We all understand the importance of maintaining good health through proper nutrition, but for individuals dealing with chronic diseases, like Crohn's disease, this becomes even more critical. Managing good nutrition can be quite challenging when you have Crohn's disease.
Several factors contribute to nutritional challenges in individuals with Crohn's disease. When the small intestine is inflamed, its primary function of absorbing nutrients from food is compromised. The extent of this impairment, known as malabsorption, varies depending on the severity of inflammation and damage in the intestine.
To make matters more challenging, the intestinal inflammation and pain associated with the disease often lead to reduced appetite, resulting in inadequate nutritional intake. Additionally, diarrhea further depletes essential nutrients. Compounding these issues is the fact that individuals with chronic illnesses like Crohn's disease require more calories and specific nutrients compared to healthy individuals. The most common nutritional problem for those with Crohn's disease is insufficient calorie intake.
The human body requires proteins, fats, calories, vitamins, and minerals for growth, cell and tissue development, and various bodily functions. Most of these essential nutrients are found in the foods we consume. To ensure we receive all the necessary nutrients, it is recommended to follow a balanced diet that includes foods from the four food groups: meat and other proteins, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, and cereals and grains.
During digestion, foods are broken down in the stomach and intestines. Nutrients are absorbed through the small intestine's walls, while waste is eliminated as stool during bowel movements. People with Crohn's disease experience disruptions in this process, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Nutritional deficiencies are a concern for nearly all individuals with Crohn's disease, with children and teenagers who are still growing facing the most significant risk. Growth may be permanently stunted, and sexual development (puberty) can be delayed in young people. Girls and women may experience hormone imbalances and stop menstruating. Nutritional deficiencies can also interfere with the effectiveness of medications in people with Crohn's disease.
In general, nutritional deficiencies are detrimental to overall health, causing weakness, fatigue, depression, and vulnerability to infections and other diseases. They can prevent anyone from looking, feeling, or performing at their best.
There isn't a specific diet recommended for all individuals with Crohn's disease. However, many find relief from their symptoms by making adjustments to their eating habits or avoiding certain foods.
Foods that commonly trigger issues include dairy products, spicy foods, fatty or fried foods, and high-fiber foods. Additionally, raw or dried fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and popcorn can exacerbate symptoms. Most people discover their tolerances through trial and error.
Numerous delicious foods can provide proper nutrition without irritating the digestive tract. For those who can tolerate dairy, ice cream or milkshakes made with ice cream or yogurt are excellent options. Pizza or a cheeseburger can also be satisfying choices, as they are rich in calories and taste great.
However, it's essential to remember that a regular diet of high-fat, salty foods, like cheeseburgers, can lead to other problems, such as heart disease or high blood pressure. These complications should be avoided, especially for individuals already dealing with Crohn's disease. High-fat "junk" foods should not be a daily choice.
Some individuals with Crohn's disease find it challenging to meet their nutritional needs through regular food intake. Others cannot consume solid food during severe Crohn's flares or after intestinal surgery. Specific groups, such as growing children, may require additional nutritional support. These situations may benefit from specialized diets.
The two most common special diets are elemental diets and total parenteral nutrition. For some individuals, these diets are temporary measures, while others may need to follow special diets for life.
Elemental diets consist of liquid diet with all the necessary nutrients in a form that doesn't strain the digestive system. They provide complete nutrition while giving the digestive system a rest.
Total parenteral nutrition involves delivering all required nutrients directly into the bloodstream through a vein. This intravenous feeding is typically reserved for people who cannot digest food, experience severe malnutrition, or have severe inflammation unresponsive to medications, complications from Crohn's disease such as fistulas, or a minimal amount of bowel insufficient for digestion and absorption.
The need for vitamin and mineral supplements depends on factors such as your diet, which parts of your digestive tract are affected, and whether you've had small intestine surgery. Common vitamin deficiencies include vitamins D and B-12, while iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium are typical mineral deficiencies. Consult your healthcare provider about supplements.
Certain medications used to treat Crohn's disease, like sulfasalazine, can interfere with nutrient absorption from food. Medications taken for other medical conditions can also affect vitamin and mineral levels in the body. Discuss your medications with your healthcare provider.
For most people with Crohn's disease, it's not advisable to consume alcohol. Alcohol can irritate the intestinal lining, exacerbating symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding. It can also contribute to malabsorption, further complicating nutritional deficiencies. Alcohol can interact with many medications, leading to potentially serious side effects. Additionally, alcohol disrupts sleep patterns, leaving you tired and irritable the following day. However, if alcohol is well tolerated and doesn't cause complications, it can be consumed in moderation.
Chronic diarrhea can easily lead to dehydration. Dehydration results in weakness, fatigue, dizziness, or a general feeling of discomfort. It can cause headaches, abdominal pain, and other symptoms and places strain on your kidneys. To prevent dehydration, make an effort to consume ample non-alcoholic fluids, aiming for at least 8 full glasses daily. Opt for water, diluted fruit juice, sports drinks, decaffeinated beverages, and fruit and vegetable juices while avoiding caffeinated beverages and sodas.
These tips may enhance your dining experience and overall well-being:
Keep a food diary to track your diet and any associated problems. Design your eating habits based on what works best for you.
Stock your home with foods that you enjoy and don't trigger issues.
Consider eating multiple small meals throughout the day instead of a few large ones. This approach can help reduce or alleviate symptoms for many individuals.
Listen to your body and eat when you feel hungry.
Take your time with each meal, savoring small bites and thoroughly chewing each mouthful.
Maintain a food diary to monitor your diet and its effects on your well-being. Customize your diet to suit your preferences. Ensure your pantry is stocked with foods that you enjoy and that are easy on your digestive system. Opt for frequent small meals rather than a few large ones, as this can help alleviate or prevent symptoms. Pay attention to your body's hunger cues and take your time to savor each bite of food.