Diet Support for Crohn’s Disease

Crohn's disease is a chronic digestive disorder that causes inflammation and damage in the digestive tract. The disease belongs to a group of conditions called inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Unfortunately, there is no cure for Crohn's disease, or a universal diet that will help all people with Crohn’s disease. You may find that making certain dietary changes can help reduce uncomfortable symptoms during flares, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

Salmon

Fatty fish such as salmon is especially good for people with Crohn’s disease for a number of reasons. Salmon represents a source of lean protein. It also contains vitamin D, a vitamin that Crohn’s disease patients especially need. Additionally, the dietary fat from salmon improves the absorption of essential fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E and K.

Lastly, salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and preliminary studies suggest that they can help reduce inflammation in Crohn’s disease.

Oatmeal

Dietary fiber is both good and bad for people with Crohn’s disease. On one hand, the right fiber can be filling, prevent overeating and even stop diarrhea, a common symptom of Crohn’s disease. On the other hand, the wrong fiber can worsen diarrhea and cause abdominal pain and cramps. Oatmeal is made up of soluble fiber, the kind easily broken down in the body. Oatmeal is also a good source of slowly released carbohydrates. Therefore, it can help sustain energy levels while reducing food cravings.

Poultry

White meats such as chicken and turkey are lean and good sources of proteins. These meats are also easy on the stomach and can be effortlessly digested.

Eggs

Eggs are a ready, inexpensive source of protein. However, protein is not the only essential nutrient found in eggs that Crohn’s disease patients need. Eggs are also a good source of dietary iron and vitamin D. Because iron deficiency and vitamin D deficiency are common among people with Crohn’s disease, regular consumption of eggs are a good way of avoiding these nutritional deficiencies. In addition, eggs promote the absorption of other important vitamins such as vitamins A, E and K.

White Rice

White rice is the go-to carbohydrate for anyone suffering from stomach discomfort. This is because they are easily digested and a ready source of carbohydrates. However, it is important not to let simple carbs such as white rice be the main source of calories in a diet for Crohn’s disease.

The most important part of figuring out your Crohn’s diet is evaluating your own experience with certain foods. Start by keeping a food diary to track meals and identify foods that trigger your Crohn’s symptoms, then start eliminating the foods you can’t tolerate. To learn more about Crohn’s disease treatments, Gastroenterology, and Hepatology contact Dr. Justin McCarthy by calling (806) 761-0722.

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Sources:

http://www.justinmccarthymd.com/

https://www.healthline.com/health/crohns-disease-power-foods

http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20559874,00.html

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/inflammatory-bowel-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-2035315

https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/crohns-disease-treatment-management/gut-soothing-foods/

What is Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s Disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation in your digestive tract, which can lead to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition. Even though Crohn’s disease will always affect the digestive tract, it will involve different areas for different people. The inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease can spread deep into the layers of tissue in the digestive tract, and can be both painful and debilitating. This can also cause other serious and even life-threatening complications.

Symptoms

When it comes to Crohn’s disease, the two main areas affected are the colon and a small segment of the small intestine. Although these are the two areas that are the most affected in patients with Crohn’s disease, it can also affect other areas. Signs and symptoms of Crohn’s disease can range from mild to severe, and usually develop over time. People may experience symptoms that will come on suddenly, and others will go through periods where no symptoms are noticeable at all.

Symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Blood in your stool
• Mouth sores
• Reduced appetite and weight loss

People with severe Crohn’s disease may also experience inflammation of the skin, eyes, joints, liver, and bile ducts.

Causes & Risk Factors

While there are no known causes of Crohn’s disease, doctors have found more proof of main factors being hereditary and malfunctioning immune systems. Risk factors include:

• Age: you’re most likely to develop Crohn’s disease when you’re young
• Ethnicity: Even though Crohn’s is more likely to occur in those of eastern European descent, it can occur in any ethnicity.
• Family history: you’re more likely to develop Crohn’s if you have a family member who also has Crohn’s.
• Cigarette smoking: smoking cigarettes is the most controllable risk factor when it comes to preventing Crohn’s disease.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications: these can include ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen sodium (Aleve), diclofenac sodium (Voltaren) and others. While they don’t directly cause Crohn’s, they can lead to inflammation of the bowel which can make Crohn’s disease worse.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please give Justin McCarthy, M.D. a call at 806-761-0722 to set up an appointment. You don’t have to keep living with pain associated with Crohn’s disease, we can help you manage and reduce it, so that you can get back to living your life.