Things that may increase your risk of getting Crohn’s disease is completely out your control. You can, however, change the cause of flare ups, and shorten the time that the symptoms affect you during a flare up by not eating certain things.
In extreme cases of Crohn’s, the small intestine is incapable of absorbing nutrients so it is important to speak with a doctor about your specific needs. In the end of this article, we are going to give you the best foods to eat to avoid Crohn’s disease.
What Not to Put in Your Shopping Cart
Milk
Up until the late 1970’s, doctors would recommend milk because of it’s base and it was thought to neutralize acid relieve pain from acid build up that comes as a symptom for Crohn’s. However, further research by the Ten Hardy Research Participants proved that milk actually rises the gastric acid after a few hours which explains why there is a feeling of temporary relief but often feels worse thereafter.
Even in those who do not suffer from Crohn’s develop ulcers from drinking more than 24 oz a day, regardless of fat content. So, though it is tempting for some relief, you’re better off taking antacids.
Corn in Any Form
Though it is delicious, it really is not worth the pain! The fibrous outer shells of corn kernels don’t break down in the stomach because the digestive enzymes cannot break the chemical bonds between the sugar molecules in the cellulose.
Basically, the outer coat of the corn kernel passes through your intestines as a whole wrecking havoc of your damaged system. The shell often doesn’t clump with the rest of the digested bits so as it passes it causes harsher irritation and often creating hemorrhoids.
Seeds – Strawberries, Raspberries, Tomatoes, Rye Bread and More
To put it simply, seeds do not break down, much like the shells of corn. As the seeds work through the digestive tract they act like sandpaper on your wounded intestines. In combat, the body tries to coat the damage to bring relief but the after effect is diarrhea.
Ah, Nuts!
Another food that you can’t even mash down into a fine paste or powder so that your stomach will digest it is nuts. Crohn’s patients won’t be able to absorb the healthy fats and protein available and only serves to irritate the lining of your stomach and worsen your symptoms.
Sugar-free Anything
The joy of sugar-free is that the digestive tract very slowly absorbs and is great for those who suffer from diabetes. However, this benefit becomes a disaster for a Crohn’s patient. Sugar alcohol found in sugar-free items causes gas, bloating, cramps, and extreme discomfort because it begins to ferment and attract water to the intestinal tract.
Crohn’s patients will suffer more so than others because any nonabsorbable sugars are broken down by the bowel bacteria causing worse symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. The bacteria in the damaged tract will feast on the sugar alcohol.
Peel Off the Skin on Fruits & Vegetables
The peel of fruits and vegetables have a compound in them called cucurbitacin which irritates the mucous membranes in the stomach causing extreme distress. While in distress, the body struggles to absorb the nutrients.
Therefore, it’s always best to peel off the skin of your favorite fruits. Buying canned fruits and veggies might lighten the burden if you don’t want to take the time to peel.
Foods to Include in Your Shopping Cart
Now that you know which foods to avoid, here’s some foods you need to include on that shopping list:
Note: Before you turn to any of these food items, you should speak with your physician, because some of them could have a poor interaction with the medication you are taking.
Probiotics
Probiotics has been popping up in front of us a lot lately – this is “good bacteria.” Some believe consuming good bacteria can help control Crohn’s disease, so it is definitely worth trying. So definitely include some of these on your grocery list:
- Yogurt
- Kefir
- Sour Pickles
- Sauerkraut
- Sourdough Bread
- Tempeh
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids should also be on your grocery list because it helps fight inflammation throughout your body. Try to include the following on your grocery list:
- Fish Oil
- Flaxseed
- Salmon
Herbal and Botanicals
There are various herbal and botanical treatments available that can help you fight Crohn’s disease. Some items to include on your grocery list include:
- Slippery elm bark
- Aloe vera juice
- Chamomile
- Peppermint
- Tumeric
- Green tea
- Marshmallow
- B12
- Vitamin D
So, what are you waiting for? Don’t you think it’s time to talk to your doctor and go grocery shopping?
