Crohns Disease Cures

Crohn’s Disease Diet
by Sandra Oertell, Guest Editor

If you are suffering from Crohn’s disease, diet can be very important. No, it doesn’t prevent or cure the condition, but staying away from certain foods can keep the symptoms from getting worse, and even help you to avoid an attack. You need to get daily nutrition, but some foods are going to exacerbate your disorder more than others will.

Malnutrition is unfortunately a common side effect of Crohn’s disease. This happens for two reasons…the small intestine is no longer able to digest and absorb the foods you eat properly, and, because of the loss of appetite, pain, cramping, and diarrhea, patients simply become afraid to eat and avoid it.

The Specific Carbohydrate Diet is a Crohn’s disease diet that works to curb the carbohydrates that are difficult for most patients to digest. It has worked for some, but there is no real proof to support this diet. Unfortunately, every patient reacts differently to inflammatory bowel diseases, so there will never really be one diet that works for all.

You really need to experiment with foods, one at a time, and keep a diary of your reactions to each of them. If you cannot eat a vegetable that has been prepared in a sauce or casserole, perhaps you could eat it if you simply steamed it. Don’t just assume you can’t eat it…especially if it is a vegetable or fruit that you really need. But never try to eat fruits or vegetables raw. You’ll pay the price.

One of the most difficult aspects of trying to work out a Crohn’s disease diet is the fact that your condition will fluctuate; at times with little or now warning. You may be in remission for a while, and then suddenly have a very severe reaction to foods you were eating comfortably a few days ago. Or conversely, something you absolutely could not eat might cause you little or no trouble this time.

There is something called a low-residue diet. Basically, it eliminates foods that add residue to your bowel movements. The low fiber diet can be helpful in easing the cramping and pain, and seems to lessen the frequency of having bowel movements. On this diet you would avoid eating, seeds, vegetables, nuts, raw fruits, and corn hulls.

Supplements are often necessary, but never take them if they have not been prescribed by your physician. Magnesium, potassium, folic acid, vitamin D, and vitamin B12, are often missing in folks who are suffering from Crohn’s disease. Still, some patients manage to get full nutrition using a Crohn’s disease diet.