Crohn's disease is a painful digestive disorder. This article discusses dietary considerations that may help alleviate symptoms of the condition.
However, it is agreed upon by everybody that diet can have an effect when Crohn's is in an active stage. This seems obvious when one considers that Crohn's is an inflammation of the intestinal lining; diets rich in foods that might irritate the lining further would seem to exacerbate the condition. High fiber and high residue foods that cause greater stool output tend to irritate an already irritated colon, and for this reason, many doctors and patients work together to design a low-fiber, low-residue diet for the patient to follow while the disease in an active stage.
Some basic tips for following a low-fiber, low-residue diet include avoiding fruits with skins or seeds, raw vegetables with skins or seeds, whole grain products, tough meats with gristle, nuts, seeds, and popcorn. Dairy products are also best avoided when on this diet, as are caffeinated beverages and excessive sugar. Removing all of these from one's diet can lead to some very boring meals, but unfortunately when Crohn's Disease is active, the intestinal tract cannot handle very much at all.
Though many foods are not tolerable during a Crohn's flare-up, it is still important to try and maintain a balanced diet. Here are some ideas for foods that can be eaten on this type of diet. For breads and cereals, consider plain white bread, white rice, cream of wheat, or plain melba toast. For fruits and veggies, drink pulp-free fruit juice and tomato juice, or strained vegetable juice, and mashed potatoes. All other vegetables are difficult to digest during an active flare-up of Crohn's and are best avoided. In the meat category, well-cooked tender beef, lamb, pork, and poultry are okay so long as they aren't dressed in spices or sauces. Remember, before embarking upon any kind of diet, it is critical to discuss your plan with your doctor.
As you continue on your diet, and hopefully begin to feel better, it is okay to introduce foods that may contain a higher fiber content than you had been eating. Remember, fiber is still important to a healthy colon, and when Crohn's is in remission, it is crucial to get the proper fiber for bowel health. Crohn's Disease is a unique condition in that it affects people differently - some people exhibit certain symptoms while others don't, and some people can handle certain foods while others can't. Many doctors will tell their patients to eat whatever they can tolerate while they are in remission, and this is when the patient must take control of his or her condition. With tools such as the aforementioned food diary, and being careful about what foods they put in their bodies, Crohn's patients can go a long way toward managing the disease with their diet.
