Nutrition For Children With Crohn’s Disease – Being Parents

A person with Crohn’s disease should follow a specific diet to relieve associated symptoms and prevent flare-ups (or fits). So, if your child has Crohn’s disease, here’s what to eat.

What should children with Crohn’s disease eat?

What is Crohn’s disease?

Crohn’s disease is a type of chronic inflammatory disease of the large intestine. Although it is attributed to various factors, its origin remains unknown. It is more common in young adults. However, it can also affect children.

What are the symptoms ?

It is characterized by inflammation of the lining of a delimited area of ​​the intestine. It can cause lesions in this area. Inflammations are unpredictable. It occurs with an alternation of more or less prolonged outbreaks followed by periods during which the disease is stabilized.

Crohn’s disease can present with symptoms and complications that affect a patient’s quality of life. And this particularly during the phases of relapses. Crohn’s disease in children is mainly characterized by the following intestinal symptoms:

• of abdominal pain
• fatigue
• frequent bowel movements, chronic diarrhea
• lesions around the anal area (cracks, fistulas, abscesses)
• a lack of appetite, weight loss which often occurs at the same time as the flare-ups

Recommended diet for Crohn’s disease

Epidemiological studies have shown that certain foods have protective properties in the case of this disease. On the other hand, the consumption of other foods increases the occurrences of the disease.

For example, breastfeeding has been shown to be a protective factor in the onset of the disease. This was demonstrated in an article published in Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics. This is probably due to immunoglobulins and antibodies produced by the mother and contained in breast milk. In addition, milk also contains oligosaccharides which promote the growth of bacteria that are beneficial to the intestine.

The diet of children with Crohn’s disease is not the same if the child has no symptoms or is in a period of flare-up.

Diet in remission phase

Foods to avoid

• First of all, flatulent foods like cabbage, cauliflower, whole grains, soft drinks, vegetables with skin.

• The cold cuts.
• Butter, milk and cheese.
• The sorbitol-containing foods. For example, candy, chewing gum, diet drinks.

Foods to promote

• Blue fish. They are rich in omega-3s. Indeed, omega-3 exert a protective role in the case of this disease because they are anti-inflammatory.
• White fish, white meats and lean pork.
• Avocado and olive oil because they are rich in vitamin E. They help maintain hydration of the internal mucous membranes of the digestive system.
• Papaya, mango, carrot, squash for their beta-carotene contribution.
• Probiotic foods, such as yogurt or kephir, if tolerated.

Diet during a Crohn’s disease flare

In the event of an outbreak in the child, it is necessary to modify the diet according to the gene he feels. Normally, at this point, the diet should be high in calories. Low in fat and high in protein. But also low in fiber, anti-inflammatory, hydrating and easy to digest. The recommendations are as follows:

• First of all, avoid consuming insoluble fiber. For example, whole grains, the skin of fruits and vegetables.
• Then, do not eat foods high in animal fat and saturated. For example butter, margarine, cream, red meat, sausages, cold cuts, pastries, cheese.
• Eat gluten-free and lactose-free. Especially in case of diarrhea.
• Consume foods that provide soluble fiber in small amounts. Including quince paste, boiled or grilled apples or pears, boiled carrots.
• Hydrate with water, vegetable broth, or oral rehydration solutions.

The diet of children with Crohn’s disease. Nutritional complications

A child with Crohn’s disease may be underweight and stunted. Deficiencies in specific nutrients are also common. This can lead to problems such as anemia or low bone mineral density. So, if your child is underweight, consider these recommendations:

• Instead of drinking milk on its own, it is better for your child to drink a milkshake of milk, fruits and grains.
• The fruit can be served with yogurt, if tolerated, and grated nuts.
• Be generous with oil in your dishes.
• Include foods with a pasty texture that are sometimes better tolerated.
• Finally, prefer homemade sauces for meat and fish. Avoid using milk or cream.

It is not an easy disease because it varies depending on each child and the stage of the disease. Finally, we obviously advise you to consult a professional.