Chrons disease pain results from inflammation. Primary treatments address inflammation, which is important, but just as important, is a complete Crohns nutrition plan. Chronic diarrhea and loss of appetite may lead to weight loss, lack of proper nutrition and growth problems in children. Intestinal or rectal bleeding may lead to anemia.
Chrons is a disease that may go into remission (periods where symptoms are absent) for long periods of time and then flare-up for apparently no reason. There are some foods and over the counter medications that have been linked to flare-ups, but what causes symptoms to flare in one individual may not cause flare-ups in another. A food and symptoms diary may be helpful for individuals to learn what could be causing flare-ups in their case.
A complete Crohns nutrition plan is important whether symptoms are under control or not, but may need to be altered when Crohns disease pain and symptoms are present. At all times, but especially when diarrhea is present, proper hydration is important, so individuals should consume at least eight 8 ounce glasses of plain water per day. Purified or bottled drinking water is best, because some studies suggest that symptoms could be aggravated by chlorine or other chemicals in tap water.
When Crohns disease pain and symptoms are absent a Crohns nutrition plan should include adequate amounts of dietary fiber. During flare-ups dietary fiber should be reduced. Milk and dairy products cause flare-ups in those who are lactose intolerant and in some other people. Research in London indicates that Crohns may be caused by a bacteria sometimes present in milk, even after pasteurization. If avoiding milk is necessary or desirable, adequate amounts of calcium must be obtained from other sources. Most seafood and fish are good alternative sources of calcium and contain essential omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon, twice a week is recommended by many nutritional experts for good health.
During periods when Crohns disease pain and other symptoms are present, eating small meals several times a day may be helpful. A high protein low carb diet is sometimes recommended as a Crohns nutrition plan, because this type of diet has been shown to relieve symptoms in some individuals. Choosing lean sources of protein is important, because fats have been shown to increase diarrhea in some people. Nutritionists sometimes recommend pre-digested nutritional drinks or an "elemental diet" to replace lost nutrients and give the bowel a rest.
Certain foods and products should be excluded from the Crohns nutrition plan, because they are known to aggravate and increase symptoms. Foods containing sorbitol (an artificial sweetener found in many sugar free products) should be avoided by those people who have an inflammatory bowel disease. Caffeine and alcohol can increase diarrhea and have no nutritional value. Gas producing foods, such as vegetables in the cabbage family, dried peas, lentils (beans), onions, chives, peppers and carbonated drinks can all aggravate inflammation and increase abdominal pain.
Over the counter medications that may cause flare-ups include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as motrin, and ibuprofen. When over the counter pain relievers are needed, doctors recommend Tylenol or a generic equivalent. Aspirin is known to irritate the lining of the digestive tract, can lead to ulceration and should be avoided, as well.
Most doctors and dieticians recommend a daily multi-vitamin to supplement a complete Crohns nutrition plan. Iron supplementation may be recommended if bleeding is present or has been experienced. Supplementation with aloe mucilaginous polysaccharides (AMP) may also be helpful. AMP is a natural anti-inflammatory and has been proven to subdue Crohns disease pain and reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. For more information about AMP and general information about Crohns and other digestive problems, visit www.digestive-disorders-guide.com.
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