IBD Diet Treatments

IBD

IBD or inflammatory bowel disease refers to a set of disorders that affect the digestive tract, most commonly in the intestines. The two major IBD diseases are Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Both of these diseases affect the intestines (and in rare cases of Crohn’s disease the gastrointestinal tract starting from the mouth). Intestines become red and inflamed due to an overaggressive immune system attacking the intestinal lining.
For many IBD patients, symptoms will appear and disappear in a frequency of months at a time. Certain foods or stress may be the trigger for ‘flare up’ where symptoms grow progressively worse and remain for a matter of time (usually months, sometimes years). When symptoms are present, IBD is said to be active, when symptoms are minimal or nonexistent, IBD is in remission.

IBD Causes

The cause of IBD is not yet known, however it appears that some individuals may be more susceptible than others. The symptoms of IBD are caused by certain triggers that cause the immune system to attack the intestines. Although the triggers are not clear, many of them are linked to diet (certain foods cause symptoms to trigger).
 
IBD Symptoms

As mentioned, IBD symptoms come and go as the disease is active and then in remission. People who have IBD may experience one or all of these symptoms, and may experience them on different degrees. Here are some common IBD symptoms:

•    cramps and pains in the abdominal area
•    diarrhea, sometimes with traces or large quantities of blood
•    anemia
•    weight loss
•    fever

Weight loss is usually attributed to constant diarrhea, which drains the intestines of nutrients before it can absorb them. Anemia is a result of blood loss in the stool.  Besides the common symptoms, other more serious complications can arise due to IBD. Intestinal damage and blockage are some of the more severe symptoms for some people with IBD. They include:

•    perforation of the bowel
•    toxic megacolon (dilation of the colon resulting in immediate surgery)
•    fistulae (abnormal passage)
•    cancer (the risk of colon cancer is significantly increased for people with IBD
•    eczema
•    arthritis
•    liver disorders

IBD Diet Treatment

The best treatment for IBD is monitoring your diet. When living with IBD, you must come to the realization that you will always have the disease but you can also learn what your triggers are and keep the disease in remission. Everyone has different triggers related to diet, so it’s best to keep a journal.  Try to eat the same general foods for a week at a time. If your symptoms increase, change to a different set of foods. Over time, and by referencing your journal, you should be able to discover certain foods that are definite triggers. By avoiding these foods you can keep your IBD in remission for longer periods.

There is no longer any question that insoluble fibre can trigger the symptoms of IBD. Staying away from insoluble fibre or eating soluble fibre foods before ingesting insoluble fibres can significantly decrease the chances of triggering IBD. Below is a list of insoluble and soluble fibre foods:

Insoluble Fibre

Never eat insoluble fibre foods on an empty stomach, and try to avoid them altogether if possible. If you must eat them, try and eat some soluble fibre first if possible. When possible, it helps to puree, steam or boil insoluble fibre foods to make the fibre easier to digest. Also, peeling and seeding many of the vegetables and fruits listed can make these foods much safer. This is just a very condensed list. Foods with insoluble fibre:

•    whole wheat bread / cereal
•    whole grain breads / cereals
•    granola
•    nuts
•    seeds
•    beans
•    grapes
•    apples
•    oranges
•    peaches, pears, nectarines
•    pineapples
•    celery
•    onions, shallots
•    cauliflower
•    cucumbers
•    tomatoes
•    green beans
•    alfalfa sprouts
•    popcorn
•    blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, cranberries

Foods with soluble fibre include:

•    Rice
•    Barley
•    Rice Cereals
•    Oatmeal
•    Pasta
•    Soy
•    Flour Tortillas
•    Corn meal
•    Potatoes
•    Carrots
•    Yams
•    Sweet Potatoes
•    Squash / Pumpkin
•    Turnips
•    Parsnips
•    Beets
•    Mushrooms
•    Avocados
•    Bananas
•    Mangoes
•    Chestnuts

Stress and IBD

Besides a change in your diet, the only other way to avoid or treat IBD symptoms is to lower your stress. Stress is the trigger for many inflammations, and IBD is just one. Learning to manage your stress and keep yourself calm is the best way to help reduce triggers and the severity of your symptoms. Talk to your family about your IBD - ask them to help by scouting out bathrooms for you public places in case you immediately have to go.  Let them help with your journal and give you ideas for grocery shopping. By tackling IBD symptoms with a family member or friend you can significantly reduce stress and your symptoms.