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Trying to figure out what to eat/not to eat!


Fri, August 16, 2013 1:56 PM

Hello!
I was diagnosed this year with Crohn's and I'm still trying to figure out what to eat and what not to eat. My meds are not working so I'm trying to manage it with other alternatives before I follow up with my doctor next month.
Anyone have any suggestions or helpful advice regarding food/recipes/etc????
Thank you =)

FPO amarie1218
Joined Aug 16, 2013

Sun, December 15, 2013 10:34 AM

 Reply posted for jenh039.

I don't know if a nutritionist is absolutely necessary, our pedi gi has one on staff and we found her to be extremely helpful.  A food journal is a way to keep track of everything you eat / drink.  Any notebook will do, I also noted how some dishes were prepared and were mindful to not add more than one item back into the diet in any two day period; this makes it easier to determine any single culprit.  One thing that has helped is eating smaller more frequent meals.  We also switched from whole grain bread to a good quality white (one w/ no high fructose syrup) and cut out raw veggies/salads and popcorn.  Over time we are able to eat a small salad from time to time and work in some fresh fruit.  It did take some trial and error, but it is amazing how much you can learn if you take your time and listen to your body. 

FPO lizzies mom
Joined Sep 9, 2009

Fri, December 13, 2013 8:57 PM

 Reply posted for lizzies mom.

I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in August, and I feel like I don't know very much about the right things to do. Should I have a nutritionist? My doctor has never discussed diet with me. I am also wondering how food diaries work. When you are in a flare, how do you tell which foods/beverages are causing more trouble?

FPO jenh039
Joined Dec 13, 2013

Sat, November 23, 2013 12:41 PM

 Reply posted for amarie1218.

Figuring out foods was a daunting task, but helped tremendously. We worked with a nutritionist and she suggested creating a food diary.  At first I thought how silly, we don't need that; not long after I realized it was helping.  Start out with basics and write everything down, it definitely makes it easier to pinpoint the culprits!   My daughter's pedi gi put her on a low fiber, low residue diet and after some time we learned my daughter feel better when she consumes smaller / more frequent meals with "safe" snacks in between.  She pretty much grazes throughout the day and feels better doing so.   Everybody is different what works for one may not work for another.   I wish you much success in your voyage, good luck and all the best.

FPO lizzies mom
Joined Sep 9, 2009

Thu, November 21, 2013 10:30 AM

 Reply posted for amarie1218.

Start with the purest spring water you have access to.  If you don't know of any springs around your area, you can always get Summit Spring water (located in Maine, but they ship online).

Then you want to focus on foods that will re-educate the immune system: medicinal mushrooms (reishi, chaga), goji berries, aloe vera, kombucha.  Get as much organic produce and stay away from anything processed..

FPO drewpalermo
Joined Nov 21, 2013

Sun, November 17, 2013 8:49 AM

 Reply posted for amarie1218.

It varies I think.  What works for me may not work for you however I have found the following helpful. 

Ginger Aid Tea ( Better if you make fresh tea to help sooth)
Manuka Honey 1/2 teaspoon daily. 


FPO radiopictures
Joined Nov 17, 2013

Thu, November 14, 2013 12:54 AM

 Reply posted for amarie1218.

Hi! 
Its different for everyone what they can eat and not eat. There doesn't seem to be one exact thing I personally need to stay away from but I have found when my diet consists of less meat I do fair a bit better. I do have strictures and perianal disease so my doctor suggests that I stay away from foods with seeds as they can get caught or cut the area of disease worse and make me bleed more. My doctor says a lot of times it's the healthiest of foods that can make one sicker with Crohn's. I had to laugh a little because you never hear a doc say this but he says anytime I'm having a bad flare to feel free to eat soft reasonably unhealthy foods. I loved mashed potatoes and gravy so he says to eat all I want when I'm really not feeling well and it's actually helped. Hope you find what works for you!

FPO ahutcheson
Joined Nov 13, 2013

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