Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease which mainly affects the large intestine, but may occur in other parts of the digestive system. Crohn's disease is a form of an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks healthy body tissue instead of foreign substances. High protein foods are recommended for patients with Crohn's disease, according to PubMedHealth.
High-protein Diet
Patients with Crohn's disease suffer from persistent diarrhea and gastrointestinal disturbances which prevent the absorption of proteins and other essential nutrients. High protein and high calorie foods prevent severe weight loss and muscle wasting in patients with Crohn's disease. High protein foods also aid in the healing of inflammation in the intestines. Examples of high protein foods include milk, dairy products, meat, poultry, fish, nuts and lentils.
Crohn's and Low Residue Diet
High-fiber foods should be avoided by patients with Crohn's disease because they may irritate the inflammed lining of the large intestine. Doctors recommend patients with Crohn's to eat low-residue foods or foods with little fiber. Low residue foods are easily digested and do not leave undigested food materials in the colon. Examples of low-residue foods includes white bread, white rice, pasta, fruit juice without pulp and gelatin.
Symptoms and Treatment of Crohn's Disease
Patients with Crohn's disease experience symptoms such as lower left abdominal pain, fatigue, fever, pain while passing stool, loss of appetite, crampy abdominal pain, frequent watery diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, fistulas, eye and liver inflammation, rectal bleeding, mouth ulcers, swollen gums and bloody stool, according to University of Maryland Medical Center. There is no cure for Crohn's disease. Treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms and preventing complications. Medications used to treat Crohn's disease includes antidiarrheals, pain drugs such as acetaminophen, fiber supplements, corticosteroids, antibiotics and immunosuppressants.
Complications of Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease that does not respond to treatment may lead to complications such as colon perforation and bleeding, infections, narrowing of the intestines, development of fistulas or abnormal connections between the intestines and other body parts, severe weight loss and malnutrition, according to PubMed. Patients with complications from Crohn's may require surgery to remove the whole colon or diseased sections.
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