Jan 20 2009
Living with Crohn’s disease
Around 500,000 Americans are believed to be suffering from Crohn’s disease. It is an inflammatory condition that affects the digestive tract.
Do you have abdominal cramps a few hours after eating? Do you have frequent diarrhea associated with blood? Are you suffering from decreased appetite or recurrent fever? You may have Crohn’s disease.
People with Crohn’s disease usually lead active and productive lives. They have flare-ups when the symptoms increase followed by periods of remission. The good part is that periods of remission are longer and more frequent than the flare-ups.
Tips:
#1 Increase your intake of calories (especially in the form of proteins).
#2 Take vitamin supplements.
#3 Eating smaller, more frequent meals helps minimize stress on your digestive tract.
#4 Drink a lot of water. It prevents flare-ups as well as dehydration.
#5 During a flare-up, it’s best to avoid intake of dietary fiber such as whole grains, raw fruits and vegetables.
#6 Avoid dairy products, spicy foods as well as fat-rich food items.
#7 Always plan your activities. The flare-ups of Crohn’s disease are unpredictable. But it is important that you participate in the activities that you enjoyed before your diagnosis and maintain your daily life as normally as possible.
#8 Whenever you go outside, always note the location of bathrooms on or before arrival.
#9 Stress causes flare-ups. Prevent it by exercising regularly and yoga.
Important Aspects
#1 Researchers haven’t found a specific gene responsible for Crohn’s disase. The chances of a child having Crohn’s disease if his or her parents do is almost equal to the chances of any other child.
#2 People with Crohn’s disease have a slightly higher incidence of colon cancer than others. Regular screening is important.
Take the Crohn’s Control Quiz now
