Crohn's disease is a condition that causes chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, mainly affecting the small bowel and the colon. This inflammation can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, fever, poor appetite, vitamin deficiencies, rectal bleeding, and sores or ulcers. "No special diet has been proven effective for preventing or treating Crohn's disease" according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, although, nutrition can play a role in helping to control symptoms.
Significance
A common complication of Crohn's disease is intestinal obstruction. An intestinal blockage can occur due to the narrowing of the intestinal wall due to swelling. Physicians often recommend that patients increase fiber in their diet when active symptoms are not present or when there is not a blockage, states Jackson GI. Fiber causes digested foods to move quickly through the intestinal tract to help prevent a potential intestinal blockage or obstruction.
Types
There are two types of fiber, soluble and insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water. Soluble fiber helps to produce larger, bulkier stools. Insoluble fibers are not digested by the small bowel. Soluble fiber does dissolve in water and is fermented by the bacteria in the colon, though too much intake of soluble fibers can contribute to gas and flatulence.
Soluble Prebiotic Fiber
Soluble prebiotic fibers such as inulin and oligofructose are a type of fiber that promote the growth of good colon bacteria. According to Jackson GI, use of soluble prebiotic fibers in Crohn's patients is still not certain. Since soluble prebiotic fibers promote the growth of good colon bacteria they help produce short-chain fatty acids. Short-chain fatty acids can help to make bacteria less adherent to the bowel wall.
Sources
Sources of fiber come mostly from fresh fruits and vegetables as well as from whole grain products. These foods also contain vitamins and minerals that your body may lose as a result of Crohn's disease. Whole grain products include cereals, both cooked and ready-to-eat, whole grain breads, pasta, crackers and rice. The fiber from fruits and vegetables comes mainly from the seeds and skins that the vegetable or fruit contains. You can also obtain fiber from canned fruits and cooked vegetables as well as from beans. Fruits and vegetable juices contain small amounts of fiber.
Preparation
Sometimes including increased amounts of fiber in the diet with Crohn's disease can be difficult due to side effects that they may produce, such as abdominal discomfort or gas. If raw fruits and vegetables become a problem, try baked, cooked or steamed vegetables as well as canned fruits. Some fruits and vegetables also tend to cause more gas or abdominal discomfort than others. These may include beans, broccoli, cauliflower, corn and citrus fruits.
