Crohn's
Disease Research
Diet &
Lifestyle
Live yoghurt
& Crohn's Disease
Researchers at the University
of Lille in France discovered that 'live' yoghurt (ie. containing
probiotic bacteria) is effective in preventing and remedying diarrhoea
induced from antibiotics(1). In fact the bacteria known as lactobacillus
(found in live yoghurt) has even been found to benefit colitis
(inflammation of the colon) sufferers. In one study(2), five patients
suffering from colitis accompanied by diarrhoea were given concentrated
doses of lactobacillus acidophilus every day. After ten days , 4 out of
the 5 had complete relief from their diarrhoea. The remaining patient
continued the course of treatment for a further ten days by which time her
symptoms had also completely gone!
(1) Colombel CD et al 'Yoghurt with
bifidobacterium longum reduces erythromycin-induced gastro-intestinal
effects' The Lancet 4th July 1987, 2 (8549) p43.
(2)Gorbach SL et al Successsful treatment of relapsing clostridium
difficile colitis with lactobacillus GG' The Lancet 26th Dec 1987, 2
(8574) p1519
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High Fibre
& Crohn's Disease
A high fibre diet has been reported to be of definite benefit
to people suffering from Crohn's disease (1) . This is thought to be due to the fact that
the fibre absorbs excess fluid and the low fat diet reduces bile acids manufactured by the
liver which irritate the lining of the intestines.
Many cases of chronic diarrhoea respond well to a gluten
free diet (Foods high in gluten are wheat, barley and rye) (2)
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Digestion
& Crohn's Disease
Ensuring good digestion and assimilation of food is the
paramount consideration in Crohn's disease. Simple steps can be taken to help in addition
to those mentioned above. For instance, chew your food thoroughly, relax when eating, do
not mix high protein foods (eg. meats, poultry, fish, eggs, soya and dairy) with high
carbohydrate foods (eg, bread, potatoes, rice, pasta, wholegrains) are very basic measures
we can all take. Sound dietary advice can be obtained from a qualified naturopath or
nutritionist (see below).
(1) K.Heaton 'Treatment of Crohn's Disease with unrefined carbohydrate, fibre rich diet'
Br Med J 2 (1979):764
(2) Dr John A McDougall 'The McDougall Plan' New Win Publishing Inc P.124
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