Ideal diet for Crohns

[AckMac]

My gastroenterologist tells me that diet doesn't matter when it comes to Crohn's Disease. However, I don't believe this and it is weird to me that a doctor would. I don't know much about diet though. Can anyone tell me what the ideal diet for Crohns is? I'm game to try anything, I'm so sick of being in pain.

 

[Beach]

I know for me diet helped my condition greatly as it made a huge difference in improving my health. It gave some freedom back as I'm able to leave the house with little worry, and now have extra energy to do fun activities.

On this sight, I've often seen mentioned a diet called a Specific Carbohydrate Diet that has been helpful for many. There is a thread below about eating this way.

http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?t=32663

A similar way of eating to SCD is Paleo, and is what I stumbled upon a few years ago. The paleo diet is where grains like wheat, corn, rice are avoided along with dairy products. What I eat is a good amount of meats, vegetables, fruits, and some fats like coconut oil. I also take enough of the supplement vitamin D3, the sunshine vitamin, to reach a testing level between 60 to 70ng/ml. I'm currently taking 5000ius a day.

Dr. Eenfeldt created an umbrella sight, listing some of the better known paleo and low carb writers at:

http://www.dietdoctor.com/new

Good luck! Hope you find a diet that works best for you.

 

[hugh]

diet is the most important thing you can do for yourself.


PALEO,
but if that is to hard giving up SUGAR and GRAIN will probably give you a huge improvement (once you get past the addiction,craving,withdrawal stage

do a search
worth a look too
http://www.archevore.com/get-started/

 

[AckMac]

Both the paleo diet and specific diet look really interesting. Thank you both so much!

 

[kllyeve]

My Gi doesn't beleive diet has any influence on Crohn's but she does beleive diet is a big component of IBS. She is recommending the FODMAP eating plan to her patients and has seen improvements in their symptoms.

 

[Zac with no K]

I know my diet seems to have a lot of play in how I feel with Crohn's..

All my gastrenterologsits have tald me about how diet doesn't effect Crohn's.. I can't stand it.

For the past month(after feeling so sick and having little to no energy) I've controlled my diet on my own and in 1 week I've been feeling better than I have in months. Then every time I eat something I know I probably shouldn't, I'm down for about 3 days

 

[jussip]

My opinion is that all IBD's are result of eating junk(quite opposite what western medicine says). When you give your bowelbacteria wrong food, eventually the result is inflammation.

Some of my list (almost scd/paleo diet)

100% Junk I consider: grains, alcohol, tobacco, sugar and most additives.

Gray area: potatoes, veg oils(no olive oil), rice, red wine, dairy products

Stuff which keep you on track:
Real fish, meat without additives, butter, vegetables, berries, eggs, peanuts

Vitamins you should have:
Fish liver oil, D3 vitamin.


I have heard lot of IBD people in Finland getting remission when they change to scd/paleo. The problem is to maintain the diet when you feel better. SCD/paleo is difficult because you have to cook yourself a lot and same time try not to eat same meals every day.

 

[mel_issa1717]

Diet is the most important thing!!!
To treat it holistically, Avoid Sugars, Gluten, Wheat, Red Meat, and some acidic fruits/veggies. Also avoid caffeine!!!!

Just doing this got me off of all of my medications and feeling fantastic.
I have been instructed by my Gastroenterologist to continue taking pentasa, but I will be seeking another opinion from the Naturopath.

Keep in mind that most of our doctors are only trained to treat the symptoms and not the cause. A lot can be said about allergies and sensitivites to foods. These will always trigger an immune response!

Get an allergy test, and cut things out of your diet that cause a reaction.

Good luck! M

 

[mel_issa1717]

Diet is the most important thing!!!
To treat it holistically, Avoid Sugars, Gluten, Wheat, Red Meat, and some acidic fruits/veggies. Also avoid caffeine!!!!

Just doing this got me off of all of my medications and feeling fantastic.
I have been instructed by my Gastroenterologist to continue taking pentasa, but I will be seeking another opinion from the Naturopath.

Keep in mind that most of our doctors are only trained to treat the symptoms and not the cause. A lot can be said about allergies and sensitivites to foods. These will always trigger an immune response!

Get an allergy test, and cut things out of your diet that cause a reaction.

Good luck! M

Oops... I forgot one of the most important things... AVOID DAIRY... at all costs!