Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are inflammatory bowel conditions. Although they are considered related diseases, Crohn’s disease is usually located in the lower end of the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine, while ulcerative colitits affects the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum.
Both Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis patients today have drugs that effectively control inflammation, which allows them to avoid an overly restrictive or specific diet.
Crohn’s patients: eating several times a day and in a varied manner
Even so, Crohn’s patients, depending on their severity, should follow a well-designed diet calibrated to their weight and clinical situation. The intestine of a Crohn’s patient is like a large supermarket; if it were to suddenly fill up with customers, the service would be better if they were divided into different sections and chose to pay at different times. In the same way, Crohn’s patients are recommended to eat several times a day and in a very varied way so that they can assimilate all the nutrients progressively.
Ulcerative colitis patients: eating little fiber and a lot of protein
On the other hand, the patient with ulcerative colitis in the active phase should follow a low-fiber diet and eat what provides energy and protein with maximum absorption and minimum residue. These patients should focus on not overworking the colon, which is achieved by reducing the need to go to the bathroom. Good news for ulcerative colitis patients is that, once the active phase or flare-up is over, they can eat anything.
In addition to reducing symptoms, diet can be used to reduce inflammation or to add probiotics, live microorganisms that remain active in the intestine and can contribute to the balance of the intestinal flora and boost the immune system.
Sometimes patients with inflammatory bowel diseases may, as a result, suffer from malnutrition, so nutritional supplements such as vitamin B12, D, calcium if taking corticosteroids and iron are necessary.
In general, the gastroenterologist’s goal is not only to get his patient to recover from a flare-up caused by his disease, but to get him to eat, as much as possible, what he used to eat, maintaining a varied diet with adequate digestion.