Recipes for Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is an inflammation in the lower portion of the small intestines. The symptoms cause a person to have difficulty absorbing nutrients, resulting in a consistently unquenched appetite. While there is not one proven diet for all Crohn's disease patients, there are foods that are best avoided and others that should be included in your diet.

Breakfast

• A diet high in protein and calories is important for Crohn's disease. Many patients are malnourished due to diarrhea or lack of appetite . Keep a food journal to identify what foods cause you pain. Fibrous foods have been noted to hurt those with narrowing small intestines. Raw vegetables and legumes can cause cramping. Start your morning with something stomach-settling like oatmeal. Garnish with brown sugar or fruit. For some protein, make an egg sandwich on an English muffin. It has been found helpful to give the stomach a break from solid food. Protein shakes are a fantastic source of nutrients and calories. If you are lactose-intolerant, replace the milk with soy milk.

Snacks and Lunch

• By eating small snacks twice a day, you ensure that you get enough calories. Find out from your doctor how many you need a day based on your height, weight and gender. Fruit, pudding, applesauce, protein bars and smoothies are filling and easy on the stomach. Lunch is a great time to fill up on energy-providing foods to see you through to the end of the day. Fried foods are discouraged, because they upset the stomach. On the other hand, sushi is delicious and uncomplicated for your stomach to break down. Pair your sushi meal with some warm miso soup. A basic sandwich of turkey, avocado and tomato is filling and doesn't include the problematic roughage of lettuce.

Dinner and Dessert

• After a hectic day, it's nice to relax with comfort food. Meals may include mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, rice and white dinner rolls. Keep the menu and ingredients simple. Proteins consisting of fish, shrimp, pork, turkey or chicken can be prepared in several ways. When you find enough foods that do not upset your stomach, mix up the meal plan by adding spices, herbs and sauces. Relax to a delicious dessert of cookies, cupcakes or pudding. Chocolaty treats may be too rich. Stick with something with cake and icing. The perfect diet for Crohn's disease is individually determined. By cutting out complicated meals and sticking with some basics, you will be on the road to figuring out what is right for you.