Crohn's disease is a disorder of the digestive system. The symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite and weight loss. Crohn's disease can affect people of all ages, including children. Although there is no cure, there are ways to treat and manage the symptoms. A challenge for parents of children diagnosed with Crohn's disease is deciding what foods to feed them.
Instructions
1. Be aware there is not a special diet for children who have Crohn's disease. Doctors and researchers don't believe specific foods cause symptoms in all children with the disease. However, certain foods may worsen symptoms for some children.
2. Write down everything your child eats and what, if any, symptoms he experiences. This will help you to identify what types of foods trigger or worsen symptoms. Keep in mind it may take awhile to determine what foods bother your child.
3. Feed your child a variety of foods that provide the recommended amount of vitamins and minerals he or she needs. Some children with Crohn's disease have a loss of appetite, and that can lead to vitamin deficiencies. If weight loss or fatigue are a problem for your child, ask your doctor about specific diet recommendations.
4. Consider reducing foods high in fat. Depending on what part of the small intestine is involved, your child may have trouble digesting fats. Although doctors feel children should not have a diet without all fat, reducing foods with a very high amount of fat may help. Foods such as fatty red meats, deep-fried vegetables and ice cream may need to be reduced.
5. Limit soda. The carbonation can cause gas and make abdominal pain worse. Soda that contains caffeine may also stimulate the intestines and worsen diarrhea in some children with Crohn's disease.
6. Keep in mind some children may have trouble absorbing all the nutrients they need. Ask your child's doctor if your child needs vitamin supplements. Your doctor will likely take your child's development, weight and growth into consideration when making this decision.
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