Dietary Factors

The role of diet and nutrition is very important in Crohn's disease and should be considered for four separate situations:

As important add-on treatment to medical therapies for maintaining nutrition and correcting any nutritional deficiencies.
As primary treatment for reducing disease activity.
As maintenance therapy on a long-term basis in the case of severe intestinal failure or short-bowel syndrome.
For reversing growth-failure in children.

Maintaining or Achieving Normal Weight

Malnutrition is very common in Crohn's disease. In fact, patients with Crohn's appear to burn fat calories at a higher rate than the general population and most patients are underweight. Some experts recommend that children with IBD increase their calorie and protein intake by 150% of the daily recommended allowance for their specific ages and heights. Studies indicate that nutritional support in children is as important as medications for achieving remission. People whose weights are normal or no less than 90% of normal do not need to add extra calories.

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Foods Important for Protection

Fluids (non-caffeinated). Drinking plenty of water is extremely important. Vegetable juice and sports drinks may be helpful for restoring important minerals. Caffeinated beverages should be avoided in general, although green tea may have some benefits for Crohn's disease.

Protein. Proteins are very important for growth in children and for repair of cells. Diarrhea can cause protein deficiency and patients with IBD may need more protein than the general population. Patients should choose fish and soy as primary protein sources. One study reported that a soy protein diet was particularly useful for patients who were intolerant to milk products. Oily fish, such as salmon and tuna, may be particularly beneficial in Crohn's disease. Other options are poultry and lean meats. Dried beans and legumes also provide protein.

Complex Carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates found in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables should make up half of a patient's calories. Fresh fruit (such as apples, grapefruit, oranges, plums, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries) may actually be specifically protective for IBD and may possibly reduce the risk for colon cancer. (Simple sugars can increase inflammation, however, so patients should avoid dried fruits and high-sugar fruits, such as grapes, pineapple, and watermelon.)