Links

Click below to connect to another page with more information from the Mayo Clinic:



http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/crohns-disease/DS00104/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies



Yet another site John found...



http://www.ccfa.org/info/diet?LMI=5.2

Foods Part IV

1. Breakfast

   • A diet high in protein and calories is important for Crohn's disease. Many patients are malnourished due to diarrhea or lack of appetite . Keep a food journal to identify what foods cause you pain. Fibrous foods have been noted to hurt those with narrowing small intestines. Raw vegetables and legumes can cause cramping. Start your morning with something stomach-settling like oatmeal. Garnish with brown sugar or fruit. For some protein, make an egg sandwich on an English muffin. It has been found helpful to give the stomach a break from solid food. Protein shakes are a fantastic source of nutrients and calories. If you are lactose-intolerant, replace the milk with soy milk.

   Snacks and Lunch

   • By eating small snacks twice a day, you ensure that you get enough calories. Find out from your doctor how many you need a day based on your height, weight and gender. Fruit, pudding, applesauce, protein bars and smoothies are filling and easy on the stomach. Lunch is a great time to fill up on energy-providing foods to see you through to the end of the day. Fried foods are discouraged, because they upset the stomach. On the other hand, sushi is delicious and uncomplicated for your stomach to break down. Pair your sushi meal with some warm miso soup. A basic sandwich of turkey, avocado and tomato is filling and doesn't include the problematic roughage of lettuce.

   Dinner and Dessert

   • After a hectic day, it's nice to relax with comfort food. Meals may include mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, rice and white dinner rolls. Keep the menu and ingredients simple. Proteins consisting of fish, shrimp, pork, turkey or chicken can be prepared in several ways. When you find enough foods that do not upset your stomach, mix up the meal plan by adding spices, herbs and sauces. Relax to a delicious dessert of cookies, cupcakes or pudding. Chocolaty treats may be too rich. Stick with something with cake and icing. The perfect diet for Crohn's disease is individually determined. By cutting out complicated meals and sticking with some basics, you will be on the road to figuring out what is right for you.

Foods Part III

1. Flare-Up Foods

   • During a period of flare-up, individuals with Crohn's disease will find that their digestive tract responds better to foods with less fiber. Foods to incorporate include rice, crackers, baby cereals, oatmeal, cooked skinless potatoes, celery, yams, squash, eggplant and other mild cooked vegetables, apple juice, grape juice, or other fruit juices (except for prune), cooked unsweetened fruits, fresh melons and papaya (including the seeds).

     Foods to avoid are broccoli, cabbage, kale or other cruciferous vegetables, beans (of any kind), lentils, whole grains and seeds. Raw fruits and vegetables should be avoided during a flare-up, with the exception of small portions of banana or apple. Other foods to avoid include dairy, fried foods, processed foods and refined carbohydrates.

   Other Considerations

   • Drink your recommended daily requirement of water. Staying hydrated is an important step in preventing constipation. Be sure to ask your doctor about vitamin and mineral supplements, which are often necessary for individuals with Crohn's disease. Also, eat approximately six small meals throughout the day to support your digestive tract.

     Aloe Vera is also recommended for individuals with Crohn's disease. It is an aid for softening the stool and digestive healing. Additionally, taking papaya supplements can assist the body in better digestion.

Foods Part II

High-Fiber Foods

Patient with Crohn's disease should avoid high-fiber foods because they may worsen diarrhea, gas and bloating, according to MayoClinic. High-fiber foods cause increased passage of stool which exacerbates diarrhea in patients with Crohn's disease. Examples of high-fiber foods to be avoided include oatmeal, bran, seeds, popcorn, millet and oats.

Fatty and Fried Foods

Patients suffering from Crohn's disease should also avoid fatty and fried foods such as ice cream, fries, donuts, steak, butter, cream and margarine. Patients with Crohn's disease may not be able to digest and absorb fat normally, according to Mayo Clinic. Fatty foods take a long time to be digested and may cause an upset stomach. Fatty foods also do not benefit Crohn's patients because they contain little nutritious value.

Other Foods to Avoid

Patients with Crohn's disease who are intolerant to lactose should avoid dairy products in order to prevent diarrhea, gas and abdominal pain, according to MayoClinic. Patients should also limit alcohol and caffeine consumption. Caffeine stimulates the contraction of the intestines, which may worsen diarrhea. Patients with Crohn's disease should increase fluids intake in order to compensate for the fluids they lose through frequent watery stools.

Caffeinated and Spicy Foods

Foods and beverages that contain high levels of caffeine stimulate the smooth muscles of the intestines and may set off cramping and diarrhea. Chocolate, tea and coffee are prime culprits. If you have Crohn's disease, you may not be able to tolerate spicy foods. In addition to avoiding foods that worsen symptoms, you should avoid eating large meals. MayoClinic.com says that some patients feel better if they spread their daily food intake out over five to six small meals per day instead of three larger meals.