Crohn's disease is one of the two forms of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by sudden, unpredictable bouts of diarrhea and abdominal pain, according to an article in RN. The need for adequate nutrition, fluids and electrolyte balance is essential in preventing malnutrition. No one particular diet has proven effective for preventing or treating Crohn's disease, but diet modification can help decrease the symptoms associated with Crohn's disease.
History
One theory for the cause of Crohn's disease is that the body reacts aggressively to an unidentified virus or bacteria by causing inflammation of the intestine. Genetics also appear to play a role in the development of Crohn's disease. A patient who has a relative with the disease is 10 times more likely to develop the disease than someone in the general population. Diet is not the cause of Crohn's disease, but dietary modifications are essential in controlling symptoms.
Significance
Crohn's disease causes malabsorption and nutrient deficiencies. The diarrhea associated with Crohn's disease upsets electrolyte balance and also limits nutrient availability. The abdominal pain associated with Crohn's disease will cause patients to have decreased appetite and limited food intake. The disease is a serious condition that requires a broad-based approach. Nutritional care must be individualized according to the nutritional status of the individual.
Symptoms
In Crohn's disease, full thickness of the layers of the bowel are affected. The entire abdominal wall is edematous and inflamed, leading to rigidity and loss of contractions of the digestive tract. Patients will present with low-grade fever, weight loss, intermittent non-bloody diarrhea and a palpable tender mass in the right lower quadrant. If left untreated, Crohn's disease can lead to fistulas, which are abnormal connections between organs, intestines or other structures that do not normally connect. Fistulas can form an abscess and become infected.
Nutrition and Diet
Foods high in fiber, fat and lactose can increase the diarrhea and abdominal pain. According to Better Nutrition, the most common problem foods may include seeds, nuts, raw fruits and vegetables, and leafy greens. In addition, products that contain caffeine and spicy foods can aggravate the symptoms. Patients with Crohn's still need an adequate intake of calories and nutrients. Protein from meats, fish, poultry and eggs are recommended. Fruits and vegetables cooked, without skin or seeds are generally well tolerated. Consuming adequate fluids are important for patients with ulcerative colitis. Better Nutrition recommends eight to 10 glasses of fluid per day.
Dietary Supplements
During periods of excessive diarrhea patients may need dietary supplements, particularly vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium and potassium. Nutritional deficiencies are due to malabsorption. The overall nutritional recommendations for patients with Crohn's are individualized based on the extend of the disease. According to Nutrition and Diet Therapy, to maintain nutritional status, foods should not be eliminated from the diet without a fair trial. Restrictions should be limited to foods that produce gas or loose stools.
References
- "RN"; Inflammatory Bowel Disease; J. Veronsei; May 2003
- "Better Nutrition"; Nutritional Rx For Crohn's and Colitis; Figueras; May 2010
- "Nutrition and Diet Therapy"; F.A. Davis; 2011
