Crohns Diet and Irritable Bowel Diet

Someone on a Crohns diet must remember that Pure Water is extremely important. Of course, it is also very important to all of us.

Drink 8 - 10 servings daily of Pure Water to keep your body hydrated and to prevent constipation. Because of an absorption problem, it is important to take supplements to replace lost nutrients. Your doctor or your health care provider can help you with this.

Most plant based foods contain at least some fiber, but some types of foods contain more than others.

Animal based products do not contain fiber. This means, meats, poultry, seafood, eggs, milk and dairy products do not contain any fiber and are also acidic to your body.

I am suggesting two types of eating regimes - A High Fiber and a Low Fiber diet.

During the period when the Irritable Bowel is under control, a high fiber diet is good.

During a flare up with Crohns or Irritable Bowel high fiber foods should be limited in order to give the bowel a rest and minimize the painful symptoms.

High Fiber for a Crohns Diet

Grains

Whole Grains are rich in fiber and should be consumed each day.

Whole grain breads

buns

bagels

muffins

are included in this Crohns Diet.

Cooked hot cereals are great, especially during our cold winter months here in Canada. Red River Cereal and Oat Bran are excellent sources for high fiber.

Fruits

Fruits and Vegetables are good sources of fiber. Dried fruits, are an excellent source of fiber.

apricots

dates

prunes

raisins

blackberries

blueberries

raspberries

strawberries

Remember when eating dried fruits, these fruits have had their water content removed in the process of drying them, so drink lots and lots of pure water.

Vegetables

Vegetables are also full of fiber. Using beans can add a substantial amount of fiber to your diet. Add red kidney beans to chili or other dried beans to a soup, will substantially add more fiber to your meal.

Vegetables such as the following are an excellent source of nutrition and fiber.

broccoli

spinach

swiss chard

green peas

dark green leafy vegetables

Although cooking fresh vegetables and other fiber rich foods destroys some of their nutrients, it does not destroy their fiber content.

I use Nature's Sunshine's Greenzone, which consists of 38 different fruits and veggies as one of my sources for fiber.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are highly beneficial for someone on a Crohns Diet.

You can soak almonds, hazelnuts and walnuts, in cold water in your fridge overnight then removing them in the morning, drain off the water, pat them dry and store in an airtight container in your fridge. This is not only a good source of fiber, they will also help to alkalize your body.

Sunflower seeds, sesame and flax seeds are excellent sources of fiber.

Low Fiber for a Crohns Diet

Although the following are excellent sources of fiber, they are not as high as some others.

apples

pears

barley

bran muffins

lima beans

brown rice

snow peas

green peas

sweet potatoes

Vegetables

Vegetable juices, potato with no skin, well-cooked and tender vegetables are easier on the bowel. These include

beets

green/yellow beans

carrots, celery

cucumber

eggplant

lettuce

mushrooms

green/red peppers

A baked potato with the skin is a high fiber, while it is a low fiber without the skin.

If you are lactose intolerance, avoid lactose containing foods, such as dairy products.

Eating a high protein diet with lean meats, fish and eggs may help relieve symptoms of IBD. These meals should be small but frequent.

By limiting the high fiber foods and perhaps taking nutritional drinks, your bowel gets a rest and also replenishes lost nutrients.

Limit caffeine, alcohol and sweeteners. Sorbitol may exacerbate IBD.

Limit gas-producing foods such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower brussel sprouts, dried peas and lentils, onion and chives, peppers and carbonated drinks.

It is very important to reduce fat intake if part of the intestines has been surgically removed. High fat foods usually cause diarrhea and gas for this group who really need to watch their daily eating and stay on a Crohns Diet at all times.

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