Crohn’s disease is a chronic illness that results in inflammation throughout the entire digestive system. It can affect any part of the gut from the mouth to the anus but is often found at the end of the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine. It is one of the two types of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), the other being Ulcerative Colitis (UC). It is an immune-mediated disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the digestive tract. Crohn’s disease is a manageable condition, but unfortunately, to date, there is no cure for this disease.
What are the symptoms of crohn’s disease?
Dietary Modifications in Crohn’s Disease
- Low FODMAP (Fermentable, Oligo, Di, Monosaccharides and Polyols) Diet: It is an alternative dietary modification, in which foods that are high in FODMAPs like – apples, pears, corn syrup, dairy products, wheat, cabbage, broccoli, watermelon etc are avoided. Instead of these, foods that are low in FODMAPs like fish, eggs, beef, pork, chicken, tofu, lettuce, spring onions, turnips, ginger, olives, cucumber, carrots, bean sprouts, grapes, eggplants, potatoes, etc are recommended.
- LOFFLEX (Low-Fiber Fat-Limited Exclusion) Diet: In this type of diet, patients are advised to consume foods that are low in fiber and long chain triglycerides (fats). Instead, consumption of fish oils is advised as these are easily digestible. In this diet, instead of introducing one food type at a time, a faster reintroduction of varied food types is done, only keeping in mind that the foods must be low in fiber and complex fats.
Low Fodmap Diet Plan for Crohn’s Disease
People diagnosed with Crohn’s disease experience mental distress. After slowly accepting their condition, the patient starts following a routine self-care and diet management regimen. To assist in the self-care process of people suffering from Crohn’s disease, a sample low FODMAP meal plan is attached with this article:
What Are the Potential Complications of Crohn’s Disease?
- Arthritis along with back pain.
- Loss of appetite.
- Inflammation of the eye which can cause pain or vision problems.
- Skin rash
Feel Free To Ask
Facing a disease like Crohn’s makes the person feel lonely. But we are here to help you around. If you or any of your relatives are facing the menace of Crohn’s disease, Fitness with Nidhi is here to guide you with a customized meal plan and a daily routine that fits you well!
Conclusion
For those living with Crohn’s disease, the journey is often complicated by malnutrition—an unintended consequence of their attempts to manage the symptoms. To avoid discomfort, many impose dietary restrictions that limit the essential nutrients their bodies need. This leads to a cascade of micronutrient deficiencies, with iron-deficiency anemia, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and vitamin B12 deficiencies being particularly common.
In its whispers, the body signals these shortages: fatigue, brittle bones, weakened immunity, and more. But these whispers often go unheard without the proper diagnostic tests. A thorough physical evaluation becomes the compass, helping to map out exactly which vitamins and minerals are lacking.
Once the missing pieces of the puzzle are identified, a tailored dietary plan can be crafted—one that nourishes the body replenishes lost stores, and restores balance. With the right intervention, the struggle with Crohn’s can shift from one of restriction to one of mindful nourishment.
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