Living With Crohn's

Crohn's Disease, while serious, is rarely fatal. However, it is a chronic illness with many side effects and complications. There can be long periods of remission if the illness is managed correctly. Some doctors feel that the disease can be cured with the right diet and lifestyle changes. There are practical techniques to manage and control symptoms to drastically improve quality of life.

Once you've been told by a doctor that you do in fact have Crohn's Disease, then begin learning all you can about the disease. Ask your doctor for specific support resources, and information on all aspects of the illness. Look to the internet to find support groups and the names of books on Crohn's and its management and control. Find a website where you can go for the latest information on the newest and most up to date research on Crohn's.

Some researchers stress that diet and lifestyle changes go a long way in controlling the illness. Choosing your diet carefully will go a long way in improving quality of life. Most experts recommend ridding your diet of trigger foods, those foods that bring on attacks, like dairy products, spicy foods, foods high in fat and even some high in fiber. Usually you will find out about these triggers after you eat them. If you are pained, take them out of your diet and reintroduce them later in smaller quantities. Some sufferers of Crohn's move to a raw food diet of organic produce. Juicing their fruits and vegetables to ease digestion. Other concerns include malnutrition because with this type illness, the body becomes bad at absorbing the right amount of nutrients. Couple this with loss of appetite and there is potential for a real problem. Consult your doctor and have him or her refer you to a dietitian who can create a diet that will sustain you complete with foods, supplements and and vitamins.

Planning activities ahead will circumvent those unpredictable symptoms that make most people want to stay home. Symptoms such as diarrhea, gas and stomach pain tend to discourage social activities, mainly out of fear of embarrassment. But it is critical to make an effort to take part in activities that you enjoy in order to maintain a normal life. One way to do this is to choose destinations close to home and where you feel comfortably in control. Upon arrival make note of the all restroom locations as a way to relieve anxiety or stress should an outbreak occur. To alleviate worry, travel with extra toilet tissue and or undergarments.

Stress plays an important part in the onset of symptoms associated with Crohn's Disease. Controlling stress and anxiety will go a long way in navigating flare-ups and symptoms. Some of the more popular ways to alleviate stress is to take a yoga course and learn to meditate along with deep breathing techniques. A regular exercise program will also aid normal bowel function. It is wise to consult your doctor before beginning an exercise program of any kind.

Finally, create a support system of friends, family, professional and medical help. Honest and open relationships with these people or groups will enable you to function more normally and to ensure you are receiving the best possible care.