Diet and Nutrition in Crohn Disease (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Why is good nutrition such a challenge for people with Crohn disease?
- What are nutrients and why are nutritional deficiencies such a hazard for those with Crohn disease?
- Is my diet to blame for my Crohn disease?
- I have had food allergies for many years, and now I have Crohn disease. Is there a connection?
- Will I have to change my diet? What can I eat that tastes good?
- Why does my doctor say I may need a special diet?
- What is an elemental diet?
- What is total parenteral nutrition, or TPN?
- Should I take vitamins?
- Does my medication affect my nutrition?
- Can I continue to drink alcohol with Crohn disease? What about other beverages?
- What else can I do to avoid problems?
- All these recommendations are a little overwhelming. Can I get some help?
- For More Information
- Web Links
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
Will I have to change my diet? What can I eat that tastes good?
There is no specific diet that is recommended for everyone with Crohn disease. However, many people with Crohn disease can reduce their symptoms by changing their eating habits or avoiding certain foods.
Foods that often cause problems are milk and other dairy products, spicy foods, fatty or fried foods, and high-fiber foods. Foods such as raw or dried fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and popcorn may also worsen your symptoms. People often learn which foods they can or cannot tolerate through trial and error.
There are many tasty foods that provide good nutrition and may not irritate your digestive tract. If you can tolerate dairy products, ice cream or milk shakes made with ice cream or yogurt are a good choice. Pizza or a cheeseburger may be a good choice. These foods are high in calories, satisfying, and taste good.
Remember, though, that a steady diet of high-fat, salty foods such as cheeseburgers can cause other problems such as heart disease or high blood pressure. You certainly don’t need those problems on top of Crohn disease. High-fat “junk” foods should not be daily fare.
Next: Why does my doctor say I may need a special diet? »
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Crohn Disease »
Crohn disease is an idiopathic, chronic, transmural inflammatory process of the bowel that often leads to fibrosis and obstructive symptoms, which can affect any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract from the mouth to the anus.
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