Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease which results in inflammation of the lining of the intestinal wall. It is the result of your own immune system attacking your own tissues by mistake. It may cause malabsorption and severe diarrhea which may cause severe malnutrition. In some patients, the inflammation spreads deep, affecting all bowel tissue, making it a painful and debilitating condition. It is important to maintain adequate nutrition to prevent malnutrition or further complications.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of Crohn's disease is diarrhea, which is the result of the inflammation in the intestines causing the cells to release extra water and salt. Other symptoms include abdominal pain and cramping, usually the result of swelling and scarring in the lining of the intestines; blood in the stool; ulcers or fistulas; decreased appetite and weight loss. In some case, patients might have additional symptoms like fever, fatigue, and inflammation of the liver and bile ducts.
Treatment
The goal of medical treatment for Crohn's disease is to decrease the inflammation and aim for long-term remission of symptoms. For this, your doctor might put you on anti-inflammatory medication and immuno-system suppressors, to prevent your immune system from attacking your own intestines. In addition, your physician might also prescribe antibiotics to treat any fistulas or ulcers, and over-the-counter medications to treat your pain and your diarrhea. It is also important your follow diet instructions to stop you from becoming malnourished. Following the diet can also relieve the symptoms.
What to Eat
The American Dietetic Association recommends you choose lactose-free, low-fat dairy products instead of their full-fat alternatives. Also, choose tender, well-cooked meats, poultry, fish and eggs. When choosing grain products, choose those made out of refined or white flour, as these have less fiber, which could worsen your diarrhea. Eat plenty of soft, well-cooked vegetables. As for fruits, bananas and melons are generally well-tolerated and will not make your diarrhea worse. You may also drink fruit juice, as long as it has no pulp.
What to Avoid
Certain foods may make your symptoms worse. The American Dietetic Association recommends you avoid whole milk products, any type of fried meat, deli meats and fried eggs. Avoid grain products made from whole grains and brown rice, as they are high in fiber. Avoid vegetables like beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, corn and onions, as these can cause gas and bloating and worsen your abdominal pain. Finally, avoid any type of raw fruit, caffeinated drinks and any type of sugar alcohol, like sortibol, mannitol or xylitol, as these may cause additional fluid to the drawn into your intestines.
Additional Tips and Guidelines
Try to eat five to six small, frequent meals instead of two or three larger ones. This will make it easier for your body to digest food. Also, remember to keep yourself well-hydrated, especially if you have diarrhea. Take a daily multivitamin, and if possible, a supplement drink as well. Finally, when you are in remission, try to increase your variety of foods slowly so you can maximize nutrient intake and maintain adequate nutrition.
