Crohn's is an inflammatory bowel disease. Symptoms of the disease include pain in the abdomen, diarrhea, bleeding from the rectum, weight loss, joint pain, skin problems and fever. Crohn's disease often causes poor appetite, affecting a person's ability to consume enough foods to meet his daily nutrition needs. It is also associated with diarrhea and malabsorption of nutrients. It is essential that people with Crohn's disease adhere to nutritional therapy and avoid foods that worsen symptoms.
Fluid Intake
Drinking enough fluids to prevent dehydration and constipation is essential. Water and other caffeine-free, uncorroborated beverages are preferred. A recommended 8- to 10-fl. oz. per day is usually adequate, but consult your doctor about the appropriate amount, especially when suffering from diarrhea.
High Fiber vs. Low Residue
As long as Crohn's is under control, a regular healthy high fiber diet is recommended. Plenty of whole grains, fruit, vegetables, nuts, beans and seeds in the context of a balanced diet are recommended. However, during a flare-up, you should consume a low residue diet, limiting these foods. A diet consisting of bland low fiber foods is non-irritating to the bowel and is easier for a Crohn's sufferer to absorb.
Dealing with Lactose Intolerance
Intolerance to lactose is common in Crohn's disease. Those with lactose intolerance should either avoid dairy, choose lactose-free dairy or choose dairy alternatives such as soy milk.
Fat Intake and Other Irritating Foods
Those with Crohn's disease may become familiar with the particular foods that aggregate inflammation. Common irritants include milk products, bulky fiber foods, alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods and fatty and fried foods.
Nutrition Supplementation
In the acute stage of Crohn's, a multivitamin and iron supplement may be recommended by a doctor. If Crohn's flares, specialized high-calorie liquid nutrition formulas may be recommended by doctors when patients cannot consume or absorb enough nutrition from food. Occasionally some patients may need to be fed intravenously. This helps those who need extra nutrition, whose intestines require rest and those whose intestines cannot absorb enough nutrition from food.
