Living with Crohn's Disease: 10 Helpful Tips
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue and other debilitating symptoms.
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue and other debilitating symptoms.
While there is currently no cure for Crohn's, there are many lifestyle changes and self-care practices you can adopt to help manage your symptoms and live a fuller life.
Here are 10 quick tips to help keep you on track:
Stay hydrated
Dehydration is common with Crohn's flare-ups due to diarrhea and vomiting. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids daily, like water, clear broths and electrolyte-rich sports drinks. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages which can dehydrate you further.
Eat a Crohn's-friendly diet
Some find that limiting dairy, fatty foods, raw produce and high-fiber foods can help ease digestive symptoms. Try sticking to nutrient-rich boiled vegetables, lean proteins, broth-based soups and easily digestible grains.
Manage stress
Stress doesn't cause Crohn's but can make symptoms worse. Make time for relaxing activities like yoga, meditation, massage and deep breathing exercises. Consider therapy if you have anxiety or depression.
Quit smoking
Smoking worsens Crohn's symptoms and may trigger flare-ups. Talk to your healthcare provider about safe and effective smoking cessation plans.
Get regular exercise
Low-impact activities like walking, swimming and cycling can relieve Crohn's symptoms. However, intense exercise can sometimes worsen gut inflammation. Start slow and adjust workouts based on how you feel.
Get enough sleep
Fatigue is common with Crohn's. Aim for 7-9 hours per night with a consistent bedtime routine. Daytime naps may also help restore energy.
Communicate with loved ones
Having Crohn's can feel isolating. Explain your condition so friends and family understand your challenges. Join a local Crohn's support group.
Maintain a food journal
Recording what you eat and drink can identify triggers for flare-ups and symptoms. Review your log with a dietitian to adjust your diet.
See your doctor regularly
Schedule regular check-ups to monitor your Crohn's, address new symptoms early, and discuss lifestyle changes to better manage the disease.
Find healthy ways to cope
Being proactive about self-care, making lifestyle changes, and asking for help when needed can help control Crohn's symptoms and improve quality of life.
Living with Crohn's comes with daily struggles, but you can take back control with the right lifestyle measures and support system. VR pain distraction techniques work well, or maybe try a free mobile game to keep your mind off of your pain and symptoms.
Focus on finding ways to thrive in spite of the challenges Crohn's presents.
