1. By Samantha Jackson, M.S., Lamar University Dietetic Intern
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves chronic inflammation of the digestive
tract. There are two types of IBD: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Both
involve pain, severe diarrhea, and weight loss. Currently, there is no cure for IBD. It
is a lifelong condition characterized by periods of remission and flare-ups.
Crohn’s disease affects
the entire digestive
tract; however, the
inflammation may
occur in patches.
Ulcerative colitis
affects the large
intestine and rectum.
The inflammation is
continuous.
Picture source: http://www.nemechekconsultativemedicine.com/?page_id=1421
In both forms of
IBD, the immune
system mistakes
materials in the
digestive system
(food, bacteria) as
foreign invaders.
In response, the
immune system
attacks the cells
of the intestines,
causing
inflammation.
Tips for Managing IBD:
- Replace fluid and electrolytes lost through diarrhea and vomiting -
- Fish oil may help reduce the severity of inflammatory symptoms -
- Increase antioxidant foods -
- Supplement the diet with a multivitamin/mineral supplement -
- Small, frequent meals may be better tolerated and help increase intake -
- Monitor for gluten or lactose intolerance -
- Limit nuts, seeds, and legumes during flare-ups -
Sources:
CDC. (2014). What is inflammatory bowel disease? Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/ibd/what-is-ibd.htm
Escott-Stump, S. (2015). Inflammatory bowel disease. In Nutrition & Diagnosis-Related Care (8th
ed.). (pp.
447-454). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer
Inflammatory Bowel Disease