The inflammatory bowel diseases Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are associated with swelling of the digestive tract lining. Any portion of the tract can be affected. Abdominal pain and diarrhea often occur and people with Crohn's disease can develop ulcers, called fistulas, which can penetrate through layers of the affected area. Although Crohn's disease cannot be cured, it can be treated during acute flare-ups. Your doctor may prescribe medication or recommend surgery.
Dietary Treatment
There is no accepted dietary treatment regimen for people with inflammatory bowel diseases. Crohn's disease is a chronic condition that does not require any dietary restrictions while inactive. When Crohn's disease is considered active, during an acute flare-up, the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America recommend relief of symptoms through a bland, soft diet. It may also help to avoid spicy or high fiber foods. Some sources recommend avoiding gluten for relief from Crohn's symptoms, but this treatment regimen is not scientifically proven to be effective. Try foods like plain white or brown rice, oatmeal and other cereals made from oats, baked chicken, boiled potatoes, cooked carrots, bread or crackers.
Good Nutrition
People with Crohn's Disease often have poor appetites. In addition, chronic conditions require extra calories to help keep your body running and to allow it to repair itself. For these reasons, it's very important to eat a nutritionally sound diet. Although diet cannot control the symptoms of Crohn's disease it can help to provide relief during acute flare ups.
High Quality Foods
It's very important to make food choices that give you the most nutritional benefit possible, packed with nutrients, vitamins and minerals. White rice is easy to digest and can provide relief from diarrhea. Brown rice has a higher nutritional value and contains magnesium and selenium. Baked, unseasoned chicken is a good source of protein, iron and B-vitamins. The protein found in chicken can help the body repair itself. Potatoes are also easy to digest and provide vitamin C, iron, vitamin B and potassium. Carrots are also good sources of vitamin C as well as vitamins A and K. Vitamin C helps the body heal wounds.
Dairy-Free
The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse recognizes that dairy products may cause cramping during Crohn's flare-ups and recommends avoiding these for relief. Food items like milk, cheese, ice cream, frozen yogurt, butter and yogurt all contain dairy. To replace the dietary calcium found in dairy, your doctor may recommend a calcium supplement.
Suggestions
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends eating more frequent, smaller meals throughout the day to decrease the amount of food passing through the digestive tract at one time. Drink plenty of water to help move food through your system, as blockages can sometimes occur during Crohn's flare-ups. Try to stay away from caffeine, alcohol and high fat, greasy foods as these may upset your system.
