Crohn's disease is one of the diseases commonly referred to as inflammatory bowel disease. Other names for Crohn's disease include regional enteritis, granulomatous ileocolitis and ileitis. Common symptoms associated with the disease include diarrhea, bloody stool, ulcers, abdominal pain and cramping, reduced appetite and weight loss. According to the book "Living with Crohn's and Colitis: A Comprehensive Naturopathic Guide for Complete Digestive Wellness," individuals with Crohn's disease commonly have altered metabolisms that do not store energy as fat.
Crohn's Disease
An article published in the November 2009 issue of "The New England Journal of Medicine" notes that inflammatory bowel disease affects approximately 1.4 million Americans. Additionally, the peak onset for this disease typically occurs between the ages of 15 and 30. Crohn's disease manifests as inflammatory patches in the lining of your digestive tract. In most cases, this condition affects your ileum and colon, but Crohn's can also affect any region of your intestine. The article further states that evidence suggests that IBD may result from an inappropriate inflammatory response to intestinal microbes.
Nutrition and Crohn's Disease
Individuals with Crohn's disease commonly require parenteral or enteral nutrition. Parenteral nutrition involves feeding intravenously. Enteral nutrition involves feeding with a feeding tube. These extreme feeding measures occur with Crohn's patients because this disease commonly results in extreme malnutrition. Even with adequate nutrition, individuals with Crohn's disease typically have an extremely difficult time gaining weight. According to the book "Self Healing Colitis and Crohn's," you can reduce the inflammatory activity of Crohn's disease by resting your bowels. This becomes especially important if the disease specifically affects your small bowel.
Recommended Foods in Crohn's Disease
Since Crohn's disease results in a severe inflammatory process in your digestive tract, you should learn the specific foods that worsen your symptoms, as well as the specific foods that benefit your metabolism. Foods that trigger symptoms can vary among individuals. According to "Living with Crohn's and Colitis: A Comprehensive Naturopathic Guide for Complete Digestive Wellness," typically, you should limit dairy products and avoid foods rich in fiber, as they can cause pain, gas and diarrhea. Further, you should steam fruits and vegetables before consuming them, eat small meals, drink lots of fluids and consume low-fat foods.
Energy Expenditure in Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease causes a specific metabolic response characterized by the increased breakdown of proteins and fats. This also results in changes in your energy expenditure. By consuming the right foods, you can help to stabilize your metabolism and improve the symptoms associated with Crohn's disease. If you have Crohn's disease, you should speak with a medical professional about developing an appropriate treatment plan for your specific needs.
References
- "Living with Crohn's & Colitis"; Jessica Black N.D. and Dede Cummings; 2010
- "Self Healing Colitis & Crohn's"; David Klein; 2008
- "Schwartz's Principles of Surgery"; F. Brunicardi and et al; 2009
- "New England Journal of Medicine"; Inflammatory Bowel Disease; C. Abraham, et al; Nov. 2009
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