My nephew was thought to have Crohn's but the doctors are not able to agree on a diagnosis. He has had three surgeries to remove parts of his intestines. This has been helpful to him in managing his illness. He is not vegetarian but the information can easily be adapted to a vegan lifestyle.<br><br><span style="color:#FF0000;">I am not advocating in any way that this will absolutely work for you, only offering some information that has helped my nephew.</span><br><br><br><br><span style="color:#0000FF;">IBD Diet for Crohn's Disease and Colitis<br><br>
Drink lots of fluid (8 - 10 servings daily) to keep body hydrated and prevent constipation<br><br>
Your doctor or your registered dietitian may recommend a daily multivitamin-mineral supplement to replace lost nutrients<br><br>
Eat a high fiber diet when IBD is under control. Click here for a list of high fiber foods. Some patients find cooking and steaming the vegetables more tolerable than eating them raw<br><br>
During a flare up, however, limit high fiber foods and follow a low fiber diet or even a <span style="color:#FF0000;">low residue diet</span> to give the bowel a rest and minimize symptoms. Click here for a list of low fiber foods.<br><br>
Avoid lactose-containing foods such as dairy if you are lactose intolerance. Otherwise, you may use lactase enzymes and lactase pretreated foods. For details, please read Lactose Intolerance Management<br><br>
It is very important to continue nourishing your body even during a flare-up. Try small frequent meals. Eating a high protein diet with lean meats, fish and eggs, may help relieve symptoms of IBD. Your registered dietitian may recommend pre-digested nutritional drinks (elemental diet) to give your bowel a rest and replenish lost nutrients so that your body can repair itself<br><br>
Limit caffeine, alcohol and sorbitol (a type of sweetener) as these may exacerbate IBD symptoms. Click here for a list of food products containing sorbitol<br><br>
Limit gas-producing foods such as cabbage-family vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and brussels sprouts), dried peas and lentils, onions and chives, peppers and carbonated drinks<br><br>
Reduce fat intake if part of the intestines has been surgically removed. High fat foods usually cause diarrhea and gas for this group of patients<br><br>
If the ileum (part of the small intestines) has been resected, a Vitamin B12 injection may be required<br><br>
Some studies found that fish oil and flax seed oil may be helpful in managing IBD. Some also suggested the role of prebiotics such as psyllium in the healing process. Furthermore, probiotics (live culture) may also be helpful in aiding recovery of the intestines.</span> To my knowledge, soy yogurt has live cultures.<br><br><br><br><span style="color:#0000FF;">Low Residue Diet<br><br>
Written by: Gloria Tsang, R.D.<br><br>
last updated: June 2006<br><br>
A low-residue / low fiber diet may be recommended during the flare-up periods of diverticulitis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD - Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis). It may also be recommended as a pre- and post-operation diet to decrease bowel volume. An intake of less than 10 g of fiber per day is generally considered a low residue/low fiber diet.<br><br><br><br>
Many people use the terms "low-residue diet" and "low-fiber diet" interchangeably. Note that they are similar but not exactly the same however. Some low fiber foods, such as dairy and coffee, can actually increase residue or stimulate bowel movement. Some foods that are lower in residue, such as blenderized bran, are indeed high in fiber. In general, a low-residue diet is more restrictive than a low-fiber diet. Therefore, it is important to check with your healthcare providers whether a low-fiber diet is sufficient or perhaps a true low-residue diet is required. If you have been on a low-residue diet for an extended period of time, your doctor may recommend a daily multi-vitamin/mineral supplement.<br><br><br><br><br><br>
Low Residue Diet<br><br>
Grain Products:<br><br><br><br>
enriched refined white bread, buns, bagels, english muffins<br><br>
plain cereals e.g. Cheerios, Cornflakes, Cream of Wheat, Rice Krispies, Special K<br><br>
arrowroot cookies, tea biscuits, soda crackers, plain melba toast<br><br>
white rice, refined pasta and noodles<br><br>
avoid whole grains<br><br>
Fruits:<br><br><br><br>
fruit juices except prune juice<br><br>
applesauce, apricots, banana (1/2), cantaloupe, canned fruit cocktail, grapes, honeydew melon, peaches, watermelon<br><br>
avoid raw and dried fruits, raisins and berries.<br><br>
Vegetables:<br><br><br><br>
vegetable juices<br><br>
potatoes (no skin)<br><br>
alfalfa sprouts, beets, green/yellow beans, carrots, celery, cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, mushrooms, green/red peppers, potatoes (peeled), squash, zucchini<br><br>
avoid vegetables from the cruciferous family such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, Swiss chard etc<br><br>
Meat and Protein Choice:<br><br><br><br>
well-cooked, tender meat, fish and eggs<br><br>
avoid beans and lentils<br><br>
Nuts and Seeds:<br><br><br><br>
Avoid all nuts and seeds, as well as foods that may contain seeds (such as yogurt)<br><br>
Dairy:<br><br><br><br>
as directed by your healthcare providers</span>