Individuals with conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease, need to be cautious about the food they eat in order to avoid unnecessary abdominal pain. Crohn’s, an IBD disease that affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, can cause bleeding, constipation, and abdominal cramps and pain. The CDC reports that IBD is one of the five most common GI diseases in the United States and costs us over $1.7 billion. Another common GI issue is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Almost 20% of adults in the U.S. have some symptoms of this uncomfortable condition. Pain related to IBS is often caused by specific foods, with different kinds triggering pain for each patient.
Reducing abdominal pain
One of the best ways to reduce abdominal pain caused by Crohn’s or IBS is to closely monitor food intake. Certain foods can actually help relieve GI pain while others can make it worse. Make sure to follow these guidelines.
Make sure to get enough fiber
Good sources for the right fiber include whole grains, beans, vegetables, and fruits. However, experts suggest starting slowly and increasing fiber intake over time to avoid shocking the system.
Eat your prunes
While this dried fruit has often been the butt of many dietary jokes–pun intended–it really does have benefits for people dealing with the effects of GI pain. Drink prune juice to stay hydrated and replenish essential nutrients that can help your body avoid constipation.
Find your favorite yogurt
As seen on TV in commercials staring Jamie Lee Curtis, the probiotic properties of yogurt are excellent for anyone dealing with the symptoms of IBS or related conditions. It can help to balance the natural bacteria in your GI tract. For some with abdominal pain, though, dairy can exacerbate your condition. Talk to your doctor about a way to test for this if this is a concern.
Drink herbal teas
Some teas, such as peppermint and chamomile, have a soothing effect on the body and can help relieve pain. Peppermint has been used as a remedy for stomach pains for generations—even before the advancement of modern medical science.
How can foods help you with your IBD related abdominal pain?
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