Diet in Crohn's disease

introduction

Patient with Crohn's disease need to pay special attention to theirs for several reasons nutrition respect, think highly of. On the one hand, due to this disease, nutrients in the intestine are not absorbed in sufficient quantities, so it can Malnutrition and malnutrition train (Malassimilation).

Some people also avoid certain foods that they subjectively feel are making their symptoms worse. This behavior increases malnutrition. In addition, the body is in an acute phase in a state that is characterized by inflammation (fever, diarrhea, etc.). Among other things, this results in an increased energy requirement and a disturbed iron metabolism.

Read more on the topic: Iron Deficiency and Depression - What Is the Connection?

In addition, some of the drugs that are used in the therapy of Crohn's disease also affect the energy metabolism. The frequently used glucocorticoids, for example, lead to an increased need for calcium, as they can otherwise lead to osteoporosis.

Read more on this topic: Medicines for Crohn's disease

Nutritional therapy in the different phases of the disease

The exact nutritional therapy recommended for Crohn's disease depends on the phase in which a patient is. In general, alcohol and, above all, nicotine should be avoided. Those affected should make sure that they eat several small meals rather than a few large meals in order not to put excessive strain on the intestines, and food should always be consumed slowly and chewed well.

You might also be interested in: Causes of Crohn's Disease

In the acute episode

An attack in Crohn's disease usually lasts 3-6 weeks. During this time it is particularly important to pay attention to your diet.

Due to the severe diarrhea, the body loses a lot of fluid and important nutrients.
However, since the intestine is inflamed and particularly sensitive during this time, it makes sense to take a closer look at the menu at this stage. In the inflammatory phase, the acute flare-up, you should eat a little differently than in the remission phase. The latter is to be seen as a recovery phase.

During the acute phase, the intestinal mucosa should only be gently touched by the food. An easily digestible diet is therefore advisable. It is therefore important not to consume too much fiber, so raw vegetables and grains would be unsuitable.
Here you can see an overview of the most important dietary recommendations:

  • Consume plenty of fluids: still water, tea, and even diluted juice spritzers for lighter attacks

  • Reduced fat diet

  • White bread (better than wholemeal bread), brown bread, wheat or semolina porridge, rice flakes, white pasta and rice, mild skimmed milk products (yoghurt, quark, cottage cheese), mucous soups, vegetable broth, potato or carrot soups, parsnips , Zucchinis, baby food, oat or millet flakes, seeds, nuts, soy products

  • Protein-rich food: fish, meat, eggs

Furthermore, the temperature of the food should be lukewarm. Spicy foods such as foods that are too sour or too sweet should also be avoided.
In the case of a very strong inflammatory phase, however, the above diet may also be contraindicated, as it is also not tolerated. Here, a high-calorie sip feed is recommended.
In a few serious cases, normal food intake via the intestines may no longer be possible, so that artificial nutrition (parenteral nutrition) is necessary.

Read more on the topic: Crohn's disease attack

In the remission phase

In the remission phase, the main focus is on the body with all the important Nutrients and Vitamins to take care of and also the intestinal peristalsis Fiber to stimulate. So, for example, are recommended vegetables, fruit and Potatoesbecause they contain many important vitamins and minerals.

Depending on this, supplements to normal food can sometimes be used, such as Iron or calcium tablets be useful. Also Soy and whole grain products should be on the menu in remission. Should be avoided if possible animal fat (so rather lean meat consume) and sugar. Other foods that are not well tolerated by many Crohn's disease patients include: Eggs, milk, Bananas, yeast, Wine and caffeine.

However, there are in some cases considerable differences, which is why the menu is always individually should be created. Additional intolerances such as Lactose intolerance, which are often associated with Crohn's disease, must of course also be taken into account if they are present.

A diet tailored to the disease is an important part of the therapy for Crohn's disease and can optimize drug treatment. If all therapy recommendations are followed, the Life expectancy hardly or not at all restricted in Crohn's disease.

Read more on the topic: Life expectancy in Crohn's disease

Can i drink alcohol?

Basically is it possible to drink alcoholas long as you feel comfortable and you don't feel any strong irritation of the intestines afterwards. Advisable it is, however Not.
Alcohol leads to one severe irritation of the mucous membrane. The intestinal mucosa, which is already irritated, continues to be provoked, especially in an acute episode. As a result, most of those affected do not feel like drinking, as it is even worse for them than without alcohol.

When the body is in a recovery phase, it is more likely to drink alcohol. But even here it is better not to drink too much.
Most of all you should do without high-proof alcohol and limit consumption to special occasions.
It is ultimately up to you how to deal with the disease and to what extent you can do without certain things.

Can i eat bread?

Eating bread is at least possible. However, it is recommended that you no whole grain bread to take in. Wheat bread or brown bread are therefore preferable.
Patients also often report that they especially tolerate rusks, crispbread and toasted bread. It's best to try out what is good for you.

Do I have to eat gluten-free?

With Crohn's disease it is no need to pay attention to a gluten-free diet. On the contrary: some foods containing gluten, such as wheat bread, are often better than some gluten-free products. This has to do with the fact that these are richer in fiber, for example, which is ultimately bad in an acute episode.

Diet for diarrhea

Because of the extreme diarrhea in an inflammatory phase of Crohn's disease many Vitamins, minerals and nutrient get lost, it is important this to substitute. This can be done through diet, but sometimes also through tablets or injections. Most of the time, however, diet is enough.
As mentioned above, it is important much liquid to feed the body.
Especially one protein- and calcium rich Diet is desirable as well as one low fiber diet. White bread and brown bread are just as good here as steamed vegetables.

Post-op nutrition

After an operation on the intestinal tract, it is important to give the intestines some rest. That means that the first days after the operation the food intake bypassing the intestinal tract should be done so parenteral. This can be, for example, through infusions with high-calorie food.
Then it is recommended gradually one Diet structure to help the digestive tract slowly get used to food again. Several small meals are important here.

  1. Level: low-fiber carbohydrates, fat-free products
  2. Level: also high-carbohydrate diet (white bread, brown bread), very lean protein products.
  3. Level: like the 2nd level, the protein products may contain a little more fat
  4. Level: sufficient fiber, light whole food

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