What it is
The two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which share some characteristics such as diarrhoea, weight loss and poor growth.
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. It is characterised by transmural inflammation — affecting all layers of the bowel wall — and presents with discontinuous lesions (with healthy segments in between affected areas).
Ulcerative colitis is also a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, but it is limited to the large intestine (colon) and the rectum. The inflammation mainly involves the mucosal layer and is continuous, starting from the rectum and extending upwards.
Symptoms
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Weakness
Nutritional management
- Personalised nutrition plan tailored to the phase of the disease
- Adequate intake of protein and vitamins
- Avoiding irritant foods
- Using foods that are well tolerated
- Managing symptoms through suitable foods
When to consult a dietitian-nutritionist
- After a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- When you experience frequent intestinal problems or symptoms of inflammation
- When personalised nutritional support is needed to manage symptoms and prevent malnutrition
- When the diet must be adapted to flares or remission phases of the disease
- When education is needed on choosing foods suited to reducing intestinal inflammation and improving the person’s nutritional status
- When there are co-existing micronutrient deficiencies or other conditions that affect nutrition