Nutrition & Crohn's Disease

Nutrition & Crohn's Disease
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Crohn's disease is a gastrointestinal disorder that causes inflammation, usually located in the small intestine or colon. There is no cure for Crohn's disease, but flare-ups can be managed with diet and medication.

Types

Foods that may trigger Crohn's disease symptoms include dairy products, high-fat foods, like butter and fried food, beans, cabbage, broccoli, citrus fruits, spicy food, popcorn, alcohol, caffeine and carbonated beverages.

Identification

Some trigger foods may bother a Crohn's patient, and eliminating the foods will prevent symptoms like diarrhea and stomach pain from occurring.

Effects

Crohn's disease patients cannot eat the same foods as healthy individuals. It's important to keep a checklist of which foods cause negative side effects and which do not. This will help you find a diet that is effective and healthy.

Theories/Speculation

According to the Mayo Clinic, it is not proven that Crohn's disease is caused by eating certain foods, but limiting certain foods in the diet may prevent Crohn's disease symptoms from occurring.

Prevention/Solution

Crohn's disease has no definitive diet, but patients who work in conjunction with a doctor and nutritionist will find a balance of foods that is right for their individual condition.

References

Article reviewed by Elizabeth Ahders Last updated on: Nov 11, 2009

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