Reduce Inflammation With A Crohn's Disease Diet

A Crohn’s disease diet usually comprises more of anti-inflammatory foods to help reduce symptoms. Such a diet is healthy and inadvertently provides you with loads of energy. Most people think of such foods as bland and boring. On the contrary, good food selection can help you add more color and texture to your meals. Consider adding more of these anti-inflammatory foods into your Crohn’s disease diet:

1. Omega-3 fatty acids. Not all fats are created equal; only the right types can lower inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids are powerful anti-inflammatory agents that have far reaching health benefits. Consider increasing your intake of fish, walnuts, various seeds (such as flax and pumpkin), canola oil, and olive oil. If you do not get sufficient Omega-3 fatty acids from natural food sources, you can consider adding supplements such as flax oil or fish oil to your Crohn’s disease diet.

2. Whole grains. Instead of getting your carbohydrate requirements from processed foods with refined flours and sugars, choose whole grains, vegetables, and fruits instead. A proper Crohn’s disease diet has plenty of fiber. It is key to healthy bowel function and for the reduction of inflammation.

3. Berries. Berries are juicy and well loved by many for either fresh consumption or used to bake in deserts. These treats are full of anti-inflammatory phytochemicals and anti-oxidants. Strawberries and blueberries are especially good choices for inclusion in a Crohn’s disease diet.

4. Brightly colored fruits and vegetables. Studies show that the color pigments of fruits often contain anti-inflammatory characteristics. The skins of apples and red onions have a component known for its healing effects. Make your boring iceberg salad more interesting. Dress it up with some fresh greens, slices of bright red pepper, crunchy cucumber, and juicy grape tomatoes. Consider sprinkling your favorite seeds and fresh herbs on the top. Add a dash of healthy dressing made with olive oil to make your taste buds sing.

5. Lots of liquids – healthy beverages only. Liquids help to flush your system and lower the acidity of your body. However, you would need to avoid sugary, processed drinks. Switch to water, herbal tea, green tea, fruit juice in moderation, and soy milk for your Crohn’s disease diet. Staying properly hydrated is helpful in maintaining digestive health.

Some inflammatory triggers can be harder to determine as food allergies vary from person to person. You should try going on an elimination diet to test out your allergic responses. Common allergic foods include milk, eggs, wheat and processed foods.

Getting relief is possible when you reduce inflammation by eating specified foods in a carefully planned Crohn’s disease diet. You also get to benefit from improved overall health as such foods are usually natural, contain lots of fiber and are nutrient rich. Fortunately, they can also be tasteful and colorful. You can still enjoy delicious meals!