Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
March 23rd, 2020
Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune diseasethat causes chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The exact cause is not known, but contributing factors include family history and the environment. When a person with an inherited risk is exposed to an environmental trigger such as bacteria that can alter the intestinal microflora, diet, and smoking, the immune system is activated leading to an inflammatory response.
Dietary Recommendations
Diet may aggravate Crohn’s disease, but does not cause the disease. Studies suggest that red meat, processed and fatty foods, as well as refined grains may increase intestinal inflammation. Therefore, it is recommended that patients with Crohn’s reduce greasy or fried foods, limit the consumption of milk products, and restrict the intake of certain high-fiber foods such as nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Patients should also eat small frequent meals as opposed to three large meals. There is no evidence that alcohol worsens Crohn’s disease, but there is limited evidence that suggests drinking alcoholic beverages with a higher sugar content may cause pain in Crohn’s patients. No studies have demonstrated that alcohol consumption causes Crohn’s disease.
Keep a Food Diary
Patients with Crohn’s disease should be advised that although diet is not a cause of Crohn’s disease and changes in diet will not cure Crohn’s, paying special attention to one’s diet can help reduce and control IBD symptoms. One of the best ways to understand how diet affects one’s condition is to keep a food diary. Recording foods eaten along with accompanying symptoms can help identify foods that may cause distress. These foods should be eliminated from one’s diet.
Crohn’s Disease Symptoms
The most common symptoms of Crohn’s disease include diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, weight loss, and fever. Some people with Crohn’s also have extraintestinal symptoms, including a skin rash, joint pain, and eye redness. There is no cure for Crohn’s disease, but anti-inflammatory medications can help to keep the disease under control. If medicine does not control symptoms, surgery might be an option to remove the diseased part of the intestine.
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March 23rd, 2020
March 16th, 2016
February 16th, 2016
Patients from throughout Northern California visit San Francisco Gastroenterology to receive the highest level of gastrointestinal services and care. Our modern, friendly practice atmosphere attracts patients from Marin County, Oakland, Berkeley, Palo Alto and the entire SF Bay Area. We are the only private GI practice in San Francisco to offer both male and female doctors, both board certified in in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the digestive tract and liver. Our practice is designed for your comfort and is centrally located in San Francisco. We look forward to caring for you.
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