inflammatory effect in Crohn's, but further research will need to tell us more about its activity and safety.
What else can you do?
Besides the use of psilocybin, there are many other things that have anti-inflammatory properties and can therefore help with Crohn's disease. We provide a list of tips against Crohn's.
In science, extracts or plant parts or herbs are used that have an anti-inflammatory effect in Crohn's disease. Below are a number with potential:
- Althaea officinalis – Marshmallow
- Aloe vera/ferox (juice) – Normal or wild Aloe vera (juice)
- Artemisia absinthium – wormwood
- Borago officinalis (oil) – Borage or starflower (borage oil)
- Boswellia serrata
- Cocos nucifera (oil) – coconut oil (extra virgin)
- Curcuma xanthorrhiza – Javanese turmeric root
- Echinacea purpurea – Coneflower
- Garcinia mangostana – Mangosteen or mangosteen
- Glycyrrhiza glabra – Liquorice
- Hydrastis canadensis – goldenseal
- Linum usitatissimum (oil) – Linseed oil
- Matricaria recutita – German chamomile
- Morinda citrifolia – Noni or Indian mulberry
- Oenothera biennis (oil) – Evening primrose oil
- Panax ginseng – Korean ginseng
- Perilla frutescens (oil) - Black nettle oil
- Punica granatum (whole juice) – Pomegranate
- Plantago afra – Psyllium
- Plantago ovata – Psyllium seed
- Blackcurrant oil (Ribes nigrum oil)
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae subsp. boulardii – Yeast
- Ulmus rubra – Slippery elm
- Uncaria tomentosa – Cat's claw
Krill oil
Krill oil works well against Crohn's disease because, just like fish oil, it has an anti-inflammatory effect on the intestines and the rest of the body.
NAC
N-acetyl cysteine does not occur in our diet, but the body makes it from L-cysteine. In Crohn's disease, N-acetyl cysteine can help because of its anti-inflammatory function, and in that case supplementation is a solution.
The recommended dosage of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for Crohn's disease is 2000 mg per day divided into 2 or 3 doses. It is best taken on an empty stomach with water.
Please note regarding medication. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can increase the effects of antidepressants, nitroglycerin and anticoagulants. Consult your doctor first if you are taking any medication.
Vitamin D
A lack of vitamin D is often forgotten, but plays a major role in the functioning of the immune system.
The following foods promote inflammation and should be avoided if you have Crohn’s disease:
Sugar: Eating sugar and fructose in particular. Fructose combined with glucose in one molecule is what we call table sugar. Avoid added sugar as much as possible. Sugar also causes inflammatory reactions in the body, which results in less serotonin being released.
Bad fats: Bad fats cause inflammatory reactions in the body and this, via inflammatory factors, causes a reduction in the release of serotonin and BDNF. The bad fats are typically plant-based omega-6 fats used for frying, such as sunflower, soya and peanut oil. Hydrogenated (plant-based) fats are also bad fats. Furthermore, do not heat fats until they smoke and preferably keep the temperature below 180C.
Dairy: In high intakes, dairy can also have a pro-inflammatory effect. It is best not to consume sweetened or non-acidified dairy. Therefore, unsweetened kefir or yoghurt can be eaten in moderation.
Gluten: Eat as few grain-based products as possible. Gluten can also cause inflammation, especially in allergic reactions. Oats and therefore porridge can be eaten, however.
Alcohol: Alcohol is fermented sugar and is best avoided altogether. If alcohol is consumed nonetheless, half to a whole glass of wine a day can be drunk without too much harm. Beyond that, alcohol becomes a pro-inflammatory agent.
Meat: Wild, grass-fed meat and wild fish are not a problem as long as red meat is eaten in moderation (the advice is a maximum of twice a week). All fish that is not wild-caught or is fed otherwise than naturally is best avoided. Grain- and corn-fed animal products are also discouraged.
Although allergies are not the direct cause of the disease, they can contribute to the onset and worsening of symptoms. Allergies can activate the immune system and cause inflammatory responses, which in turn can lead to increased inflammation in the intestines in people with Crohn's.
Some studies have shown that people with Crohn's may have an increased sensitivity to certain foods, such as dairy products, gluten and certain types of food additives. These foods can cause an allergic reaction or an inflammatory response in the gut, which can lead to a worsening of Crohn's symptoms.
In addition, allergies can also play an indirect role in Crohn's disease by disrupting the gut flora. A disrupted gut flora can lead to increased permeability of the intestinal wall, allowing allergens and other harmful substances to enter the bloodstream more easily and cause inflammation.
It is therefore advisable to avoid allergic reactions as much as possible in cases of Crohn's.
Stress can indeed have a negative impact on the immune system and intensify inflammatory responses in the body. Since Crohn's is an inflammatory disease, reducing stress could potentially contribute to decreasing inflammation and improving Crohn's symptoms.
There are various ways to reduce stress, such as regular physical exercise, relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga, getting enough sleep, and avoiding triggers such as caffeine and alcohol. It is also important to follow a healthy diet rich in nutrients and fibre, and to drink plenty of water.
Reducing stress also ensures a lower risk of developing a “leaky gut”, or increased permeability of the intestinal wall. When we are stressed, our body produces the stress hormone cortisol. Prolonged stress and elevated cortisol levels can cause inflammation in the body, including in the intestines. This inflammation can lead to damage of the intestinal wall and increased permeability, allowing unwanted substances such as bacteria, toxins and undigested food particles to enter the bloodstream.
A “leaky gut” can in turn lead to inflammatory responses in the body and can contribute to various health problems, including Crohn's disease.
Psilocybin therapy is known to lower stress levels and can thereby also help to reduce the likelihood of inflammation in the body.
Supervised psilocybin session
Supervised psilocybin sessions generally work better because the therapist or guide can support and guide you during the experience. We can help you explore your thoughts, emotions and experiences and can have conversations, offer guided meditations or use other techniques to help you gain insights and process any issues. In addition, they also ensure your physical safety and we can help you with the preparation and integration of the session.
At Triptherapie we use a step-by-step plan for psilocybin sessions:
1. RegistrationYou can register without obligation via the intake form. Here you can indicate what you want to achieve with the session and mention any medical or psychological conditions.
2. IntakeFollowing registration, we will contact you to let you know whether a psychedelic session can take place in your case.
3. RecommendationsBased on the intake, we provide advice on nutrition, supplements, and exercise advice where applicable. We can also give tips in preparation for the session. Following this advice can enhance the effect of the psilocybin session.
4. MonitoringAbout a week before the session, we will be in touch again to discuss the progress and the effect of the advice. We can still decide to adjust the schedule then if necessary.
5. Psilocybin sessionDuring the session you take a dose of psilocybin, usually in the form of magic truffles. Your chosen facilitator will guide and support you while the psilocybin is taking effect. We can use various techniques to help you gain insights and process any issues.
6. Integration: After the session, it is important to integrate the experience into your daily life. We offer support and guidance with this process, for example through conversations or assignments.