(HealthCastle.com) Inflammatory Bowel Disease IBD, including Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis, is an inflammation of the intestines. These diseases cause the intestines to form ulcers and become inflamed, scarred and easy to bleed. The most common symptoms are diarrhea, acute abdominal pain, cramping, fever and fatigue. Diet and nutrition is very important in IBD management to prevent malnutrition and extreme weight loss.
IBD Diet for Crohn's Disease and Colitis
Drink lots of fluid (8 - 10 servings daily) to keep body hydrated and prevent constipation
Your doctor or your registered dietitian may recommend a daily multivitamin-mineral supplement to replace lost nutrients
Eat a high fiber diet when IBD is under control. Click here for a list of high fiber foods. Some patients find cooking and steaming the vegetables more tolerable than eating them raw
During a flare up, however, limit high fiber foods and follow a low fiber diet or even a low residue diet to give the bowel a rest and minimize symptoms. Click here for a list of low fiber foods.
Avoid lactose-containing foods such as dairy if you are lactose intolerance. Otherwise, you may use lactase enzymes and lactase pretreated foods. For details, please read Lactose Intolerance Management
It is very important to continue nourishing your body even during a flare-up. Try small frequent meals. Eating a high protein diet with lean meats, fish and eggs, may help relieve symptoms of IBD. Your registered dietitian may recommend pre-digested nutritional drinks (elemental diet) to give your bowel a rest and replenish lost nutrients so that your body can repair itself
Limit caffeine, alcohol and sorbitol (a type of sweetener) as these may exacerbate IBD symptoms. Click here for a list of food products containing sorbitol
Limit gas-producing foods such as cabbage-family vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and brussels sprouts), dried peas and lentils, onions and chives, peppers and carbonated drinks
Reduce fat intake if part of the intestines has been surgically removed. High fat foods usually cause diarrhea and gas for this group of patients
If the ileum (part of the small intestines) has been resected, a Vitamin B12 injection may be required
Some studies found that fish oil and flax seed oil may be helpful in managing IBD. Some also suggested the role of prebiotics such as psyllium in the healing process. Furthermore, probiotics (live culture) may also be helpful in aiding recovery of the intestines.
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