IRRITABLE BOWEL DISEASE NUTRITION– CROHN’S DISEASE & ULCERATIVE COLITIS
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IRRITABLE BOWEL DISEASE NUTRITION– CROHN’S DISEASE & ULCERATIVE COLITIS


IBD nutrition – Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a pretty crappy thing to have (pun intended). In America, approximately 1.3-1.4 million are living with IBD, specifically Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis. These diseases are also called malabsorption syndromes, due to the fact that most of our nutrition is absorbed through the intestines and the inflammatory nature of these diseases makes it more difficult to absorb what you eat.

Today, we are talking about ways people with these problems can helps themselves nutritionally. Hopefully it can give you or someone you know some relief:

  • Increase B6 & B12 vitamins. If the person is feeling fatigued and/or has memory issues, this may help.

  • Increase Vitamin D3 – In the US, it is common for people to be deficient in Vitamin D. Combine that with the fact that many people with IBD may be on corticosteroids, the person has to be wary of bone diseases, such as osteoporosis.

  • Omega 3’s – Due to their anti-inflammatory nature, they have been shown to reduce symptoms and prevent recurrence of ulcerative colitis patients.

  • Protein increase – Protein helps maintain and repair healthy tissue. These diseases are chronically unhealthy and need repair as much as possible.

  • Potassium – When diarrhea occurs, one loses not just water, but potassium as well. This can help with any cramping associated with the diseases.

  • Fiber decease – Dietary fiber causes irritation to the bowel and may cause discomfort to people with IBD.

  • Caffeine decrease – Caffeine is a diuretic. People with IBD generally have problems absorbing enough water in their diet, so taking a diuretic isn’t helpful.

  • Digestive enzymes – As a whole there is a lack of studies done on these, but they help to break down food more to make it easier on your gut by the time it hits the bowels.

If you think you are deficient in anything, get blood labs done to determine if there are any deficiencies. This way, you don’t supplement too much of something and potentially do something dangerous to your body.

-Dr. Chris Knapp

Sports Chiropractic and Natural Health Solutions


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