Crohn's disease is a chronic disorder that causes inflammation in the intestinal tract. Although treatment for Crohn's disease often includes medication, nutritional supplementation and, in some cases, surgery, lifestyle remedies may also help. For best results, seek your doctor's approval and guidance prior to altering your diet or lifestyle.
Consume a Low-Fat Diet
High-fat or greasy foods often trigger symptoms of Crohn's disease. People who experience frequent diarrhea may find that reducing that amount of fat in their diet helps prevent or reduce diarrhea frequency or severity. According to the Mayo Clinic, people who have Crohn's disease of the small intestine may not be able to properly digest or absorb fat. This, too, commonly results in diarrhea. Common high-fat foods that may exacerbate or trigger diarrhea include butter, margarine, creamy sauces and deep-fried foods.
Cut Back on Dairy
Foods affect people with Crohn's disease differently. According to the Mayo Clinic, sensitivity to dairy commonly affects people with the illness--particularly those who experience diarrhea, abdominal pain and gas. People who are lactose intolerant may benefit from Lactaid, an enzyme supplement that aids in dairy digestion. Otherwise, avoiding or limiting dairy-rich foods and beverages, such as milk, yogurt, cheese and ice cream may prove helpful. Since dairy products provide valuable amounts of nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, people avoiding dairy should consume other food-sources of these nutrients, such as spinach, tofu, salmon and fortified soy milk or cereals, routinely. In some cases, nutrient supplementation is required.
Practice Relaxation
Since emotional stress can disrupt digestion, relaxation techniques may help prevent or reduce symptoms for people with Crohn's disease. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse suggests slow breathing techniques and making efforts to attain adequate amounts of restful sleep as helpful tools toward managing Crohn's disease symptoms. Although such techniques can be acquired and practiced without professional guidance, relaxation classes taught by qualified professionals or individual counseling may help ensure the effectiveness of relaxation techniques.
