Dietary Consideration of Children With Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is the inflammation of the intestines which could also spread to affect the whole or part of the alimentary canal from mouth to Anus. It can cause bloody diarrhea, vomiting, pain, weight loss, Nausea, Arthritis, skin rash, tiredness and inflammation of the eye. It is also known as granulomatous, Crohn's Colitis, Crohn's enteritis, Crohn's terminal ileitis, crohn's entero-colitis and ileo-colitis. Its various forms depends on the location of maximum effect of the disease in the region of the gastro intestinal tract.

Since the alimentary canal is affected, the dietary consideration of children with crohn's disease is then a very sensitive issue and should in no way be joked with.
• Limit salt intake if your child is taking corticosteroids. Salt increases fluid retention.
• During and after a flare, your child's doctor may recommend a low-fiber diet. Avoid "chunky" high-fiber foods, such as popcorn.
• Some children who are lactose intolerant may have increased diarrhea and abdominal cramps when they consume dairy products. In such cases, limit dairy products or use lactose-free dairy products.
• Children with crohn's disease sometimes develop vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Talk to your child's doctor about whether nutritional supplements are appropriate for your child.
• Proteins are very important for growth. Some experts recommend that children with crohn's disease increase their protein intake by 150% of the recommended dairy allowance for their age.
• A low fat diet is not generally recommended for children with crohn's
• Ensure that every meal have some protein. Or dairy meal (only if your child can tolerate it).
• Keep blood sugar levels in check.
• Consider adding omega-3s. Several studies report that children with crohn's disease are deficient in essential fatty acids like omega-3s, found in Oily fish acids like Omega-3s found in oily fish such as Salmon.

Definitely some medications may be issued by your doctor to control or cure this ailment, nevertheless, your priority should be focused on the food intake of your affected child, as this can cause some more reactions, pain, allergies and metabolic disorders if not properly adhered to.