INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE
FOODS THAT HARM
FOODS THAT HEAL
FOODS TO LIMIT
WHO’S AFFECTED
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella term for chronic conditions marked by gastrointestinal tract inflammation
Two of the most common conditions are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
Ulcerative colitis is more localized than Crohn’s disease but in both cases, the immune system responds abnormally to normal substances in the intestines, such as food and bacteria
To fight off the invader, your body sends white blood cells into the lining of the intestines, and the result is chronic inflammation, which causes symptoms such as bloody stools, cramping, diarrhea, and appetite loss
Nutrition Connection
While diet doesn’t cause IBD and can’t cure it, some foods may ease symptoms while others may trigger flare-upsThese are different for each person, so you may need to do a little detective work to tailor an eating plan that works for you
The following suggestions may help: Eat 5 to 6 smaller meals
Spacing smaller meals throughout the day, rather than having three large meals, puts less strain on your intestinal tract
Drink lots of fluids but avoid alcohol
This can help prevent dehydration, kidney problems, or gallstones
Alcohol can worsen intestinal bleeding, lowers the body’s immunity, and may contribute to malnutrition
Taking in liquid at the same time as food, though, may sometimes cause diarrhea, so do your drinking in between meals
Identify your trigger foods
Try eliminating any foods that seem to create problems, such as dairy, fried foods, artificial sweeteners, or spices
Add them back in one at a time, and keep a diary of symptoms
Stick to your safe foods
While these are different for everyone, most people find that the classic BRAT (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) diet works to soothe symptoms
Chicken, turkey, and other white meat is also usually well tolerated
Limit foods high in fiber
High-fiber foods are often improperly digested and passed through to the colon where they can be digested by bacteria
This may cause bacterial overgrowth, which in turn can exacerbate the disease, irritate the intestines, and make diarrhea worse
Insoluble fiber, such as that found in bran, whole grains, nuts, and dried fruits, tends to be more irritating than soluble fiber, such as that found in oats
Discuss other ways of obtaining nutrition
The most severe cases of Crohn’s may require total parenteral nutrition (TPN), in which all nutrients are given intravenously
TPN is most beneficial for patients who need to rest their intestinal tract or are unable to absorb nutrients from eating
This approach also benefits children whose growth is being stunted by inadequate nutrition
Because it can be administered at home, TPN allows for a more normal lifestyle
Beyond the Diet
Because ulcerative colitis is usually localized to the colon, surgery to remove the colon is considered a cureFor patients with Crohn’s disease, however, while surgery to remove diseased parts of the bowel may provide some relief, the disease usually recurs
Some medications, such as 5-ASA medications and corticosteroids, are used to treat both conditions
In addition, try the following: Stop smoking
Smoking is a risk factor for Crohn’s disease and can actually worsen your symptoms
Ask your doctor for help in quitting
Practice relaxation techniques
Stress can worsen IBD symptoms, so mind-body exercises such as yoga, meditation, and tai chi can be helpful
Move your body
Although exercise is the last thing you may feel like doing, try to be more active
Doing so eases stress in addition to helping maintain overall health
Consider hypnosis
At least one study suggests that hypnotherapy can help reduce IBD symptoms
Get psychological support
Depression and anxiety are common among people with IBD, especially children
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help deal with symptoms and improve your coping skills
Talk to your doctor about taking supplements
Even Crohn’s patients who maintain a normal diet may develop nutritional deficiencies because of poor nutrient absorption
High-dose vitamins should only be taken under a doctor’s supervision; for example, those who develop vitamin B12 deficiency often need to take it by injection if they lack the intestinal substances to metabolize it
Patients with severe symptoms or those who have had extensive surgery may need a special high- calorie liquid formula, either as a nutritional supplement or as a meal replacement
In unusual cases, an elemental diet—a low-fat, easy-to-digest formula—may be prescribed
Importance of well balance diet
