Crohns Disease Diet May Help Relieve Symptoms

by Patsy Hamilton

A Chrons disease diet plan may vary from individual to individual and may need to be changed, depending on whether symptoms are present or in remission. By following an individualized Crohn diet, disease help or relief of symptoms may be achieved.

A complete Crohns disease diet plan is important, but may need to be altered when pain and symptoms are present. At all times, but especially when diarrhea is present, proper hydration is important, so individuals should consume at least eight 8 ounce glasses of plain water per day. Purified or bottled drinking water is best, because some studies suggest that symptoms could be aggravated by chlorine or other chemicals in tap water.

When symptoms are absent adequate amounts of dietary fiber should be included in a Crohn diet, disease help is achieved by reducing the likelihood of constipation which can increase inflammation and may bring on symptoms. During flare-ups dietary fiber should be reduced. Milk and dairy products cause flare-ups in those who are lactose intolerant and in some other people. Research in London indicates that Crohns may be caused by a bacteria sometimes present in milk, even after pasteurization. If avoiding milk is necessary or desirable, adequate amounts of calcium must be obtained from other sources. Most seafood and fish are good alternative sources of calcium and contain essential omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon, twice a week is recommended by many nutritional experts for good health.

During periods when pain and other symptoms are present, eating small meals several times is often recommended for Crohn diet disease help. A high protein low carb diet is sometimes recommended as a Crohns disease diet, because this regimen has been shown to relieve symptoms in some individuals. Choosing lean sources of protein is important, because fats have been shown to increase diarrhea in some people. Nutritionists sometimes recommend pre-digested nutritional drinks or an "elemental diet" to replace lost nutrients and give the bowel a rest.

Certain foods and products are known to aggravate and increase symptoms and should be avoided. Foods containing sorbitol (an artificial sweetener found in many sugar free products) should be avoided by those people who have an inflammatory bowel disease. Caffeine and alcohol can increase diarrhea and have no nutritional value. Gas producing foods, such as vegetables in the cabbage family, dried peas, lentils (beans), onions, chives, peppers and carbonated drinks can all aggravate symptoms. Over the counter medications that may cause flare-ups include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as motrin, and ibuprofen.

Most doctors and dieticians recommend a daily multi-vitamin that includes iron to supplement a complete Crohn diet, disease help is achieved by avoiding inadequate nutrition and anemia. Supplementation with aloe mucilaginous polysaccharides (AMP) may also be helpful for the Crohns disease diet. AMP is a natural anti-inflammatory and has been proven to subdue pain and reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. To learn more about AMP or for general information about Crohns and other digestive problems, visit www.digestive-disorders-guide.com.


About the Author

Patsy Hamilton has more than twenty years experience in health care and currently writes informational articles for the Digestive Disorders Guide. Read more at http://www.digestive-disorders-guide.com.