Crohn’s and Dietary Fats
Science has proven that fats (and yes even so-called saturated fats as found in unprocessed meats and fish) play an important role in the functioning of the entire body.
Fats, though they have a bad reputation, are an important part of the human diet. They allow our bodies to absorb certain vitamins better and they keep us healthy. Some fats though can irritate your digestive system therefore irritating your Crohn’s symptoms in the process.
So which fats are recommended and which fats should you avoid?
The number one fats to reduce are processed saturated fats.
Processed fats appear to worsen intestinal inflammation in Crohn’s disease. High fat foods are difficult to digest, and stay in the stomach longer.
Stay away from commercially produced fatty meats such as Beef, Pork, Veal, and all products made with these meats, such as Hamburgers, Sausage, Frankfurters, bacon, ham, hotdog’s, Salami, and all other fully processed or even only slightly processed meats.
A study of the diets and lifestyles of 218 patients has revealed a statistical association with eating processed beef or canned meat such as corned beef. The two-year study by researchers at the University of East Anglia, patients were asked only about meat consumption, since it had not been considered a likely source of infection. Results suggested the chances of someone with Crohn’s disease being a meat eater were 40% greater than those of someone without the disease being a meat eater.
As an alternative, eat healthy saturated fats
Saturated fat is an incredibly healthy food, and is needed for a healthy body and mind, and most certainly a healthy intestinal tract.
Science has proven that fats (and yes even so-called saturated fats as found in unprocessed meats and fish) play an important role in the functioning of the entire body.
Fats, though they have a bad reputation, are an important part of the human diet. They allow our bodies to absorb certain vitamins better and they keep us healthy.
What are healthy saturated fats?
Good fats include essential fatty acid rich fish, fish oil , flaxseed oil and coconut oil.
Coconut oil is especially recommended for those with Crohn’s disease. Many people have reported great relief from digestive disorders such as Crohn’s Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome after adding coconut oil into their diet.
Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, can therefore be an extremely beneficial addition to your diet. The anti-inflammatory and healing effects of coconut oil have been shown to play a role in soothing inflammation and healing injury in the digestive tract. Coconut oil also has anti-microbial properties that promote intestinal health by killing troublesome microorganisms that may cause chronic inflammation.
Balance your omega-3/omega-6 fatty acids ratio
Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids play a major role in the prevention of inflammation. If there is an imbalance of these two types of fatty acids then the immune system’s inflammation response may be excessive as in the case of Crohn’s and many other autoimmune-related diseases.
Research shows that chronic inflammation is linked to many modern diseases. From the heart to the bowel, from the brain to the joints, inflammation is the cause. Prevent or treat inflammation and inflammation-related disease will improve or in fact disappear.
Avoid fried foods
It is vital to avoid fried foods such as fried chicken, fried meats, breaded meats, fried fish and poultry, and potato chips
From numerous studies and reports in the media, most of us know that fried foods are generally not healthy. Fried foods are often high in fat, and can contribute to diarrhea. In addition, these types of foods are bad for health in general.
Fried foods are saturated with oil, and the high oil content will cause an immediate negative reaction to anyone with any kind of intestinal problem, especially to someone with Crohn’s disease. In addition, the high temperatures used in the frying process change and damage the molecules of the oil, making them in effect strangers to the body.
Fatty foods such as butter, margarine, gravies, vegetable oil, processed snacks (like cookies and crackers), meats, fast food, some dairy products, and fried or battered food may trigger abdominal symptoms. If you develop gas and diarrhea after you eat fatty or greasy foods, you may be suffering from malabsorption, a condition in which fat is not easily absorbed and passes quickly through the intestine. Avoiding fatty foods and using easily absorbed fat can help.
