Tips To Control Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease. However, the cause of this disease is unknown. Medical research suggests that a combination of genetic factors, environmental factors and the immune system all contribute to the development of this disease. How can you control Crohn’s disease? Is there anything you can do?
It is estimated that more than 780,000 Americans have this condition. The number of cases has increased at an alarming rate in recent years. The disease can compromise the health of any part of the gastrointestinal tract. It often leads to the following symptoms:
- inflammation
- diarrhea
- fatigue
- loss of appetite
Ten Tips to Control Crohn’s Disease
The severity of Crohn’s disease can range from mild to severe, with symptoms varying depending on the patient. In general, the treatment of this disease involves a combination of medication and lifestyle and diet changes. Below are ten tips to help treat this disease.
1. Follow the medical treatment recommended by the doctor
The first step to getting Crohn’s disease under control is to strictly follow the medical treatment recommended by your doctor. Even if the symptoms start to improve, it is necessary to continue taking the medication to avoid relapses or complications.
2. Don’t self-medicate
Self-medication can be counterproductive in the treatment of this disease. That is why it is very important to always consult your doctor before taking any new type of medicine. Some medications have side effects and can cause side effects when used together.
3. Eat a healthy and varied diet to control Crohn’s disease
An important part of Crohn’s disease treatment is controlling your diet. It is necessary to eat healthily and adjust your diet to appropriately prevent or improve the complications associated with this disease.
In general, it is necessary to include these nutrients in your diet:
- complex carbohydrates (moderate portions)
- vitamins and minerals
- proteins (from lean meat, fish and vegetables)
On the other hand, you should avoid foods that make inflammation worse. Some of these foods to avoid include:
- saturated fats
- Red meat
- full-fat dairy products
- fried food
- junk food
- sugar
4. Avoid taking painkillers or drugs to relieve the pain
Taking some pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can cause complications for people who suffer from Crohn’s disease. It is therefore recommended to use paracetamol as an alternative if necessary. Either way, you should always talk to your doctor before taking any medication.
5. Take More Probiotics
Probiotics can help relieve some of the symptoms of this disease. They are full of good bacteria that help to restore the intestinal flora. Therefore, probiotics help control the inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease.
Some foods that contain probiotics are:
- natural yogurt
- kefir
- sauerkraut
- pickles
- kombucha tea
- Kimchi
6. Eat Prebiotic Foods
Increasing the intake of prebiotic foods also helps combat the effects and symptoms of this disease.
Prebiotic foods include bananas, asparagus, and leeks. These foods provide nutrients for the healthy bacteria in the gut and promote their growth.
7. Control your stress
Intestinal complaints can worsen in times of stress. While it may seem unlikely, stress affects the health of the digestive system. Therefore, it is recommended to practice relaxation methods such as yoga, meditation or tai chi.
8. Avoid Tobacco
People who smoke have more difficulty with Crohn’s disease. The toxic components of tobacco only irritate the gut more and increase the relapse rate of the disease. You should seek professional help to quit smoking.
9. Seek support
Remember that Crohn’s disease can sometimes affect more than the body. Sometimes it can cause anxiety and depression. Therefore, it is recommended that people suffering from this disease seek psychological support and have a strong support system of friends, family and other people who have experienced similar situations.
10. Know Which Foods Make Crohn’s Disease Worse
While Crohn’s disease is not caused by a particular food and there is no evidence that it is caused by any particular food, there are certain foods that exacerbate the disease and make it more difficult to control.
If you’re having trouble controlling Crohn’s disease, it’s best to avoid the following foods:
- processed foods or junk foods
- refined flours and their variations
- full-fat dairy products
- unpeeled vegetables
- fruits rich in fiber
- (soft) drinks that contain sugar
Do you have Crohn’s disease? If so, it’s best to follow these 10 tips to better control the disease. If you suspect you have this disease, make an appointment with your doctor and list the symptoms you are experiencing.
