Crohn's disease, an inflammatory bowel disorder, may affect your body's ability to absorb nutrients, including fat. If you don't absorb the fat you eat -- or if you avoid dietary fat to relieve symptoms of Crohn's, your triglyceride levels may drop. Your body needs some triglycerides, a type of fat, to perform its normal functions.
Triglycerides and Crohn's
High levels of triglycerides put you at risk for developing cardiovascular disease. Low levels of triglycerides, often a sign of malabsorption, may indicate a lack of proper nutrition. Persons with Crohn's disease may follow a very restricted diet that doesn't include a healthy balance of protein, grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy and fat. Strive for a diet that helps you avoid bowel flare-ups but provides nutrition for good health. If your triglycerides measure much lower than normal, work with your doctor to find a way to improve your diet.
Diet and Crohn's
Healthy triglycerides measure 100 mg/dl or less. The point at which triglycerides become too low remains undefined. But if your levels fall substantially below normal, discuss the results with your doctor. Foods high in saturated fat, trans fat and sugar elevate triglyceride levels. Alcohol can also elevate triglyceride levels. If you suffer from Crohn's, fat and alcohol may trigger symptoms, including diarrhea. Known triggers include cream, butter and fried foods. Test your ability to tolerate healthy fats such as those in fish and olive oil. Nuts and seeds also contain healthy fat but may aggravate symptoms of Crohn's.
Crohn's and Nutrition
To maintain good health, aim to include these foods in your daily menu: three servings of fruit, three servings of vegetables, two to three servings of dairy, five to six servings of grains and 5 oz. to 6 oz. of protein in your daily diet. To ease symptoms of Crohn's, avoid citrus fruits and vegetables in the cabbage family including broccoli, cauliflower and corn. You may find it easier to tolerate lactose-free dairy products than regular dairy products. If you can't tolerate any dairy, take calcium supplements. You may tolerate some whole grains better than others and avoid breads with seeds.
Considerations
If your triglyceride results measure abnormally low, but you do not have Crohn's disease, work with your doctor to determine other possible causes. Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, can cause your triglycerides to drop because the disease puts your metabolism in high gear so you burn up your stores of body fat. Diseases other than Crohn's can cause malabsorption. Celiac disease, a digestive disorder associated with gluten intolerance, may lower your triglycerides. Other medical conditions that can cause a drop in triglycerides include AIDS, HIV, pancreatic cancer and lymphomas.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Crohn's Disease: Lifestyle and Home Treatment; Aug. 8 2009
- Medline Plus: Malabsorption; July 7 2010
- MayoClinic.com; High Cholesterol; June 2010
- American Heart Association; Diet, Lifestyle Changes Can Significantly Reduce Triglyceride; April 18 2011
- United States Department of Agriculture: My Pyramid
- Medline Plus; Triglycerides; May 23 2010
