7. Dietary Habits: Fueling the Fire Within
What we consume can significantly influence our gut health, and with Crohn’s, the dietary connection becomes increasingly clear.
The rise in processed and fast foods, high in unhealthy fats and sugars and low in fiber, has been closely linked with the increasing prevalence of Crohn’s in recent decades. Such foods can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome and inflame the intestines.
While not everyone with Crohn’s has a gluten sensitivity, a subset does. Other potential allergens include dairy and certain artificial additives, which might exacerbate symptoms in some people.
Diets low in fiber might be a risk factor. Fiber nourishes beneficial gut bacteria, and its scarcity can lead to a gut environment conducive to Crohn’s.
While pinpointing exact dietary culprits is challenging due to individual variations, a balanced diet rich in whole foods and low in processed items can be a preventive and therapeutic strategy for many. (7)
