There is no known cure for Crohn's disease or rheumatoid arthritis, but proper nutrition can play an important role in reducing inflammation, supporting the immune system, and consequently reducing the progression of, and symptomatic flare-ups of, the two diseases.
Identification
Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an inflammatory type of arthritis that damages the protective synovial membrane of the joints. It is an autoimmune disorder, which means it is a self-attacking-self disease. Crohn's disease is a painful disorder affecting the lower portion of the small intestines and, like RA, it is an inflammatory disorder. It too is thought to be correlated with an abnormal activation of the immune system
Food Sensitivities
The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, or CSNN, says that for both Crohn's and RA, it is important to identify hidden food sensitivities and remove the offending foods. Many people have food sensitivities without realizing it, because the food-induced symptoms can take up to 24 hours to appear and may not appear every time you consume the offending food. The most commonly allergenic foods for RA and Crohn's sufferers include dairy, wheat, gluten, corn, tomatoes, potatoes, bell peppers, eggs, yeast, soya, eggplant, red meat, caffeine and sugar.
Elimination Diet
CSNN recommends common allergen foods for three weeks and then reintroducing one food item per day. Keep a journal and write down the food you added and symptoms that you have. If no exacerbation of symptoms occurs, then that food is considered safe to consume. If symptoms do return or worsen, then remove that food completely for at least three months, because the consumption of it will aggravate your already compromised immune system, increase inflammation and likely worsen symptoms. After three months, the sensitive foods may be better tolerated, and you can experiment with reintroducing them. But you are advised to only consume these foods in moderation, because a return to your old diet may cause a flare-up of RA and Crohn's symptoms.
Meat
Limit your consumption of meat because it contains arachidonic acid, which promotes inflammation. It also inhibits calcium absorption, which is especially problematic for RA sufferers who need calcium to support their bones.
Recommended Foods
Your diet should be high in foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables, eggs, soy, legumes, nuts and seeds, seafood, extra virgin olive oil and fresh fish. These foods are anti-inflammatory, and they are all high in plant sterols, which are thought to help regulate and support the immune system. Most of them are also high in antioxidants, which are important for both disorders. Antioxidants support the intestinal walls in fighting off free radicals, which might otherwise cause tissue damage in Crohn's sufferers. In RA sufferers, antioxidants protect the joints from damage by free radicals and may increase joint mobility.
Omega-3s
The consumption of cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines is highly recommended because they contain omega-3 essential fatty acids, and omega 3s reduce inflammation. They also help repair the digestive tract of Crohn's sufferers and may reduce Crohn's symptoms. Additionally, they are thought to reduce arthritic pain. Unfortunately, due to heavy metal contamination of many fish, more than two servings a week of is not recommended. As an alternative, CSNN suggests taking 3 to 5 g daily of a fish oil supplement that is purified of contaminants.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2003
- "Pathology and Nutrition"; The Canadian School of Natural Nurition; Lilieana Stadler Mitrea; 2008
