Common-Sense Dietary Tips That Can Ease The Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease
1. Take a good whole-food supplement product
People who suffer from Crohn’s disease are generally weak and thin because the nutrients from the food they eat do not reach their circulatory systems.
Nutritional complications are common in Crohn’s disease. Deficiencies of proteins, calories, and vitamins are well documented in Crohn’s disease. These deficiencies may be caused by inadequate dietary intake, intestinal loss of protein, or poor absorption (malabsorption).
Because Crohn’s Disease affects the area of the intestines where a lot of the absorption of nutrients takes place, taking supplements is usually advised. The greatest amount of digestion takes place just beyond the stomach in the small intestine. An inflamed intestine as in the case with Crohn’s Disease is not able to fully absorb and digest the nutrients from food. As a result Crohn’s Disease sufferers are often unable to properly digest and absorb carbohydrates, fats, proteins as well as many vitamins and minerals. Over 40 percent of individuals diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease showed that they can eat enough food but can’t absorb it adequately, especially carbohydrates. A high quality nutritional supplement can provide the nutrients the body needs for proper health.
Deficiencies of vitamins A, C, D, E, B12, and folate may result from mal-absorption. In general, vitamin supplements may be recommended for everyone with IBD, particularly for children to avoid growth retardation. Vitamins A, C, and E are antioxidants, which are scavengers of damaging particles in the body. Folic acid supplements are particularly important for patients who must restrict fresh fruits and vegetables and for those taking sulfasalazine. Folate deficiencies may contribute to the increased risk for colon cancer. Monthly injections of vitamin B-12 may be necessary. Vitamin D is necessary for bone protection. Because some vitamins, such as A and D, can be toxic high doses, patients should discuss specific dosages with their physicians.
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2. Increase your intake of soluble fiber
Research indicates that increasing whole grains and soluble fiber is beneficial in a Crohn’s diet. Fiber is critical to cleanse intestinal toxins and increase peristalsis. It should also be noted that during flare-ups, fiber should be reduced dramatically. Between flare-ups, fiber foods can be resumed. To increase fiber the following foods have been suggested: flax seed, oats, pectin, guar gum, oat bran, legumes such as kidney beans, lentils, black beans, and steamed vegetables. Other grains suggested include millet, quinoa, and oatmeal. (Note: oats are only recommended if you are absolutely sure that you are not sensitive to gluten.)
Soluble fiber has several benefits that may also reduce symptoms of crohn’s. Fiber may help prevent spasms because it keeps the colon somewhat distended. Fiber absorbs water, which helps keep stools from being too hard and therefore difficult to pass. Enough fiber should be added to the diet so that stools are soft and passed painlessly and easily. Initially switching to a high fiber diet may increase gas and bloating, but these symptoms should decrease as the body becomes adjusted, which can take a few weeks. Some examples of soluble fiber foods are brown rice, currants, dried beans, figs, fresh peas Oat Bran, Oatmeal, pasta. prunes, psyllium husks, raisins and rice.
3. Avoid Insoluble fiber
Insoluble fiber foods can cause gas, bloating, and pain. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in the intestine, and it bulks up stools and makes them looser. It can also trigger IBS symptoms in some people. This affect may be reduced by eating insoluble fiber along with soluble fiber or other foods, and in small quantities. Some examples of insoluble fiber are raw vegetables, seeds, whole wheat, bran, nuts and popcorn.
4. Drink lots of fluids
Drink lots of pure water or any other natural fluids, especially lots of pure water to keep body hydrated and prevent constipation. Drinking water is good for everyone, if you have crohn’s disease make sure you get at least 8 glasses of water per day.
5. Eat easily digested proteins
Eat easily digested proteins like fish or tofu. corn, beans, and squash.
Fish and chicken are allowed. Chicken soup as well as foods made of fish are very beneficial.
Cooked vegetables which pass easily through the narrowed intestines are highly recommended.
