ISO: Advice on cooking for a friend with Crohn's disease

[KValley]

I am just getting to know a new friend, who suffers from Crohn's disease. Crohn's is a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines. Because her digestive system is so fragile, her diet is very limited. She can handle very little fiber, including whole grains and vegetables, because those are so harsh on her system. SHe also grazes throughout the day, rather than eating 3 squares, because the smaller, more frequent meals are much easier to digest.

I have been doing some research on the web, but there doesn't seem to be much consensus of what a healthy diet for someone with Crohn's should be. Only spicy foods are on everyone's list of what to avoid.

I would like to have her over for dinner and will of course ask her directly her preferences/requirements, but I'd like any advice you all might have if you or anyone you know has Crohn's and how you handle meals. Please send me a PM if you prefer.

Thanks in advance,

Julie

[Kelli Kerrigan]

Dr. Weil lists for inflammatory bowel disease such as Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's....
eliminate milk and milk products
eliminate all caffeine sources
Avoid products sweetened with sorbitol or xylitol
during active flare-up to avoid raw fruits and vegi's, seeds, and nuts
rice gruel may be soothing during active flare-ups.

After reading this, I certainly feel for people with this disease!
Maybe a nice pasta dish (avoiding cheese) or some chicken or fish might work.
I know you'll figure out a real nice menu for your friend!

[KValley]

Kelli-

I'm reading Dr. Weil's book right now- I hadn't gotten to this! Thank you so much for the head's up- I hadn't even thought to look there. I am definitely thinking fish- broiled halibut, maybe soft-cooked red lentils, steamed veggies (she eats a vegetable serving once a day) Sorbet for dessert....

[beacooker]

My SIL has Crohn's, so I'm fairly familiar with what she can/can't eat, but every dr may say different things. Also, sometimes I think she uses it as a convenient way to refuse food she doesn't like! ;)

Anyway, anything with seeds or nuts in it is bad. Veggies aren't too good either, but if you are serving them separately on the side, your friend will be able to decide whether or not they are ok to eat. If you serve any kind of dish with tomatoes, peel them first. The lentils are probably not too good an idea, all that fiber! The fish and sorbet should be fine.

Good luck!

[Gail]

My mom's had Crohn's for many years and was told no veggies and eat plenty of pastas. Occasionally, she'll have a bit of veggie, claiming it doesn't seem to trouble her too much if it's very well cooked. And other than watching the veggies, she seems to eat pretty much the same as everyone else. And she still has her Mexican food, I might add...

[Mandy]

I could talk forever about this. I have Crohn's, and have had it since I was about 13. It's no fun, lemme tell ya.

I have found that diet information is limited because it's a very personal matter. Everyone seems to handle certain foods differently at different times. The disease tends to have a patteren of flare up and remission. While I'm in remission there is very little that I can't have. But during a flare up there is very little that I can have. I just recently experimented with a bland food diet (actually it was just 2 weeks ago). I was at the start of a flare up and did not want to start on the typical treatment, steriods! So I went on a diet called BRAT, and combined that with more mild drug treatments. And I seem to be pulling out of the flare up. :) The diet is limited to the following foods: Banana, Rice, Applesauce, and Tea. Those are the easiest foods for the body to digest. It was what the dietican recommended for me last time I was in the hospital. Please tell your friend about this diet, I don't recommend it for long periods of time, but I do believe it's a great way to "head-off" a flare up (in combonation with drugs).

Now while in remission, I would just say talk to your friend and see how she is feeling. Even though she's in remission, doesn't mean that she always feels good. There are up and down days all the time. I try to avoid raw fruits and veggies on bad days. OH, and fried food is huge for me. It makes me very sick. Along with high fat foods. Stick to olive oil for cooking. I'm happy to hear that she eats in small meals. I think that is very smart. Large meals are so hard for me too.

I think it's wonderful that you are taking such a personal interest in your new friend. That is so wonderful. I think if you just try to be understanding, and supportive your friend will be so greatful. It's not an easy disease to talk about, because the symptoms can be embarrassing to talk about with certain people. But if your friend has had the disease for any length of time, I'm sure she's gotten over the embarrassment. I sure have. When all your doctor appointments revolve around the shape, size, consistency, and color of your stool you get over that pretty quick.:rolleyes:

Anyway, if there are any other questions please let me know. You can PM me or post here. I'm happy to help.

Mandy

[KValley]

Thanks, everyone, for the suggestions and guidance.

Mandy, we went hiking together Saturday morning, after she'd had a really bad episode the night before. We just took it slow, and she really opened up about how the disease has affected her life. I'd never even heard of it before we met- in reading more, I am amazed at how strong, healthy and determined she is, despite the constant ups and downs.

Thank you for sharing your own experiences- I wish you lots of peace and strength.

Warmly,

Julie

[browneye]

Hey, Julie, these are all really good ideas.
When I cared for patients in the GI department at a major university, I had an opportunity to talk to many Crohn's sufferers. I found they all had very different and unique reactions to foods....
One thing, I found that they had in common was they are an unfortunate group in that they usually don't tolerate whole grains and highly fiberous or gas-producing vegetables such as cabbage family, onions, garlics and broccoli.... well.
So, sticking with a broiled fish with jasmine or basmati rice , for instance, might be better than a brown rice or lentil preparation. Chicken might also work. Some fruits are very troublesome to Crohn's sufferers, while others tolerate them.
You are wise to discuss the menu with your friend.
And a nice friend to be so considerate!

[AD]

I know what it's like to have colon problems. I suffer a condition called IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). People don't talk about it much since it is not life threatening and not physically disabling to a large extent. It was once called "spastic colon."

Anyway, diet depends on the individual. Different people are sensitive to different foods. Many of us have to give up favorite foods or plan around a very limited or unusual diet. It can still disrupt a person's daily life with discomfort, bloating, pain or the need to be near a clean restroom.

[ChristineB]

Like Mandy- I am all to familiar with Crohns disease as I was also diagnossed at the age of 13. It is so wonderful that you are such a caring friend and you are so thoughtful in pre-planning foods that she can have. I have developed over time an understanding of which foods give me more difficulty-- so as you said asking your friend what her diet is like---is a great place to start.

The broiled halibut sounds great. Here are some suggestions for side dishes: Maybe Vidalia Onion Risotto or Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges or Roasted Potatoes with Garlic and Rosemary or Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes If you served mixed steamed veggies she could be selective about which veggies she can tolerate. It would be nice to add a fresh loaf of bread also. Add your Sorbet for dessert and you are all set.

I am sorry that your friend is having such a hard time, we have all been there. One piece of advice-- finding a doctor that specializes in Crohns disease--that is up on all the latest treatments is SO important. If she is not getting relief she needs to keep talking/nagging her doctor until he is able to find a medication that gives her relief and her life back. Researchers have made such incredible progress in the past few years and my doctor really believes that there will be a cure to Crohns disease in my lifetime (I am 30). So tell your friend to keep her head up and be sure to tell her what your were saying about how much you admire her strength and discipline.

Be sure to tell us how your dinner goes--- I wish I could attend:D
Christine

[Hoosier65]

I can relate with those of you who suffer. I too deal with IBS.
AD, I would be interested in hearing how you deal with it.