As you know, there is no such thing as a Crohn's diet. Everyone with Crohn's disease reacts differently to different foods. However, there are foods that alleviate or symptoms and help prevent flare-ups for Crohn's suffers.

Fluids. Drink lots of liquids to replenish fluids lost from diarrhea and prevent dehydration, which can make you weak and put your kidney function at risk. Stick to water, herbal teas and natural fruit juices without added sugar.

Foods high in fiber. Unless you are experiencing a flare up, eating a diet loaded with high-fiber foods helps alleviate Crohn's symptoms. High fiber foods include most fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, legumes and whole grains, such as whole wheat, oats, rye, and barley, brown rice, millet, buckwheat and quinoa. Don't underestimate the power of these natural foods. Researchers say that children who consume high-fiber diets actually lower their risk for developing Crohn's disease.

Choose organic. Farmers who grow organic fruits, vegetables and grains do not use poisonous chemicals to treat the soil or manage pests. These chemicals strip away most of the food's nutritional value and adds dangerous toxins to our diet. Studies report that Crohn's sufferers who eat a diet high in organic foods show improvement in their intestinal lesions.

Protein. High protein foods such as lean meats, fish and eggs help alleviate Crohn's symptoms and provide critical nutritional support, especially during a flare up.

Raw foods. Some Crohn's patients report that their symptoms are dramatically reduced, or eliminated, when they follow a raw food diet. Raw food diets consist primarily of sprouts, seeds, nuts, grains, beans, dried fruit and seaweed. Advocates say you should not cook raw foods above 116 degrees.

Supplements. Here are a few supplements that provide relief for Crohn's disease.

Omega-3. Fish oil and flax seed are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation. You can find omega-3 supplements in pill and liquid form.

Iron. Heavy internal bleeding from Crohn's can cause you to lose iron and become anemic, which will make you feel tired and run down.

Probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms found in food in supplements. They reduce lactose intolerance and diarrhea and offset side effects from antibiotics.

Lactase enzymes and pretreated foods. If you have Crohn's disease and are lactose intolerant, you can choose lactose-free foods or take enzyme tablets with your meals to help you digest lactose.

Tumeric. This ancient spice reduces symptoms, and may even prevent, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Turmeric is also available as a supplement.

 


Sources:

http://www.serovera.com/crohns-diet.php

http://www.turmericinfo.com/curcumin_crohnsdisease.html

http://www.ccfa.org/info/diet?LMI=1.4

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/popularhealthdiets/a/Raw_Food.htm

http://www.medwire-news.md/41/73176/Gastroenterology/Strict_diet_of_organic_food_prompts_Crohns_disease_remission.html

http://www.eatright.org/ada/files/Raw_Food_Diets(1).pdf