Food Cures

Below is a summary of foods that are beneficial to a variety of diseases found in the book Fight Disease with Your Fork! with a focus on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).




Inflammatory Bowel Disease (i.e. Chrohn's and Colitis) food prescription consists of:

• Small frequent meals rich in calories will be easier to digest in order to maintain weight. Choose whole grains, legumes and nuts during recession.

• Potatoes, white rice, refined pasta and other low-fiber foods are some bland foods that will help with inflamed and sensitive intestines.

• Plantain (green banana) found in south america may have smoothing effect on the lining of the intestine and creates an environment that resist inflammatory bacteria according to a study from England. 

• Olive Oil is rich in flavonoids, an antioxidant which protects that body's cell from everyday wear and tear. Studies have shown olive oil with fish oil have decreased inflammation in rats with IBD.

• Fermented milk products (Yogurt, buttermilk, kefir) may be beneficial in getting rid of the bad bacteria in the gut in check. (Caution: Be careful when trying out new drinks with benefits claiming to probiotic. FUZE has been the instigator of a my digestive problems leading to diarrhea and frequent bowel movements eventually to colitis)

• Omega-3 Fatty acids (Salmon, Mackerels, Walnuts) are shown to decrease the chance of relapse flare ups. Eating 3 fish meals per week is suggested. Walnuts, Flaxseed and flaxseed oil are also rich in Omega 3 but are not as easily absorbed by the body as from fish.

• Water and Fluids are essential to prevent dehydration when fluids leaving the body and not replenished. 

Nutritional Supplements:

One of the main concerns with Colitis is getting the essential nutrients needed when your body is unable to digest and absorb nutrients through food due to inflammation.

• Vitamin B12: It is absorbed in the lower part of the small intestine. (affects people with Chrohn's)
• Vitamin D: Nutrients needed for calcium absorption. Hormone related to immune system.
• Vitamin K: Crucial in bone health and usually found in a multivitamin. 
• Iron: Blood loss can lead to iron deficiency anemia. (My case when I had 2 bags of blood transfusion when hospitalized)
• Omega-3 Fatty acids: (eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) helps relapse rates)
• Probiotics: increasing good bacteria may help IF bad bacteria were to blame for colitis.

Foods to avoid:

High fiber foods (fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, corn, whole grain) can cause cramping in an inflamed intestine. Eating high fiber food during recession can encourage production of butyrate, a fatty acid to control inflammation.

Fatty meats and fried food increase production of hormone like compound called prostaglandins that increases inflammation. Poorly absorbed fat can cause gas and diarrhea.

Many people with IBD are lactose intolerant and should avoid milk and other dairy products.

Alcohol and Caffeine can irritate an inflamed intestine. They act as diuretics and induce diarrhea.