Crohn’s Disease: Nutrition and Lifestyle Treatments with a Dietitian
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects millions of Americans every year. It is a complicated disorder that is characterized by chronic inflammation of the GI tract.
With the incidence of Crohn’s disease increasing, it is possible that you or someone you may know has been (or will be) diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. The disease involves unwanted symptoms and can lead to serious complications that may even be life-threatening. Since Crohn’s directly affects the GI tract, there are various nutrition and lifestyle interventions that can be used to treat and manage the condition.
In today’s article, I am going to give a complete run-down of Crohn’s disease including symptoms, nutritional implications, and treatment protocols. Keep reading to learn more!
Looking for more gut health content? Head over to my article on understanding the digestive tract and its symptoms!
What is Crohn’s disease?
As I mentioned above, Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, involving GI tract inflammation. Crohn’s can impact any segment of the GI tract, including the small and large intestines.
When the inflammation only affects the large intestine or the colon, it is actually a form of IBD called Ulcerative Colitis. Many people get confused between these two, so I wanted to make sure to take a moment to explain the difference.
Crohn’s disease can be “active” or “in remission”. When the disease is active, you are more likely to experience signs and symptoms. When the disease is in remission, you may not have any symptoms at all. With that being said, next we will get into some of those signs and symptoms to be aware of.
What are the signs and symptoms of Crohn’s Disease?
The symptoms of Crohn’s disease will be different for different people. It may depend on diet, lifestyle, genetics, past medical history, and other conditions.
Symptoms of active Crohn’s disease:
Abdominal pain and cramping
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Blood in stool
Mouth sores
Reduced appetite
Weight changes
Skin rashes
Anemia (low iron)
These symptoms can vary in severity and greatly impact someone’s life. In some cases, Crohn's disease can lead to more serious complications, such as malnutrition, bowel obstructions, and fistulas (abnormal connections between the intestines and other organs).
It is important for individuals with Crohn's disease to work with a qualified healthcare provider to monitor their symptoms and receive appropriate treatment to manage the condition and prevent complications.
If you have not been diagnosed with Crohn’s and are experiencing any of these symptoms regularly, I encourage you to get checked out. They will be able to get you on the right track to a proper diagnosis!
Nutrition interventions and Crohn’s
As with any chronic health condition, individuals with Crohn's disease should aim for a balanced and varied diet that includes a range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. However, there are a few key nutrition recommendations to keep in mind when managing Crohn's disease. These are usually a good place to start!
Choose high-protein foods: Protein is essential for healing and repairing tissues, and individuals with Crohn's disease may need more protein than the average person. Good sources of protein include lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, soy, and lentils. It may also be helpful to incorporate protein supplements, such as protein powders or protein shakes, into your day.
Increase anti-inflammatory foods: Since IBD is an inflammatory condition, some patients may benefit from including anti-inflammatory foods in their diet. These foods include ginger, turmeric, berries, wild-caught salmon, nuts, and seeds.
Avoid trigger foods: Certain foods can worsen symptoms in individuals with Crohn's disease. Common trigger foods include fatty foods, spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners. It's important to pay attention to how your body reacts to different foods and avoid those that cause discomfort or flare-ups.
A helpful tip is to start a food-symptom journal. Use this journal to document the foods you are eating and how you feel after. This can help you identify possible trigger foods and symptoms. If you are working with a dietitian, or plan to in the near future, a journal is also helpful for them to see how certain foods are affecting your body.
Stay hydrated: Dehydration is a common complication of Crohn's disease, as diarrhea and vomiting can cause the body to lose fluids quickly. It's important to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to prevent dehydration. You may also benefit from an electrolyte supplement to replenish your electrolytes. I recommend Liquid IV or LMNT.
You may also benefit from limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption during a flare, as these can lead to dehydration.
Incorporate probiotics: Some studies have shown that certain probiotic strains can be beneficial for IBD treatment. You can also increase probiotic foods in your diet such as yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods.
Consider taking vitamin supplements: Crohn's disease can interfere with the body's ability to absorb nutrients, leading to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals. It may be helpful to take supplements, such as vitamin D, calcium, and iron, to ensure adequate nutrient intake. Make sure to check with your dietitian or doctor to make sure supplements aren’t interfering with any medications you take.
Lifestyle Interventions and Crohn’s
Nutrition is only one piece of the puzzle when treating Crohn’s. There are other lifestyle interventions that can be helpful for managing and treating the condition and any unwanted symptoms.
Stress management: Stress can worsen symptoms and increase the likelihood of flare-ups in Crohn's disease patients. It is important to incorporate stress-reducing activities into your daily routine. Examples include meditation, deep breathing exercises, and journaling. If you find that you have trouble managing stress and emotional release, you may benefit from seeing a therapist. They can be extremely helpful for individuals managing chronic disease.
Mindful movement: Regular movement can offer numerous benefits for Crohn's disease patients, including improved digestion and reduced stress. Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, and yoga can be effective in maintaining overall fitness and well-being. Outdoor activities, such as hiking and gardening, can also provide additional benefits in terms of fresh air and exposure to natural light. Remember it is important to move in a way that feels good for you and your body. There is no right or wrong way!
Limit smoking and alcohol consumption: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can both worsen Crohn’s disease and its symptoms. It is recommended to limit or avoid smoking and alcohol, especially during a flare-up.
These are just a few of the lifestyle habits that patients with Crohn’s can implement to help with the disease.
The Takeaway: What You Can Do Next
IBD can be a complex and complicated condition, and treatment will look different for different people. Nutrition and lifestyle interventions, such as a balanced diet, supplement routine, mindful movement, stress management, and more, can play a crucial role in managing Crohn's disease and improving overall health and well-being.
It is important for patients to work with a healthcare team to develop a personalized plan for optimal disease management. If you are looking for a specialized registered dietitian to work with you and your condition, reach out to me today! I can help you take control of your Crohn’s disease and manage your symptoms. Head over to my services page to learn more!