How to Prevent a Flare Up From Crohn's

Crohn's Disease, an inflammatory bowel disease that causes diarrhea, abdominal cramping, rectal bleeding, and ulcers, can be a frustrating condition to live with. Symptoms can range from negligible to debilitating, and the severity of the disease can range from mild to life-threatening, with possible complications of abscesses, malnutrition, and osteoporosis. Nobody is sure of the cause, but researchers suspect it's connected to abnormal autoimmune response, with genetics and possibly environment playing a part. Since Crohn's is a chronic disease, periods of remission can be followed by a relapse and the return of symptoms. The good news is that there are many things you can do to manage your Crohn's Disease and prevent flare-ups

Things You'll Need

• Journal or notebook
• Ample supply of your current prescription medicines
• Vegetable steamer (optional)
• Relaxation CDs (optional)

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Instructions

• 1

  Begin keeping a journal, recording foods and situations that currently aggravate your Crohn's, and--to the best of your memory--things that triggered flare-ups or symptoms in the past. Also record anything that makes you feel better. Periodically review it to see possible patterns and to identify your "red flags"; the undeniable irritants you must avoid, as well as a list of things that are helpful.

• 2

  Continue to take the medicine prescribed by your physician, even if you feel you've improved. Keep a good supply on hand, and stay on top of refills to avoid missing a dose. Record these medicines and their dosages in your journal as well.

• 3

  Limit your intake of dairy foods and fat. The high lactose content in dairy foods makes them hard to digest; if you do eat dairy products, use a commercial product containing enzymes designed to help with lactose intolerance. Since fatty foods worsen diarrhea, avoid butter, margarine, cream, and fried foods.

• 4

  Steer clear of known intestinal irritants: alcohol, spicy foods, caffeine--whether from sodas, coffee, or chocolate--and "gassy" foods like beans, cauliflower and broccoli. Ask your doctor about alternatives to NSAID pain relievers such as ibuprofen, a notorious irritant. Banish nicotine and cigarette smoke--whether your own or a side stream--from your life. According to doctors at The Mayo Clinic, becoming a nonsmoker is the single most important thing you can do to improve Crohn's Disease (see Reference 1).

• 5

  Peel, then steam, bake, or stew fresh fruits and vegetables to ensure you get enough easily digestible fiber--very important because flare-ups are often preceded by a bout of constipation. ( Bananas, which are already an ideal consistency, need not be cooked.) Bypass citrus fruits--oranges, lemons, grapefruit--in favor of baked apples, peaches or pears.

• 6

  Reduce stress in a healthy way with yoga, biofeedback, meditation, hypnosis, or breathing and relaxation exercises and CDs. Or go for a walk. Mild exercise not only reduces stress but can help prevent osteoporosis, an increased risk for Crohn's patients.

  By reducing stress, making some simple dietary adjustments, and recording your progress, you will be taking important steps to prevent a flare-up.