Crohn's disease is an inflammation of the full thickness of the bowel wall and may involve any part of the digestive tract, but most commonly affects the ileum (lower part of the small bowel) and the colon (large bowel).
Symptoms include diarrhoea, rectal bleeding, passing mucus. abdominal pain and discomfort, fever, tiredness/fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss. Medication is usually needed to treat Crohn's disease, and in some cases surgery may be necessary.
Diet cannot cure Crohn's disease and there is no evidence that dietary factors are a cause of the disease. Good nutrition, however, can improve bowel function and the ability of the bowel to heal. It can also improve your response to drug therapy and help to reduce the symptoms of the disease.
Most people with Crohn's disease should eat a healthy, balanced and varied diet, which provides the body with sufficient energy, protein and nutrients. Restrictive diets are not necessary or beneficial, and there is no evidence to suggest that dietary factors can cause Crohn's disease. Modifications to the diet may be needed in some circumstances, however, to improve poor nutrition, reduce the symptoms caused by disease or surgery and to avoid complications
Modifications may include:
- reducing fibre intake to control diarrhoea
- increasing protein and energy intake to assist with malnutrition
- supplementing some vitamins and minerals in the diet to treat deficiencies
- liquid diets or tube feeds may be needed if nutrition needs cannot be met orally or when the bowel is narrowed and intravenous nutrition may be needed to give complete bowel rest when there is severe disease or obstruction
These modifications are most likely to be needed during active stages of the disease.
If you suffer from Crohn's Disease and need help in managing your diet, we can help you. For more information or to book at appointment, phone 9415 4845 or email reception@nnd.com.au
For more information visit the Australian Crohn's and Colitis Association (ACCA) website: www.acca.net.au
Crohn's disease is an inflammation of the full thickness of the bowel wall and may involve any part of the digestive tract, but most commonly affects the ileum (lower part of the small bowel) and the colon (large bowel).
Symptoms include diarrhoea, rectal bleeding, passing mucus. abdominal pain and discomfort, fever, tiredness/fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss. Medication is usually needed to treat Crohn's disease, and in some cases surgery may be necessary.
Diet cannot cure Crohn's disease and there is no evidence that dietary factors are a cause of the disease. Good nutrition, however, can improve bowel function and the ability of the bowel to heal. It can also improve your response to drug therapy and help to reduce the symptoms of the disease.
Most people with Crohn's disease should eat a healthy, balanced and varied diet, which provides the body with sufficient energy, protein and nutrients. Restrictive diets are not necessary or beneficial, and there is no evidence to suggest that dietary factors can cause Crohn's disease. Modifications to the diet may be needed in some circumstances, however, to improve poor nutrition, reduce the symptoms caused by disease or surgery and to avoid complications
Modifications may include:
- reducing fibre intake to control diarrhoea
- increasing protein and energy intake to assist with malnutrition
- supplementing some vitamins and minerals in the diet to treat deficiencies
- liquid diets or tube feeds may be needed if nutrition needs cannot be met orally or when the bowel is narrowed and intravenous nutrition may be needed to give complete bowel rest when there is severe disease or obstruction
These modifications are most likely to be needed during active stages of the disease.
If you suffer from Crohn's Disease and need help in managing your diet, we can help you. For more information or to book at appointment, phone 9415 4845 or email reception@nnd.com.au
For more information visit the Australian Crohn's and Colitis Association (ACCA) website: www.acca.net.au