How your Diet can help Alleviate Crohn’s Symptoms

Crohn’s Disease is a serious, and often misdiagnosed, chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. It can sometimes be confused with irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis. Most medical practitioners believe that it is caused by a combination of genetic, psychological, and bacterial factors, with the likelihood of developing the disease dramatically increasing when a family member also suffers from it. Stress is also a known indicator.

The symptoms of Crohn’s are often severe and can present as;

 abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas and bloating, fissures, fever, weight loss, fatigue, and malnutrition.

The progression of this auto-immune disease looks something like this:

1. Inflammation in the wall of the intestine that spreads, causing fibrosis.
2. The wall of the intestine becomes thick and hard, with a cobblestone-like appearance.
3. The inflammation narrows the intestines, stricture.
4. Fistula, lesions, and adhesions may develop.

According to the principles of Ayurveda, Crohn’s is a Vatta pushing Pitta disorder that results in poor digestion, inflammation, fermentation, and stagnation of food in the intestine (cecum). And, while most Ayurvedic practitioners recommend seeking medical advice from a doctor, there are some well-known treatments that can reduce the symptoms and suffering associated with this condition.

Suggested Ayurvedic course of treatment for Crohn’s:

1. Increase intake of soluble fiber.
2. Massage of the cecum.
3. Herbs to detoxify the liver and to soothe inflammation.
4. Avoidance of hot, sharp foods that irritate the digestive tract.
5. Gentle enemas.
6. Kitchari cleanse (see below).

As we have discussed before, “GUNAS” are properties (like hot and cold) that describe the effects that certain foods have on your body. The Gunas that are recommended to help treat Crohn’s disease are: liquid, easy, cold, bitter, and astringent.

We will discuss these in more detail the Gunas…

The liquid guna causes increased secretions in the tissues. These are typically salty, sweet, and sour foods like limes, yogurt, and ghee mixed with sugar.

The easy guna means foods that are easy to digest like rice, bananas, and carrots.

The cold guna refers to foods that slow blood flow and metabolism, and that lower body temperature. Examples of cold guna foods are cucumber, coconut, oats, and pears.

The bitter guna foods help to lower fever and to heal wounds and muscle. Bitter foods are coffee, salad greens, chocolate, and citrus.

The astringent guna foods are used to treat diarrhea and bleeding and consist of cranberries, bananas, leafy greens, and legumes.

As with all Ayurvedic practice, the key to treating inflammatory disease is BALANCE. It is important to strike a balance of the recommended gunas (i.e. eat a variety of foods from all five categories listed above).

Here is a list of specifically recommended foods that can help:

1. Aloe Vera Gel – soothes inflammation of the G.I. Tract
2. Barley – soothes inflamed bowels
3. Sweet Potato – aids in digestion and proper elimination
4. Coconut Oil – anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial
5. Pomegranate – helps reduce gas and bloating

Finally, a little more on the Kitchari cleanse for Crohn’s Disease

A Kitchari cleanse is much like other cleanses – its purpose is to detoxify part of the body. This particular cleanse is meant to clear toxins, mucus, and bad bacteria out of the colon. It consists of rice, a legume (mung bean is recommended), ghee, salt, and spices. Greens such as kale and starches such as potatoes can be added, along with ginger, cumin, cayenne, and fennel.

At Ki’s Kitchen, we specialize in creating flavourful, healing, and anti-inflammatory meals for you and your family. And, unlike many other home kitchens, we are able to work with your individual needs and requirements to ensure you are getting the right ingredients for all of your dietary concerns. If you are suffering with an inflammatory bowel condition, please consult with your physician first, and then give us a call. We would love to help and we look forward to speaking with you.

Lastly, thank you so much for visiting! I hope you have found some valuable information, if so, I’d love to hear about it!

Please feel free to share this post with anyone who might benefit, and comments are always welcome!

I look forward to connecting with you next time!

And be sure to check out why you should order your family’s next meal courtesy of Ki’s Kitchen  

From our kitchen to yours,

Love + Peace

Kiran