Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease is a type of bowel disease that can affect any part of the digestive system from mouth to anus. It most commonly affects the terminal ileum (lower intestine) and first part of the large intestine and causes inflammation and ulceration. Symptoms can include:
- Diarrhoea, possibly with blood in the stool
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
The symptoms can be mild to severe and treatment with diet will depend on the severity of the flare up. Someone in remission for example would be encouraged to eat a healthy balanced diet. Whereas if a person hasn’t eaten well and experienced weight loss; a diet high in calories and protein would be more appropriate.
For those who would like to try and manage their Crohn’s disease without medication a period on a liquid diet (usually 2-3 weeks) followed by the LOFFLEX diet (a low fat, low fibre, modified exclusion diet) may be a suitable alternative. Foods are then reintroduced to determine individual sensitivities. Ali worked very closely with Professor John Hunter (crohns.org.uk), treating suitable patients in this way.
