I’ve finally had the opportunity to write down the foods and
process that works for me during a Crohn’s flare, as well as how I minimize my
symptoms on a daily basis. Anyone
exposed to the daily struggle with Crohn’s disease symptoms, can appreciate
when any amount of relief can be attained without prescription
medications. I have been working
on a few diet changes to reset my gastrointestinal system to a healed and
stable state. After much
researching along with trial and error.
I have found that a few almost hard to stick with diet changes ABSOLUTELY
make the difference between having a good day and a horrible day. The diet changes allow my
gastrointestinal tract to heal during flares as well as on a daily basis. The first thing I learned was to simplify
my diet, and this was the hardest part to digest mentally. It’s as if mentally I need sugar and
fried foods to enjoy eating...not the case at all...at least not now ;)
Simplifying my diet...
In simplifying my diet I had to...
- reduce my carbohydrate intake,
- make sure that foods I do eat are very rich in nutrients,
- stay away from processed foods,
- try to eat a majority of foods that MY system can easily digest,
- reduce foods that irritate my stomach (via food diary), and
- eat as many naturally anti-inflammatory foods as possible.
I’m sure the list above is very overwhelming, and it may only work for me. However, in my opinion it’s worth sharing with everyone, just in case there’s a possibility that it can improve anyone’s symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel disease. When I started the journey of developing my diet during flares...it was HORRIBLE! It has taken me almost 4 years to understand my body, digestion, and how EVERYTHING we eat is an accumulation that presents itself as our daily health or “feel good” status.
Bone broth...
So, at my very worst...when I’m nauseous, vomiting, can’t keep anything down = FLARE ALERT! I instantly seek refuge in homemade bone broth. Making bone broth consists of
- Simmering water, 2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar, and fresh organic grass fed chicken bones or carcass. I usually run to Whole Foods and purchase about 4 of their organic grass fed bone-in chicken breasts.
- I cut the meat and skin off the bones, and plop the bones and skin in the simmering vinegar water for 6-24 hours.
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| Bone broth |
This broth has been a total Godsend as it is rich in amino acids, gelatin, glucosamine, and chondroitin. These nutrients from the chicken bone helps with
- strengthening the stomach lining (balances stomach acids),
- joint and skin health, and
- teeth and bone health.
Rooibos Tea...
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| The brand of Rooibos tea I use. |
Rooibos tea has a very earthy smell and taste, but its feels so refreshing and soothing to my stomach. In fact, I have a cup or two of Rooibos tea every morning (it has replaced coffee...completely) before eating or drinking anything. It’s hands down the best start to my day! Rooibos tea or sometimes-called Red tea is...
- caffeine free
- has very powerful antioxidants (cancer fighters)
- high in minerals
- magnesium – essential for nervous system
- calcium and manganese – creates strong teeth and bones
- zinc – strengthens metabolisms
- iron – helps blood and muscles distribute oxygen
- prevents the enzyme that triggers cardiovascular disease
- lowers blood pressure and cholesterol
- relieves abdominal cramps, diarrhea, indigestion
- reduces abdominal spasms and inflammation
- supports the body in absorbing iron, and
- prevents lipid peroxidation that can ultimately lead to Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.
Advancing my diet to the next phase...
When my stomach feels stable, I advance my diet by eating...
- organic chicken breasts and/or salmon,
- homemade bone broth (as a seasoning, or alone)
- cold-pressed coconut oil for cooking,
- cooked organic carrots and zucchini (I really call them green squash),
- plenty of water (with lemon or lime added), and
- salt and pepper.
