Is There A Crohn's Disease Diet Plan?

People who have Crohn's disease usually have difficulty absorbing nutrients because of repeated bouts of diarrhea. Their symptoms also lead them to lose appetite, which results in weight loss. Although many advertisers promote various diets over the internet to help patients with Crohn's disease, in reality, there is no specific diet that can cure or treat every patient with the disease. But one needs to learn more about his nutritional needs and what foods he can tolerate.

Personalize Your Diet Plan

• To maintain a healthy weight, try to eat three regular meals and two snacks a day.

• It is important to consume a high protein diet with sufficient calories. Red meat such as lean beef (sirloin, hamburger), poultry, and fish are good examples of protein-rich foods.You can also take high-calorie protein shakes or supplements, such as Boost Plus and Ensure Plus.

• Bland foods such as pasta are preferable to spicy foods, which can irritate the intestines. Avoid alcohol, carbonated beverages, coffee, chocolate and tea.

• Avoid eating high fiber foods, such as such as cabbage, broccoli, nuts, legumes, etc, which can cause abdominal pain, gas, and diarrhea. But instead of avoiding fruits and vegetables completely, try cooking them without their skins, hulls, or seeds. Prepare them in various ways such as stewing, baking or steaming. Fresh fruits and vegetables must be peeled and seeded, or consume canned varieties.

• You will probably have difficulty absorbing many nutrients, such as B vitamins, folic acid and iron. It may be necessary for you to take vitamins and minerals to supplement your diet and to correct any nutritional deficiency.

• If you have oily stools, avoid eating fatty foods. Bake or broil foods instead of frying them. Avoid milk and dairy products that are high in lactose and opt for lactose-free milk, yogurt or cheddar cheese.

• Avoid dehydration, kidney stones or gallstones by drinking plenty of fluids.

• It is not easy to identify which foods can trigger symptoms, since people have different reactions to various foods. Experts recommend keeping a food diary which lists down daily food consumption and symptoms experienced. It is best to write in detail the time, amount and type of food you eat daily, and the symptoms you experience, if any. From this, you can develop your own diet plan. Keep in mind that some foods may cause problems during a flare-up but at other times, eating these foods may not bother you.

• Consult your doctor and dietitian about what foods you can eat to maintain calorie and nutrient balance. Find out what foods can replace the ones that cause symptoms, considering the energy and nutritional values your body needs.

See Also: Symptoms, Causes, Prevention and Treatment of Stomach Ulcers

Disclaimer:

This information should not be taken in place of medical advice. We encourage you to talk to your health care providers (doctors, registered dietitians, surgeons, pharmacists, etc.) about your condition and your questions about what may be best for your overall health.