Living with a chronic disease is not easy, and Crohn's can be particularly frustrating. The unexpected flare-ups and the ongoing symptoms can be a constant source of discomfort that has long-term effects on your quality of life. However, there are many treatment options available that can be very effective, and some lifestyle changes that could help keep your symptoms at a minimum. If living with Crohn’s is getting you down, angry, or frustrated, here are some tips that might have a big impact on the way that you live your life.
Expect Flare-Ups
Most people that have Crohn’s know full well the pains and stresses of a sudden flare-up. While you should, of course, be following medical advice and a treatment plan, flare-ups can still happen. Know that this is likely and have your coping strategies in place at all times. Painful symptoms are hard to cope with, so make sure that you’re getting all of the rest that you can. Remember, too, that weight loss is a common side effect of Crohn's, so monitor your weight after any unexpected flare-ups.
Use Your Treatment Plan
One of the reasons why living with Crohn’s is so challenging is that there are no standardized treatment options. Treatments that work on one person with Crohn’s may not be effective on someone else. It’s a good idea to look at the additional treatment options alongside the recommendations of your doctor. Start by booking an appointment with a chiropractor Orlando that provides expert services. These treatments can be very effective at lessening the symptoms of all manner of digestive issues, including Crohn's disease.
Remember: feeling better doesn’t mean that you can start avoiding your treatment plan. If your symptoms are less disruptive, that simply means that your treatment plan is working. Stopping because it’s working means that those symptoms will quickly return.
Nutrition and Diet
A healthy, balanced diet goes a long way toward improving life with Crohn’s disease. During a flare-up, choosing the right foods can be crucial for lessening painful symptoms. Make sure that you eat plenty of:
- Refined grains (white rice, bread, pasta, pancakes)
- Oatmeal
- Fruits (aim for ones that are low in fiber, such as bananas, watermelon, and peaches)
- Cooked vegetables
- Lean meat (avoid fatty meats)
-
Oily fish (salmon, tuna, herring, sardines)
It’s also a good idea to know what food is best to avoid. Do not eat:
- Butter and margarine
- Corn
- Dairy
- Fatty foods
Although it might seem like common sense, you should also avoid drinking alcohol and carbonated drinks. Nicotine, alcohol, and caffeine can all make Crohn’s symptoms significantly worse, so try to eradicate them from your diet as much as possible.
Although the cause of Crohn’s remains unknown, these lifestyle and treatment options have been repeatedly shown to lessen the symptoms and the frequency of flare-ups. Make sure that your doctor has provided you with a realistic treatment plan and that you stick to it as much as possible. Just a few changes could make living with Crohn's easier than you ever imagined.
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