Up to seven in every 100,000 Americans have Crohn's disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, and researchers believe its prevalence is increasing. As an inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease causes chronic swelling in your intestines, triggering bouts of diarrhea, abdominal cramps, appetite loss and fever. Exercising regularly, not smoking and making appropriate dietary changes may help manage your symptoms. Although pears and lentils are nutritious, they do not always suit a Crohn's disease-friendly diet.
Potential Benefits
A low-fiber diet increases your risk for developing Crohn's disease, and eating primarily whole, natural foods may reduce the frequency of your symptoms. Pears and lentils are natural and fiber-rich. One cup of boiled lentils provides 15.6 g of fiber, which is over three-quarters of women's minimum recommended intake and half of men's recommended daily intake. One pear provides 4.4 grams of fiber.
Potential Risks
Crohn's disease symptoms often occur episodically, meaning you may experience periods of intense symptoms and periods free of noticeable symptoms. During flareups, high-fiber foods may trigger abdominal cramping and discomfort, according to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. Because they are not completely digested by your small intestine, high-fiber foods can also stimulate diarrhea. Legumes, including lentils, may also contribute to gassiness.
Suggestions
Cooking fruits and vegetables may ease digestion and guard against Crohn's disease symptoms, according to Mayo Clinic. Consuming canned or peeled pears may also help, because much of the fiber is in the peel. Soaking legumes may help reduce their gaseous properties. Foods affect people with Crohn's disease differently, so consume small amounts of pears and lentils to help you determine how your body reacts.
Additional Diet Tips
Tracking your overall food intake and symptoms in a diary can help you pinpoint all problematic foods. The CCFA recommends eating small "fist-size" meals throughout each day and taking caution with other common triggers, such as fatty foods, dairy products and caffeine, particularly during when your symptoms are peaked. To avoid dehydration, drink plentiful amounts of fluid. Valuable sources include water, low-fat cow's or nondairy milk, caffeine-free herbal tea and broth-based soups. For best results, stay in close contact with your dietitian and physician.
