Crohn’s disease – 5 foods to avoid

Crohn’s disease – 5 foods to avoid

Crohn’s disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease. It can lead to swelling and inflammation of the tissue in the digestive tract. It also causes symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, exhaustion, and weakness. Although Crohn’s disease commonly affects the small intestine, it can affect different areas of the tract in many individuals. One of the ways to manage this bowel disease is by avoiding certain foods.

Whole grains
If you have conditions such as Crohn’s that can inflame your digestive tract, avoiding foods rich in fiber is best. That is because high levels of fiber can lead to accumulation in the digestive tract and cause diarrhea or even abdominal pain. This irritation of the digestive tract can also cause a flare-up and other symptoms related to Crohn’s disease. Foods that contain whole grains and should be avoided include whole wheat bread, pasta, popcorn, bran, rye and rye products, and even barley.

Beans
Beans are nutritionally dense foods. They have high protein content and contain other essential nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. But, beans also tend to cause gas which can lead to discomfort during a Crohn’s flare-up. Beans are also high in fiber content, which, as we have discussed, can affect the functions of the digestive tract. Individuals with Crohn’s disease can manage their consumption of beans when they are feeling alright and healthy. But, if they are experiencing a flare-up, they should avoid this particular legume.

Certain fruits and vegetables
Much like beans, fruits and vegetables are also rich sources of vitamins, minerals, and more. But, individuals with Crohn’s need to manage their intake of these vital foods. This is because most fruits and vegetables have a lot of insoluble fibers. They can cause stomach pain and even lead to issues with the digestive tract. Note that you do not have to avoid fruits and vegetables completely. Certain fruits and veggies can do more harm than good and are especially troublesome for those with Crohn’s disease. These include apples, cherries, peaches, plums, cauliflowers, and broccoli. Instead, you can opt for foods such as spinach and carrots.

Meat
Meat is a very healthy choice for those with Crohn’s as they are a rich source of protein. But, some meats can also have high-fat content and preservatives. Beef or lamb, sausages, and even dark meat poultry products should be avoided as they can lead to flare-ups and worsen the symptoms of Crohn’s.

Dairy
Another food that should not be included in your meals is dairy and dairy products. This is because individuals who usually suffer from digestive diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome/disease or Crohn’s also tend to have digestive sensitivities such as lactose intolerance. Lactose is a type of sugar that is found in milk and other dairy products. For people who are lactose intolerant, it can lead to the development of gas, diarrhea, and even abdominal pain and discomfort—not forgetting that dairy and dairy products such as butter and cheese can be high in fats which can also lead to flare-ups. This is why avoiding milk, butter, cream, margarine, and full-fat dairy products is best. If you want to include dairy as part of your meals, you can instead opt for low-fat dairy and manage your intake appropriately.

Managing Crohn’s disease
Note that Crohn’s disease does not have a definitive cure and cannot be managed simply by avoiding certain foods. However, some treatments can help manage the symptoms and keep the condition at bay. The goal of treatment with Crohn’s is to reduce the inflammation in the digestive tract, which helps reduce the signs and symptoms of this condition. One common treatment option for Crohn’s is an oral treatment. This includes corticosteroids and oral 5-aminosalicylates. You can also opt for immune system suppressing treatment that prevents the immune system from causing inflammation. Individuals may also be prescribed pain relief and anti-diarrheal treatments to manage the symptoms.

Studies have found that irritable bowel diseases like Crohn’s can increase the risk of certain cancers. Therefore, patients must get regular screenings to diagnose complications early. If someone with Crohn’s disease develops prostate cancer, doctors may recommend treatments like XTANDI to manage the symptoms. Its side effects include headache, dizziness, loss of appetite, and joint pain. The recommended dosing of XTANDI is 160 mg, administered once daily.

Popular Reads

All you need to know about kidney and liver failure

Hepatorenal syndrome is a condition that is identified as a type of kidney failure that occurs in people who have serious damage caused to the liver, commonly due to cirrhosis. When the kidney stops functioning, toxins begin to accumulate in the body which leads to liver failure as well. Therefore, kidney and liver failures are co-dependent in this case. This condition is of two types: 1 and 2. In Type 1 the kidney failure is more rapid, while type 2 patients tend to move gradually toward renal failure and the symptoms are less aggressive. Symptoms The symptoms caused by the hepatorenal syndrome are a cause of medical emergency in most cases. If any of the symptoms associated with the condition occur, the patient must be rushed to a doctor without any delay. The common symptoms associated with the condition include Nausea Increase in body weight Confusion Reduced urination Change in the color of urine, which usually becomes dark-colored Swelling in the abdomen area Jaundice Dementia Vomiting Delirium Causes and risk factors In most cases, the hepatorenal syndrome is a complication associated with liver disease. Almost in all patients, the condition is caused as a result of liver cirrhosis. When a person suffers from cirrhosis of the liver, there are several factors that can cause the hepatorenal syndrome, such as Infections, especially the ones that affect the kidneys Digestive tract disorders such as gastrointestinal bleeding Use of diuretics, the substance used for increased production of urine The primary reason behind the condition is mostly any kind of disease related to the liver.
health

Symptoms, causes, and risk factors of mental health issues

Mental health is a term that is collectively used to understand illnesses that include symptoms that might have an impact on the thinking, mood, and behavior of a person. Mental health problems might make it difficult for people to concentrate on work or maintain a positive work-life balance. There might even be problems pertaining to relationships when a person is dealing with mental health problems. While mental health and stress have a complex but definite relationship, the latter can gravely be worsened by the former. What is the solution? While some people resort to counseling for mental health problems, some might turn to medication. A combination of both can also be a good and effective solution for some. Symptoms of mental health problems The symptoms of mental health illness can vary depending on the individual, the depth of the problem, and how a person is looking to cope with the problem. There can be emotional and behavioral repercussions of mental health illness, and the best way to cure is to identify it early on and support the person suffering from mental health issues as well as possible. Some of the known symptoms of mental health illnesses include: Feeling sad or low Inability to concentrate on the job or even on leisure activities like watching TV or reading the newspaper Extreme feeling of guilt Irrational fears or worries, especially about the future Mood swings Withdrawal from family, friends, and all sorts of social activities Detachment from the real world and a sense of delusion or hallucinations Inability to keep up with daily tasks or powerlessness in handling the stress of simple jobs Difficulty in understanding people and situations Excessive alcohol use Sudden change in eating habits Change in sex drive for the worse Change in temperament and sudden hostile behavior and loss of patience Suicidal thoughts Physical symptoms such as stomach ache, back pain, and headaches Causes of mental health problems Multiple causes can be associated with the occurrence of mental health illnesses.
health