Crohn’s Disease is one of the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – the other is Ulcerative Colitis.
Crohn’s Disease can cause severe pain and discomfort and can have a huge impact on a person’s lifestyle. Here’s what you need to know about identifying and managing this chronic condition.
What is Crohn’s Disease?
Crohn’s Disease is a form of IBD that causes inflammation of the digestive system.
This inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract can result in pain, redness and even swelling, but it is not an infectious condition.
Crohn’s Disease can fluctuate between periods with no symptoms at all (this is known as remission) and relapses when symptoms can flare up again.
What Are the Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease?
The main symptoms of Crohn’s Disease include:
- Diarrhoea
- Gut pain
- Fatigue
- Blood in your stools
- Severe, sudden or unexplained weight loss
Other symptoms can also include:
- Sickness
- A high temperature
- Mouth ulcers
- Joint pain
- Patches of sore, swollen or red skin (often on the legs)
If you’re concerned that you may be experiencing any of these symptoms, speak to your GP immediately.
How to Manage Crohn’s Disease
There is currently no cure for Crohn’s Disease, but it can be managed with medical treatment (which can include surgery) and through dietary management to avoid certain triggers.
Certain foods may trigger inflammation and dysbiosis, such as:
- High-fibre foods that are harder to digest, including fruit and vegetables with a skin or peel
- Foods containing lactose, such as cheese and cream
- High-fat foods, such as fried foods, butter and coconut oil
- Foods high in sugar
- Spicy foods
- Caffeinated drinks
- Alcohol
Instead, you can favour the following foods:
- Vegetables that are fully cooked, deseeded and skinless, such as potato and squash
- Fruits with a lower fibre content, such as banana and melon
- Lean protein
Your GP will be able to advise which foods you should be avoiding and focusing on.
Crohn’s Disease & Modulen IBD
Modulen IBD is a nutritionally complete food for special medical purposes, designed to be used under medical supervision for the dietary management of Crohn’s Disease.
Modulen IBD is a unique, whole-protein powdered formula designed to help with managing active Crohn’s Disease. It is 100% casein-based and is supplemented with lipids and carbohydrates to promote tolerance.
