Nutritional Issues And Proper Diet.

Compromised nutrition, even malnutrition, is a constant threat to an individual with Crohn's disease. This is because the disease creates a vicious cycle:

•Fever and diarrhea cause a loss of appetite.

•Fever, by raising the body's metabolic rate, adds to the need for caloric energy.

•Diarrhea can lead to dehydration and temporary lactose intolerance (the inability to digest milk sugars).

•Lactose intolerance causes milk sugars to ferment in the colon, leading to cramps and more diarrhea.

•Lactose intolerance can also indirectly lead to calcium deficiency, which in turn can lead to the loss of bone density called osteoporosis. This side effect can be especially prevalent among those being treated with corticosteroids such as prednisone.


Nutritional treatment for Crohn's disease has two main goals.

•The first is to increase the intake of calories, especially in the form of proteins, along with vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, to prevent nutritional deficiency.

•The second is to create an eating pattern that minimizes stress on the diseased digestive tract. This often means eating smaller, more frequent meals. Many nutrition counselors suggest that people with Crohn's disease consume six half-sized meals each day, spacing them equally and consuming the last at least three hours before bedtime.


Most doctors tell people with Crohn's disease that their diet should be "normal, as tolerated." There is no conclusive evidence that particular foods cause flare-ups. During a flare-up, however, doctors often suggest that individuals reduce their intake of dietary fiber, such as whole grains, raw fruits and vegetables.

Stomach bloating and gas.

When we take food into our bodies everything must be broken down into nutrients and vitamins that can be used by our system. The process of digestion starts in our mouth as we chew and the saliva begins to break down the food. Next, it goes into the stomach where an acid is released that further breaks down the food.

This acid is essential to our digestive process and normally the levels of it are carefully controlled by mechanisms in the stomach and proximal intestine. Sometimes, these mechanisms do not work correctly and excess stomach acid is a result. This condition is known as either acidity or APD. There are many things that can result from excess stomach acid. These include, but are not limited to: Heartburn, acid reflux, dyspepsia (a feeling of indigestion or bloating), non-ulcer dyspepsia, duodenal ulcer, peptic ulcer or a gastric ulcer. Some of these medical conditions are much worse than others but all of them can really be inconvenient. Ulcers can be life threatening if they are let go for a long time.

There are several herbal and homeopathic solutions to excessive stomach acid. It is essential that you try to keep your stomach acid in check because the problem will only become worse with time. Mentha Piperita is part of the mint family and has been used for centuries to help calm peoples stomachs, cure heartburn and put a stop to indigestion. It is a calmative herb that helps the digestive tract muscles relax and it encourages a steady flow of bile and digestive juices.

Nat. Sulph is a homeopathic tissue salt that helps to keep the body fluids regulated. It is really helpful if you are having a problem with a bitter taste in your mouth after eating and putting a stop to nausea.

There are many habits that you can change to assist you in keeping your stomach acid levels in check. Certain foods are known to cause problems with acid production in the stomach including spicy, salty and foods that are high in acid (such as tomatoes). Make sure that you eat regular and healthy meals. Alcohol and cigarettes should be avoided in order to keep the stomach acid levels regulated and the esophagus healthy.

Stress is also a big cause of excess stomach acid. Try to develop coping mechanisms for the daily stress in your life. Relaxation techniques like Yoga or Meditation can be especially helpful. If you are a weight lifter then make sure that you are really careful because too much pressure on the abdominal area can lead to problems. Try to stick with lighter weights and more reps. Don't overdo it!