4 Crohn's Disease Diet Options that May Work for You

Do you have Crohn’s disease? Do you find that certain foods give you excess gas and painful abdominal bloating? Are you searching for guidance on a Crohn’s disease diet that will alleviate these painful symptoms? If so then you are in the right place because following are different types of diets that have shown to help Crohn’s disease sufferers.

It is important to understand that each diet works differently for each person. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits all Crohn’s disease diet. However, you can try each of these diets and will most likely find one that lessens your condition. Plus, modifying your own diet gives you some control over your battle against Crohn’s disease. You can complement this diet with Crohn’s disease medications and/or surgery.

Following are examples of diets that may help your condition. The benefits and drawbacks of each diet will also be provided.

Crohn’s disease diet option #1…

The Gluten-Free diet. This is curative diet for Celiac disease sufferers. When people have Celiac disease they are intolerant to gluten. Eating food with gluten causes the villi in the lining of their intestine to flatten. Thus they do not absorb food or nutrients.

The gastrointestinal symptoms of Celiac disease are very similar to Crohn’s disease. Therefore, many Crohn’s disease sufferers have gone gluten-free. Going 100% gluten free has been shown to minimize, if not eliminate, the symptoms of Celiac disease. This diet may help minimize the symptoms of Crohn’s disease as well. The major drawback to the Gluten free diet is that gluten is in virtually every processed food. You have to eat natural products such as vegetables, meat, and fish. You can find processed foods, but they must be gluten-free, not just wheat-free.

Crohn’s disease diet option #2…

Sugar-free diet. Sugar has been found to be a possible culprit in flare ups of Crohn’s disease. However, ongoing research is still being conducted in this area. Eliminating sugar from your diet can help keep your blood sugar levels remain consistent and avoid hypoglycemia.

Crohn’s disease diet option #3…

Low-residue diet. This type of diet is low in fiber. Normally, doctors and dieticians prescribe a high fiber diet, but high fiber can be troublesome for people with Crohn’s disease. It can aggravate your condition. High fiber foods can wreak havoc on the lining of your intestine thus increasing inflammation.

A drawback to a low-residue diet is that you won’t get all the nutrients you would normally get from a high fiber diet. Therefore, you can drink vegetable juice and/or take supplements to make sure you get all the nutrients you need.

Crohn’s disease diet option #4…

Specific Carbohydrate diet. This diet avoids gluten, dairy (unless it is lactose free), and sugar. It is a very restrictive diet, but may alleviate Crohn’s disease symptoms. You can find more about this diet at your local bookstore.

Take the time to try one of these diets as it just might be the relief you need. If it doesn’t work then don’t continue it. And remember to always consult your doctor before you begin any diet.