| The role of diet is very important in Crohn's | | | | Dairy foods, high fiber foods, hot spicy |
| disease and should be considered as an | | | | foods, alcohol & caffeine, foods containing |
| important add-on treatment to medical | | | | saturated fats, found in meat and dairy |
| therapies. Although there is no direct | | | | products (some fats such as in fish oil may |
| evidence that Crohn's disease is caused by | | | | be helpful), products containing corn or |
| dietary factors, the food you eat can | | | | gluten, those made from wheat, oats, barley, |
| considerably affect the symptoms of the | | | | or triticale, foods such as soy, eggs, |
| condition. | | | | peanuts, tomatoes, gas-producing foods likw |
| | | | cabbage family vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, |
| So what are the general dietary guidelines | | | | cauliflower and brussels sprouts), dried peas |
| for Crohn's disease? | | | | and lentils, onions and chives, peppers and |
| | | | carbonated drinks, simple sugars, dried |
| Generally, the patient is advised to eat a | | | | fruits and high-sugar fruits, such as grapes, |
| well-balanced diet, with adequate protein and | | | | watermelon, or pineapple. |
| calories. Diet may have to be restricted | | | | |
| based on symptoms or complications. | | | | Because Crohn's Disease affects the area of |
| | | | the intestines where a lot of the absorbtion |
| General guidelines are - Eat a well-balanced | | | | of nutrients takes place, taking supplements |
| diet, drink plenty of fluids to offset losses | | | | is usually advised. The greatest amount of |
| from diarrhea, if necessary take vitamin, | | | | digestion takes place just beyond the |
| mineral or herbal supplements (before that | | | | stomach, in what we consider to be the |
| consult with your doctor), limit high-fiber | | | | workhorse of the digestive system, the small |
| foods (whole grains, raw vegetables and | | | | intestine. An inflamed intestine as in the |
| fruits, beans and nuts), avoid specific foods | | | | case with Crohn's Disease is not able to |
| that seem to make symptoms worse and limit | | | | fully absorb and digest the nutrients from |
| dairy products. | | | | food. As a result Crohn's Disease sufferers |
| | | | are often unable to properly digest and |
| Dietary guidelines for Crohn's disease vary | | | | absorb carbohydrates, fats, proteins as well |
| depending on the severity of the disease, | | | | as many vitamins and minerals. |
| location of the inflammation, and symptoms. | | | | |
| As crohns disease is characterized by | | | | Unfortunately, there is no single effective |
| inflammation along the digestive tract it is | | | | Crohn's disease diet that will reduce |
| often difficult for the body to absorb enough | | | | symptoms for all patients. A Chron's disease |
| of the essential nutrients that it needs to | | | | diet may vary from individual to individual |
| function well. In addition, people with | | | | and may need to be changed, depending on |
| Crohn's disease often experience a decrease | | | | symptoms or complications. |
| in appetite. Poor nutrition may also make it | | | | |
| more difficult to recover from flares of the | | | | Most dietitians with experience of Crohn's |
| disease. | | | | disease will simply recommend a healthy |
| | | | balanced diet free of any foods that |
| During an acute phase of crohns disease, | | | | aggravate the symptoms. Choosing a proper |
| bulky foods, milk and milk products may | | | | diet for Chron's disease is important. The |
| increase diarrhea and cramping. Crohn's | | | | identification of trigger foods and the |
| Disease patients should avoid the following | | | | introduction of foods that help ease the |
| foods and liquids: | | | | symptoms is a slow but essential part of |
| | | | overcoming Chron's disease. |