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Living with Crohn’s disease: 10 Useful tips

Living with Crohn's disease

Crohn’s Disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines. Crohn’s disease is considered to be an autoimmune disease (body’s immune system attacks bodies own cells) that may affect any part of the gastro-intestinal tract from mouth to anus.. It causes wide array of symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea (even bloody if the inflammation is severe), vomiting (can be continuous) or weight loss. Few lifestyle measures can help you to cope with the disease in a better way.

10 important tips to cope with Crohn’s Disease:

1. Reduce your appetite

Since your gastro-intestinal tract is inflamed, it is wise to eat less so that your digestive system doesn’t have to overwork. Small meals will cause lesser inflammation and thus prevent aggravation of the previous condition.

2. Maintain a record of food items

It is advised to record in your diary the type of food that you eat that causes least or no irritation to your digestive tract. At the same time you also need to keep a record of the food that aggravated the inflammatory condition of your intestines. This will help you soothe your intestines with the type of food you eat and help recover the inflammation.

3. Know your drugs

Medications are very important that keep your disease in order and help you survive normally. Talk to your doctor and know the types of medicines that you have to administer daily and the drugs that you must avoid. Aspirin, for example, can worsen your inflammatory condition in Crohn’s disease and there are few antibiotics that help reduce inflammation. Never miss a dose and never stop or start any medication by yourself.

4. Maintain optimum level of body fluids

Crohn’s disease is generally associated with diarrhea and vomiting which deprives the body of fluids. Replenishing the body fluids not only helps your kidneys and heart but also prevents fatigued muscles. Regular intake of fluids in shorter durations is advisable.

5. Alter food habits

More frequent and low quantity food is going to help you a lot. As the digestive system is inflamed it becomes difficult for the body to digest big meals. Low quantity, more frequent meals reduces the load on the intestines and prevents the flare up of inflammation.

6. Quit smoking

Smoking aggravates inflammation of the intestines and can worsen the disease. It is time to quit.

7. Relax your body

Enjoy regular exercise; some sort of meditation will be of great help not only for the body but also mind. Stress is seen to increase the symptoms like diarrhea and cramps, where regular exercise helps to calm your mind and body.

8. Ask for supplements

Due to the nature of the disease the body is unable to absorb entire nutrients from the already less food that you are consuming. Your body can get deprived of calcium, folate and vitamin B12. Ask your doctor for a supplement that can suffice your needs for adequate nutrition.

9. Be prepared while traveling

Always keep an extra pair of underwear when you are away from home since inflamed intestines my cause diarrhea any time and you may need an extra pair of underwear to avoid embarrassment.

10. Have a positive outlook

You are not the only one who is suffering from Crohn’s disease. Sometimes you may feel depressed due to this disease. Talk to someone who understands your condition and share your emotions.

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