Crohn's disease is a serious inflammatory condition that can occur anywhere from the mouth to the anus. However, it primarily affects the lower part of the small intestine. Drug treatment complemented by a healthy diet and multi-vitamin supplement can often keep this condition and the associated symptoms in check. According to MedlinePlus, Crohn's disease is one of several diseases that make up inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD. This disease causes inflammation, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, weight loss and, in serious cases, bloody diarrhea.
Cause
Although the cause of this disease is unknown, there seems to be a correlation between Crohn's disease and lifestyle, with depression or anxiety playing a role. The degree of a person's emotional stress, often dictates the severity of the disease. Deficiencies of pantothenic acid can also cause stomach distress and upset, vomiting and cramps. A deficiency of phosphorus also likely plays a part.
Diet
A therapeutic diet for this condition varies from one person to another. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, a healthy diet -- high in essential vitamins and minerals -- should consist of low-fat, high-fiber foods. The exception is during flare-ups, when fiber should be limited. The diet should also consist of protein and unsaturated fatty acids to restore lost or worn intestinal tissue. Yeast found in bread and other baked goods seem to irritate the bowels of IBD sufferers, so replacing this with fresh, non-citrus fruits and vegetables is ideal. Crohn's patients often use liquid meal replacement supplements to keep symptoms in check, particularly during flare-ups.
Foods to Avoid
As each patient's needs are different, so is diet. However, the University of Maryland Medical Center says certain foods seem to cause flare-ups in some people. These foods include dairy products, cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage and cauliflower, corn, wheat, tomatoes, citrus fruits and eggs. Saturated fats encourage inflammation and diarrhea. Mixing flax oil with omega-6 oils can dilute this effect. People with Crohn's disease can tolerate several small meals a day, better than three larger meals. For some, it's simply a matter of determining what foods cause flare-ups and avoiding them.
Vitamin Supplements
The amount and type of vitamin and mineral supplements can vary from person to person. Iron, often low in Crohn's patients due to poor absorption, is necessary to prevent the development of anemia. Vitamin C aids in the absorption of iron. Vitamin B6, along with magnesium, relaxes the muscles and controls a spastic colon. Vitamin B12, primarily absorbed in the gut, is often lacking in Crohn's patients and requires vitamin B12 injections. The body needs zinc to repair the intestinal cell wall to aid absorption. Your physician is an excellent resource in designing a diet and supplement plan that's right for you.
References
- U.S. National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus: Crohn's Disease
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: What I need to Know about Crohn's Disease
- Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America: Diet and Nutrition
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Crohn's Disease
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2008
