If you have Crohn’s disease, you may have noticed which foods trigger your intestinal symptoms, especially during a flare-up. Learning to avoid these food triggers and finding the best diet for your digestive health may allow you to better self-manage your Crohn’s disease, reduce gastrointestinal symptoms, and promote intestinal healing.
Crohn’s disease is one of the two main types of inflammatory bowel disease along with ulcerative colitis. Both of them entail an immune reaction against the intestinal tract. Crohn’s will often inflame the small intestine, which can cause diarrhea and belly pain. This can lead to a loss of appetite, and the inflammation makes it harder for your body to absorb nutrients from the food you do eat.
There are surgical options for Crohn’s that remove part of your intestines and can help with your absorption problem.
READ: Five Easy Meals That Are Crohn’s Disease Friendly
There are multiple diet plans for Crohn’s disease, but the fact is, there is no proven diet for IBD. Although this is true, most healthcare providers believe that some patients can identify certain foods that trigger their symptoms, especially during disease flares.
If you avoid triggering foods, your symptoms of gas, bloating, abdominal pain, cramping, and diarrhea are more manageable. This will also give your inflamed intestines time to heal.
READ: 10 Great Recipes For Persons With Crohn’s Disease
If your body has problems absorbing nutrients due to Crohn’s disease, it’s important to follow a high-calorie, high-protein diet, even when you don’t feel like eating.
In this setting, an effective Crohn’s disease diet plan would emphasize eating regular meals plus an additional two or three snacks every day. This will make sure your body gets enough protein, calories, and nutrients.
What is the best diet for digestive health?