Crohn's Disease Diet - WHAT IS THE ROLE OF DIET IN CROHN'S DISEASE?

Crohn's Disease is a disease of bad diet. The doctor may recommend nutritional supplements, especially for children whose growth has been slowed. Special high-calorie liquid formulas are sometimes used for this purpose. A small number of patients may need periods of feeding by vein. This can help patients who need extra nutrition temporarily, those whose intestines need to rest, or those whose intestines cannot absorb enough nutrition from food.

Drinking plenty of water is particularly important. Caffeinated beverages should be avoided in general, although green tea has been reported to have some benefits for Crohn's disease.

Proteins are very important for growth in children and for repair of cells. Diarrhea can cause protein deficiency and so IBD patients may need more protein than the general population.

Supplementation of calcium, folate and vitamin B12 is helpful when malabsorption of these nutrients is apparent. The use of antidiarrheal agents and antispasmotics can also help relieve symptoms of cramps and diarrhea. A multivitamin and iron supplement may be recommended by the physician.

Patients should select complex carbohydrates, which are also a good source of fiber. Fresh fruit (such as apples, grapefruit, oranges, plums, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries) might actually be specifically protective for IBD.

The implication of food is logical because food impacts the digestive system and intestinal environment to a greater degree than any other internal or external factor. Another important dietary factor is food allergies. Clinical studies using an elimination diet (diet of foods that have a lower tendency to produce allergic reactions) have provided significant IBD improvements with no side effects.

It should be noted that high-fiber foods can cause gas, bloating, and pain, particularly in IBD patients. Commercial products (eg, Beano) are available that can reduce gas. Eating small, frequent meals can also help.

Some studies have reported that an enteral elemental diet was as effective as corticosteroids in inducing remission. However, a major 2001 analysis did not confirm any advantages of enteral feedings over corticosteroids.

Furthermore, it did not find any additional benefits from elemental diets compared to polymeric diets. Still, in a 2001 study of children with steroid-dependent Crohn's disease that was already in remission, elemental supplements allowed many of them to withdraw from the medication.

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