Crohns Disease Diet Article

Easing The Symptoms Of Crohn's Disease

The digestive system helps process the food we eat everyday. We typically do not notice any problems until we suffer from diarrhea or constipation. The digestive system is basically the stomach, intestines both large and small and the rectum. The digestive system converts the food we eat into nutrients and they are then absorbed into the blood stream.

Have you heard of or do you have inflammatory bowel disease? It is a form of Crohn's disease which is a debilitating illness. A similar condition is ulcerative colitis - all these are digestive conditions which could get progressively worse if not treated. The condition has side effects such as diarrhea, cramping loss of weight and skin irritations. The symptoms can change from day to day from constipation one day to diarrhea the next. The digestive system is irritated and symptoms can be felt throughout the entire body.

Experts believe that Crohn's disease is a genetic condition inherited from a relative - both men and women can be affected with the illness. Some research also suggests that it can also be caused by a viral condition. Some people are completely debilitated by the disease and are unable to work or lead normal lives. The symptoms range from mild to severe. Diarrhea can affect some people to the point where they have diarrhea up to 20 times a day. Some people end up being malnourished because they are not able to process food and obtain nutrients and may need a special diet or are fed through a tube.

The condition is classified as an autoimmune system deficiency. Physicians are unsure what can cause a flare up but some patients will suffer from the condition sporadically and researchers believe seasonal or allergic conditions may cause the symptoms to get worse. At present, there is no cure. Most patients take medication which helps relieve some of the symptoms.

Your physician may request stool samples from you to test for germs and blood. You may need a sigmoidoscope or a colonoscopy so that your physician can look directly into your intestines.

Physicians recommend a change in diet and exercise to counteract the symptoms. The range of symptoms can vary from person to person. Consult your physician before making any drastic changes in your diet.

Your physician may recommend that you take vitamins or nutritional supplements, restrict dairy products, avoid spicy foods, and eat smaller, low fat meals. Depending on the severity of the symptoms your physician may recommend diet changes depending on how you are feeling and your symptoms.

Diet changes, exercise, rest and low stress will help ease symptoms. At times, this may be difficult to do and symptoms may flare up due to extreme stress or lack of sleep.