Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Crohn's Disease

What is crohn's disease?

Crohn’s disease is when the digestive tract is inflamed for a long time. It can affect any part of the digestive tract. It can affect the thickness of the intestines.

Healthy Bowels

Healthy bowels have a normal lining and normal walls.

Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease has cobblestone like lining and thickened walls.

What are possible causes?
  • Autoimmune response
  • Certain medications
  • High fat diet
  • Genetics
  • Smoking
What are some symptoms?
  • Loss of appetite
  • Stomach pain
  • Weight loss
  • Joint pain
  • Cramping
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Fever
What to do?
  • Eat small, more frequent meals every 3-4 hours
  • Drink at least 8 cups of water
  • Limit caffeine and sugary drinks
  • If there are symptoms: choose low fiber foods
  • If there are no symptoms: eat fiber
  • May need a multivitamin supplement
  • Consult a doctor or dietitian before making big changes
  1. Overview of Crohn's Disease. Crohn's and Colitis Foundation. https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/what-is-crohns-disease/overview. Accessed December 4, 2020.
  2. Symptoms & Causes of Crohn’s Disease. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/crohns-disease/symptoms-causes. Published September 2017. Accessed December 9, 2020.
  3. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Nutrition Care Manual. http://www.nutritioncaremanual.org. Accessed December 12, 2020.