Crohn’s Disease Diet Tips
Despite the original notion that diet does not impact or exacerbate Crohn’s disease, medical professionals in both the western and alternative practices are finding a strong correlation between diet and control of Crohn’s disease.
Common sense dictates that the food that is put into the body and passes through the gut, is going to affect a disease that involves the gut. Thus, some foods can make the symptoms of Crohn’s disease worse, while other foods can actually help to heal the gut.
The following are some all natural and common-sense dietary tips that can ease the symptoms of Crohn’s disease
1. Avoid refined sugar
Many studies have consistently found strong positive associations between refined sugar intake and Crohn’s disease.
Sugar is one of the most toxic foods on the digestive lining and pretty much intolerable by all those with Crohn’s disease. The most deceiving part of sugar, is that when eaten it does not cause pain or bowel obstruction as nuts or a high fiber food might when eaten during a flare up.
A low sugar diet may be the best thing you could do for yourself. Even healthy people suffer from the effects of refined sugar. It will take some getting used to if you normally consume sugar in the form of sodas, candy or baked goods but most people with Crohn’s disease feel better within twenty four hours of cutting sugar from their diets.
2. Avoid soft drinks
Soft drinks are saturated with artificial colors, artificial flavors, phosphates, and of course the main ingredient of any soft drink SUGAR, lots of it! An average can of soda contains almost four tablespoons of sugar.
Soft drinks on a whole create an acidic environment in the body, but add to it the toxic chemicals within a diet soft drink, and you have a double-acidic whammy, which are sure to severely irritate your Crohn’s symptoms.
3. Avoid artificial sweeteners
Avoid artificial sweeteners such as Saccharin, Equal, sorbitol and mannitol. The hazards of these substances are well known and well documented.
Artificial sweeteners, like Sorbitol can trigger Crohn’s symptoms. These sugar replacements are known to cause diarrhea, cramps, and pain.
Sorbitol and mannitol can cause gastrointestinal symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe diarrhea, even when healthy adults consume between 10 and 50 grams of these additives. Even smaller amounts may exacerbate Crohn’s disease symptoms. Obviously if you suffer from Crohn’s disease you want to steer clear of these additives. Children, because of their small size, may be affected by even smaller amounts.
Click here for a list of food products containing sorbitol.
As an alternative to refined sugar and artificial sweeteners, I would highly recommend Stevia, also known as Sweet-leaf or Candy-leaf . It is a safe all-natural alternative to artificial sweeteners and refined sugar in the diet.
Stevia is far better for you than those other sweeteners that are chemically derived from artificial chemicals. Stevia has neither calories nor carbohydrates, It is therefore perfectly acceptable for those who suffer from crohn’s disease.
4. Avoid coffee
Coffee has been shown to have a laxative effect in people suffering from colon and bowel conditions which can lead to loose stools as soon as four minutes after drinking it. Studies show this effect is found in both regular and decaffeinated coffee. It is recommended that people who have such problems eliminate coffee from their diet.
Since your intestines are already irritated when you have Crohn’s, drinking coffee is not a good idea. Coffee is very acidic and it can increase the production of gastric juices.
As an alternative to standard coffee, try the many varieties of natural herbal-based beverages that you can enjoy without reservation.
A highly recommended caffeine-free herbal coffee product is Teeccino Mediterranean Java Herbal Coffee.
Now you can enjoy a steaming cup of deliciously rich, deep-roasted, fresh brewed flavor that delivers all the satisfaction without the caffeine and acidity of coffee! Teeccino (tea CHEE no) is a nutritious blend of Mediterranean herbs, grains, fruits and nuts that are roasted and ground to brew and taste like coffee. Click here to learn more about this supreme product.
5. Limit gas-producing foods
Limit gas-producing foods such as cabbage-family vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts). You may find that steaming them, boiling them, or stewing will allow you to eat them without increased symptoms.
6. Avoid beans
For Crohn’s disease, beans can be difficult to digest in many forms, but tofu and other soy proteins may work fine for you.
7. Avoid nuts
Consumption of nuts such as pecans, almonds and walnuts should be avoided. Crohn’s disease can cause narrowing of the intestines, and eating a few handfuls of nuts can cause a partial or full blockage if there is such a narrowing.
Avoid fruit and vegetable skins, whole seeds and whole grains.
Soft fruits such as bananas, peeled pears, peach’s, apricots, melon and cantaloupe are generally okay.
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