Crohn’s disease is a serious condition that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. About 780,000 Americans suffer from the disease, according to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA).
Crohn’s disease can negatively impact your personal life and lead to complications, including bowel obstruction, ulcers, fistulas, osteoporosis, skin disorders, anemia, arthritis, and colon cancer. Moreover, Crohn’s can also affect your dental health and provoke gum disease.
Scientists don’t fully understand Crohn’s disease. Moreover, it’s incurable. So, proper management is a priority. Crohn’s disease affects everyone differently, meaning there is no single treatment plan. Since it’s a gastrointestinal disorder, your diet is important to its treatment.
Some foods tend to trigger Crohn’s symptoms, that’s why it’s a good idea to keep track of your meals in a food diary and eliminate the foods you can’t tolerate. Find nutrient-rich foods that you can easily digest. Here are some easy-to-digest options for Crohn’s sufferers:
1. Fresh vegetable juices
Veggies are an excellent source of minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins. However, many vegetables contain insoluble fiber which makes them difficult to digest. The good news is that making fresh vegetable juice is a good option for you, as juicing removes indigestible fiber, but the mineral and vitamins remain. You can try making fresh juices from apples, beets, carrots, or leafy greens.
2. Eggs
Inflammation caused by a flare can lead to a lack of macronutrients, especially protein. Animal proteins have amino acids that are used by the body to perform various functions, like cell growth and tissue repair. Eggs are an excellent source of animal protein as well as an easy-to-digest food. You can poach, scramble, or boil them.
3. Yogurt
Crohn’s disease often leads to calcium deficiency. So, it’s important that you get the recommended daily dose (about 1,000 milligrams). Eat three to four servings of calcium-rich foods every day. Foods like tofu, soy milk, and yogurt can help you replenish calcium.
4. Oatmeal
In addition to being a good source of soluble fiber, oatmeal can help you reduce diarrhea by absorbing water in the gut and delaying the emptying of the intestines.
5. Smoothies with pineapple juice
Smoothies are another good way to enjoy the nutritional benefits of fruits and veggies without consuming the seeds and skins that are hard to digest. Instead of eating strawberries, choose fleshy fruits like bananas and papaya. You can also try pineapple juice. Pineapple contains bromelain, a phytotherapeutic agent, which is known to have powerful anti-inflammatory effects.
6. Grilled chicken breasts
Skinless chicken is rich in animal protein as well. When preparing chicken, beware of marinades that might contain sugars and spices that are difficult to digest. Consider portion sizes. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a good portion size for chicken is three ounces, about half of a small chicken breast.
7. Baked apples
Sometimes you may want something sweet, especially if you have a sweet tooth. Baked apples will make for a healthy dessert and provide an easier-to-digest type of fiber when prepared without the skins. Once you peel apples, the remaining fiber is soluble, meaning it’s gentler on your digestive system. Raw fruits can be hard to digest, however peeling the skin and baking or cooking the fruit makes them softer. You can also eat unsweetened applesauce.
8. Salmon fillets
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to lower inflammation. This fatty fish is also high in potassium, which helps your body maintain fluid balance, especially when you suffer from a flare.
Salmon is also easy to make. It can be prepared in different ways, including broiled, poached, grilled, or baked. But be mindful when adding sauces that might contain ingredients that are difficult to digest or can lead to irritation, including sugar and certain spices.
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