The intestines have small protrusions of tissue known as villi which make it easier for nutrients to be absorbed. Conditions which cause intestinal inflammation, such as Crohn's disease, can destroy the villi, making it harder for nutrients to be absorbed. People with Crohn's disease need to change their diet to not only reduce inflammation but to make sure they get enough nutrients.
Crohn's Disease Pathology
People with Crohn's disease have an immune system that attacks the cells in the intestines, resulting in a severe inflammatory response. This inflammation can cause pain and bleeding and may also destroy the villi that increase the surface area of the intestines. It is not known what causes Crohn's disease, though for some people it can be hereditary, the Patient Education Institute notes.
Dietary Restrictions
For some people with Crohn's disease, certain foods can make the abdominal pain, diarrhea and other symptoms worse. There is no specific diet recommended for people with Crohn's, but many patients find that their symptoms are worse after consuming dairy products, the Mayo Clinic explains. Foods high in fiber may also exacerbate the diarrhea and pain and may need to be avoided. Caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, citrus fruits and foods that cause gas, such as beans, cabbage and broccoli, may also need to be avoided.
Nutrition
One of the major risks of Crohn's disease is malnutrition, the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America explains. The reduced appetite and compromised intestinal function in people with Crohn's make it difficult to get enough nutrients. You may benefit from eating smaller meals several times a day and eating foods which are dense in calories, such as hamburgers and other high-calorie foods. Pizza, milk shakes and high-fat dairy products can also provide you with many important vitamins and minerals while also providing protein and calories, the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America notes. In some cases, nutrient-rich liquid supplements may be needed to help you get all of the calories and vitamins that you need.
Alternative Dietary Treatments
One of the newer dietary concepts in treating Crohn's disease is probiotics. Although it may seem counterintuitive, some kinds of bacteria can help reduce inflammation in the intestines and aid in the healing of damaged intestinal tissue. Sources of these beneficial bacteria include yogurt and other foods which have Lactobacillus acidophilus cultures, the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America reports.
Psyllium, a form of fiber, can also be beneficial for people with Crohn's, because this fiber can stimulate the bacteria in the intestines to produce chemicals which can help heal damaged cells in the lining of the intestines.
