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What NOT to Eat if you have Crohn's disease and Ulcerous colitis
Guidelines for a Healthy Diet with Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis: Foods to Avoid and Why: Identifying Foods to Avoid for Gut Health.
The Foods You Should Say No To If You Have Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis
Life with Crohn's disease or Ulcerative colitis can be a challenge. But knowing what not to eat can make a world of difference. Picture a doughnut, for instance. A doughnut is nothing more than a lump of refined sugar and flour, deep-fried in a dubious pool of oil that's likely seen hotter days. And yet, we wolf them down without a second thought. But here's the rub - if you're battling an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) like Crohn's or Ulcerative colitis, you'd do well to treat that innocent-looking doughnut like a hand grenade.
Now, if your physician, well-intentioned as he may be, tells you your diet has no bearing on your disease, you should seek another professional. For folks with Crohn's or Ulcerative colitis, diet is not just about filling the belly. It's a delicate balancing act of nourishing the body while keeping symptoms at bay. We want to eat food that lowers inflammation. We want to make the right decisions as often as possible and to do that, it's better to have principles. Your body is communicating with you. Listen carefully to what it has to say and take notes.
Avoid These Foods for a Healthier Life with IBD"
So, here's a rundown of some potential enemies you I avoid like the plague.
Sugar: The Bitter Truth
Now, sugar is a sneaky beast. It's virtually omnipresent and insidious, hidden in places you'd least expect. Your taste buds might not register it, but your body is keenly aware of its presence. And before you know it, you're in its grip - yes, sugar IS addictive. Next time you're about to cave into the temptation of a sweet treat, take a pause. Read the ingredients. If sugar is at the top, say NO.
Coffee: A Friend Turned Foe?
And then there's coffee. I know it's hard. Abandoning the morning ritual of sipping a hot, invigorating cup of coffee seems unthinkable. But IF coffee triggers sensitivity for you, it's time to take a break. It's not an easy journey; your productivity may initially take a hit, but it's a necessary sacrifice. Substitute it with sparkling water mixed with a slice of lemon. It's refreshing and does a great job of keeping those hunger pangs in check.
If your stomach isn't bother by coffee, great, continue drinking it.
Dairy: It's You; not Me!
Dairy, I hate to say this, but we need a break. I'm not just talking about lactose here; I mean all dairy products. Yes, it's drastic, but sometimes drastic times require drastic measures. Who knows, maybe we can reconsider some hard cheese down the line. But for now, it's goodbye. And it might help to know that cows are treated horribly in order for us to have a piece of cheese.
The Gluten Battle: No Room for Compromise
Initiate your health journey by eliminating gluten entirely from your diet. A slice of pizza may be a distant dream now, but when everything's been okay for a while, you could consider reintroducing it - carefully. However, do steer clear of gluten-free pizzas as well initially. More often than not, those crusts are a bizarre concoction of ingredients that contribute little to your body's nutrient needs. Just stay away from it for now.
Cooking Oils: Choose Wisely.
The oil you cook with is another vital factor. Strive to use only cold-pressed oils. Among these, avocado oil is your best bet, with its high smoke point of 273 degrees. Olive oil could also be a good contender, but remember; its smoke point is only 178 degrees. So if you're going to use it for frying, keep the heat low.
Sugar Again: The Unseen Adversary
Reducing sugar intake is more complex than it appears. Much of our food, even the savory kind, contains sugar. Your palate might not realize it, but your body does. And addiction can sneak up on you. Candy? It's a no-go. Studies have repeatedly shown its addictive nature, absence of nutrients, and inflammatory properties.
Sweeteners: A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
Recent reports suggest that artificial sweeteners might be wreaking havoc with your gut flora, and remember, gut flora plays a pivotal role in our overall health. More on that in a future post. For now, consider sweeteners as part of the 'avoid' list.
In essence, maintaining the right diet is a crucial part of managing IBD. Learn to listen to your body, keep well-hydrated, and give your stomach the rest it deserves. After all, your health is the best investment you can make!
Be very careful of Fibers.
Introduce fibers slowly into your diet. I have heard so many people eat a healthy salad with beans and feel great. Then they go for the same salad for the next meal because they felt so good from the first one. But then it happens, too many fibers. Ouch. It causes so much pain for people with IBD. Your stomach simply can't handle it. Digesting fibers is difficult for your intestines if they're not used to it.
The best way is to gradually and slowly raise your fiber intake and to drink a lot of water with it.
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