Crohn's disease is an ongoing disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive or gastrointestinal tract, according to MedlinePlus. Crohn's disease may affect any area of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus, but the disease mostly affects the colon and small intestine. Crohn's disease is characterized by persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever and rectal bleeding. Certain foods may aggravate signs and symptoms of crohn's disease especially during a flare-up.
High Protein and High Calorie Diet
Patients with crohn's disease experience frequent diarrhea that inhibits the absorption of nutrients. MayoClinic.com recommends that patients with crohn's disease eat three regular meals a day plus an additional two or three snack each day. The meals should contain high protein and high calories to replenish nutrients lost due to malaabsorption and frequent diarrhea. In addition, the doctor may recommend that patient take vitamin and mineral supplements.
Limit Low-fat Foods
Patients with crohn's disease of the intestine may not be able to digest and absorb fat properly, according to MayoClinic.com. Undigested fat passes through the intestines making diarrhea worse. Patients should limit the amount of fat in the diet. Troublesome fatty foods include butter, margarine, cream sauces, oils and fried foods. Drinking milk and eating milk products may cause diarrhea, abdominal pain and gas in patients with crohn's disease of the stomach and small intestine. Limiting dairy products or lactaid milk products may prevent lactose intolerance. Lactaid is an enzyme that helps break down lactose.
Limit High fiber and Gas Forming Foods
Patients with crohn's disease should limit or eliminate gas forming foods such as beans, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower because fiber makes diarrhea pain and gas worse, according to MayoClinic.com. Some patients may tolerate some high fiber foods while others may not. Patients should first consult the doctor before adding fiber to the diet. Patients who can tolerate high fiber should drink plenty of fluids after eating high fiber foods in order to prevent constipation. Alcohol and beverages containing caffeine should be avoided as they stimulate the intestines and make diarrhea worse.
Member Comments