There are situations when providers recommend patients adjust their diet to avoid complications. Dr. Abdo M. Saad, Gastroenterology, explains the foods to avoid and why.
Watch the video: Q&A with a gastroenterologist: Diet and Inflammatory Bowel Disease
If an individual has Crohn's disease, where there is narrowing in the small bowel, we ask the patient to avoid consuming high-fiber foods, as well as nuts and corn, which can form a clump and cause a blockage. This diet is critical, as a block could lead to hospitalization.
Instead of eating fibers, these individuals can adopt several strategies. For instance, when eating fruits and vegetables, where the skin often contains the most fiber, you can convert the items to juices or smoothies.
Another example would be peanuts, which we don’t always chew well. If someone has a narrowing of the bowel, it would be best to consume this ingredient as a nut butter. It could be spread on toast for a snack or meal.
The role of diet in managing inflammatory bowel disease is critical, but also easily modifiable. We want patients to have a normal lifestyle, including the foods they love. With some simple adjustments, these individuals can’t continue to enjoy the meals they want.
Find care
All these differences have major implications on the complications the patient can have, and the medications that we choose for their treatment. To learn more about treatment options for inflammatory bowel conditions, visit our website here. If you need help scheduling an appointment or establishing care with a gastroenterologist, our Access Center can assist you. Call us anytime at 877-PPG-TODAY (877-774-8632) for assistance.
