What is Crohn's Disease? Symptoms and Diet

What is Crohn's disease?

Crohn's disease is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation of the intestinal or GI tract which is also known as the digestive tract. Since Crohn's disease is a chronic illness, it is persistent and will be present throughout a patient's life. However, if worked on it, the symptoms of this disease can be reduced. The GI tract includes the mouth, Esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and anal region. 

Crohn's disease can affect any part of the GI tract, but the most common location is the last part of the small intestine which is called the ileum and the first portion of the colon which is also referred to as the large intestine. Current thinking is that Crohn's disease is a genetic disease caused by abnormal regulation of the immune system. The GI tract is frequently confronted with bacteria from our diet and environment.

Crohn's Disease Symptoms:

Crohn's disease is a disease of young people. It typically has its onset in the teens 20s and 30s. Symptoms of Crohn's disease depend on what part of the intestine is involved.

•         Many people with Crohn's disease have problems with their ileum which is the last part of the small intestine.

•  In fact, Crohn's disease has another name terminal ileus. Since the ileum is located in the right lower part of the abdomen, people who have the disease in the ileum, often have symptoms of pain and discomfort in the right lower abdomen.

•  They may also have watery diarrhea along with their symptoms of right lower abdominal pain.

• Sometimes Crohn's disease can also manifest itself with symptoms that are outside of the intestine, and these may take the form of changes in the eyes, changes in the joints- particularly the large joints or the back.

• You're more at risk for Crohn's disease if you have a family member who also had Crohn's disease or if you smoked.

Crohn's disease diet:

Almond Milk: Many people with Crohn's disease are lactose intolerant, and almond milk is a good dairy alternative and can be fortified with just as much calcium as regular milk.

Eggs: Eggs served anyway, hard-boiled, soft scrambled.

Oatmeal: Digestible protein oatmeal is a great soluble fiber that absorbs water and passes slowly through the digestive system.

Pureed vegetables: Pumpkin butternut, squash carrots, parsnips are fine and best source to be included in your diet.

Seafood: Seafood is your best option especially seafood that contains omega-3s like salmon. Best seafood for Crohn's disease is Tilapia and flounder. They are nutritious as well as easily digestible. Prepare the seafood by steaming, boiling or grilling.