Crohn's Disease

​Crohn’s disease is a long-term condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive system.

FOODS TO EAT MORE OF

• Fruits (in small servings): bananas, cantaloupe, honeydew, peaches, watermelon
• Vegetables: Any are good, but try to eat them peeled and cooked (steamed/boiled instead of fried/roasted)
• Diluted vegetable or fruit juices with no added sugar
• Chicken, turkey and fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel & trout)
• White bread, white rice, pasta, crackers
• Oatmeal, Eggs, soy and tofu
• Yogurt (if not dairy sensitive)
• Green tea, turmeric

FOODS TO AVOID OR MINIMIZE

• All sugar (including soft drinks & processed foods with added sugar)
• Alcohol and high-fiber foods
• Red meat & dairy products
• Popcorn, nuts, and whole grains
• Could be related to unrecognized food allergies.  Try an ELIMINATION DIET. (most common allergies among those suffering from Crohn's are cereals, dairy & yeast)
  

ESSENTIAL OILS 

• Basil, peppermint (on spine, massage and/or diffuse)

HERBAL

• ​Echinacea, golden seal, marshmallow root, slippery elm
  

NATURAL

• If you smoke, try to stop

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YOGA / MEDITATION THERAPY

• Yoga & Meditation in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (42 min, GI Research Foundation)
• Super Easy Yoga For Digestion (Crohn's, IBS, Bloating, Constipation, Etc.) - (22 min, HackYourHealth)
• Yoga for Crohn's and IBS (22 min, Thriving With Crohns)
• Meditation for Crohn's Disease and Digestive Problems (6 min, Rick Freeman)

SUPPLEMENTS

• ​EPA & DHA: 2700 mg daily
• Iron supplements could be helpful, but iron status should be tested for by a doctor before taking iron supplements
• Vitamin A: 50,000 IU daily (do not take if pregnant)
• Vitamin B12: 800 mcg daily
• Vitamin D:  Consult a doctor for dosage
• Zinc: 25-50mg daily (w/2-4 mg of copper)Folic Acid: 800 mcg daily

MIND-BODY CONNECTION​​

• Represents how safe you feel in your  life/in your skin.  Requires separating yourself from your family (either a biological family or social family) and developing your own self-esteem/independence.  Identify any limiting or negative thoughts that you've inherited from this "family" and replace them with positive alternatives.  
  

FOOD MEDICINE 
Not all recipes are nutritionally perfect, but the options below are a great way to start incorporating beneficial foods into your diet in delicious ways. Always try to buy organic, and feel free to make substitutions to accommodate gluten-free, vegan, etc diets.

Abbreviation Definitions:
LC = Low Calorie (under 400 for breakfast, 600 for lunch/dinner, and 200 for beverages/sides/snacks)
GF = Gluten Free
KT = Keto / Low Carb
VG = Vegan
VT = Vegetarian

BEVERAGES

Mango Matcha Smoothie (GF VT)

Strawberry Banana Smoothie (GF VT)

Matcha Tea Latte (LC GF VG VT)

Peach-Banana Smoothie (LC GF VT)

MAINS

Adult Ramen (LC GF VG VT)

Breaded Rosemary Chicken/Turkey (LC)

Crispy Potato-Crusted Fish (LC GF)

Japanese Onion Soup (LC GF VG VT)

Oven-Fried Fish (LC KT)

Salmon with Avocado Salsa (LC GF)

Soy Chicken (LC GF KT)

Vegetable Broth (LC GF VG VT)

Baked Salmon with Dill Sauce (LC GF KT)

Chicken Bone Broth (LC GF)

Egg Drop Soup (LC GF VT)

Lemon Chicken (LC GF KT)

Pasta Della California (LC GF VG VT)

Salmon with Red Pepper Sauce (LC GF)

Vegan Bulk Spaghetti Sauce (LC GF VG VT)

Veggie Omelet (LC GF KT VT)

Balsamic Glazed Chicken (LC GF KT)

Chicken Dumpling Soup (LC)

Garlic Soup (LC GF VG VT)

Miso Soup (LC GF VG VT)

Pasta Fagioli (LC VG VT)

Sesame Salmon (LC GF KT)

Vegan Mac & Cheese (LC VG VT)

SIDES

Avocado Cilantro-Lime Rice (LC GF VG VT)

Butternut Squash Risotto (GF VG VT)

Double Mashed Potatoes (LC GF VG VT)

Mashed Sweet Potatoes (LC GF VG VT)

Steamed Edamame (LC GF VG VT)

Best Baked Potatoes (LC GF VG VT)

Cauliflower with Mustard Sauce (LC GF VG VT)

Fried Rice (GF VT)

Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs (LC GF KT VT)

Brown Rice Pilaf with Saffron and Ginger (LC GF VG VT)

Cauliflower with Red Pepper Sauce (LC GF VT)

Irish Potatoes (Colcannon) (LC GF VT)

Rosemary Red Potatoes (LC GF VG VT)