The Importance of Diet
Since Crohn’s can lead to a reduced appetite, poor absorption of vitamins and minerals, and growth problems in children, maintaining a healthy diet and good nutrition is important to manage the disease. Work with your child’s doctor to customize a diet for your child’s specific nutritional needs.
Eating right
Eating right is especially important for children with Crohn’s, since certain symptoms, such as diarrhea and reduced appetite, can deplete their bodies of essential nutrients. To ensure that your child is getting a sufficient amount of nutrients from his or her diet, make sure it includes a balance of foods from the four food groups.
- Meat (or alternative sources of protein)
- Dairy
- Cereal and grains
- Fruits and vegetables
Keep in mind that every child is different. Some children may require only a small, if any, change in diet. If you and your child’s doctor feel that your child may benefit from a change in diet, the following guidelines may make the transition a little easier:
- Eat three meals in addition to three smaller meals every day.
- Include a source of protein at every meal. This includes meat, chicken, fish, peanut butter, egg, cheese, tofu, and yogurt.
- Include milk products, which are good sources of protein, calories, and minerals. If your child has lactose intolerance, you can buy Lactaid milk or Lactaid drops to add to milk. Yogurt and hard cheeses are lower in lactose than milk and may be better tolerated by your child. Soy products, such as soy milk, soy yogurt, and soy ice cream, are also a good substitute for milk.
- Eat foods with extra fats, as tolerated. Fat sources include nuts, peanut butter, canola oil, butter, and margarine. Fat provides twice the calories per gram than other nutrients, such as carbohydrates or protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Crohn’s affects the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients, causing deficiencies in vitamins B-12 and C, as well as folic acid, iron, calcium, zinc, and magnesium. Such vitamins and minerals are essential to proper growth and nutrition. Your child’s doctor may recommend that your child take vitamins and minerals in supplement form when necessary.
Other tips for healthy eating
It is important that your child gets the most from his or her diet and that any necessary nutrients lost due to Crohn’s symptoms are replaced. The following are some tips to help ensure this:
- Drink liquids at room temperature. Also try to drink liquids between meals rather than during meals.
- Include sources of soluble fiber, such as bananas, rice, applesauce, tapioca, and oatmeal.
- Try to avoid the following:
- Caffeine
- Foods with sorbitol, zylitol, or mannitol
- Sweets such as candy, cakes, and pies
- Foods that cause gas, such as beans, peas, broccoli, onions, cauliflower, and cabbage
While diet and nutrition are key factors in maintaining good health in pediatric Crohn’s patients, early treatment is an important factor in controlling symptoms.
|
