Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s and Colitis can greatly affect a person’s quality of life. These chronic conditions cause symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss. While there is no cure for these conditions, proper management of diet and nutrition can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall health.
At Optimum Intake Dietitians, our Accredited Practising Dietitians, offer comprehensive nutritional support to individuals living with Crohn’s and Colitis. As we observe Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Month this May, we want to remind patients and healthcare providers that we are here to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Here are some common symptoms of Crohn’s and Colitis that patients may present with, and how we support with dietary management:
Diarrhea: Diet strategies may help to improve stool consistency and slow gastrointestinal transit time to reduce the frequency of diarrhea.
Abdominal pain and bloating: We can help identify trigger foods that may exacerbate symptoms and develop a plan to limit those foods.
Nutrient deficiencies: Comprehensive assessment of nutrient intake and development of a plan to ensure adequate intake. Common deficiencies in IBD include iron, calcium, vitamin D, B12, folate, magnesium, vitamin B6, and zinc.
Nutrition Therapy: We explore diets designed to treat active disease, such as Exclusive Enteral Nutrition (EEN) or Crohn’s Disease Exclusion Diet (CDED), if appropriate.
Weight loss: We can implement diet strategies that help meet nutritional needs and maintain a healthy weight, which can be challenging, particularly in active disease when energy and protein requirements are increased.
Living with Crohn’s and Colitis can be challenging, and Optimum Intake Dietitians understands this. Our team is here to provide the necessary support, guidance, and care to manage IBD symptoms and optimize nutrition status. Patients can experience improved symptom management, reduced burden of disease, and improved quality of life.
We value a collaborative approach to healthcare and will provide regular communication and patient updates to healthcare providers. Don’t let Crohn’s and Colitis control your life.
Refer yourself or see your GP first for a referral to Optimum Intake Dietitian, for expert support, guidance, and care.
