7 REASONS TO FOCUS ON NUTRITION IN IBD

Some of the reasons are obvious to Crohnies (a simpler way to say: those who have Crohn's disease) and UCees (those who have ulcerative colitis, often shortened to UC). Other reasons aren't as obvious.

1.  Crohnies and UCees often notice more pain, diarrhea or just don't feel well when they eat certain foods
2.  Diarrhea and other factors prevent Crohnies and UCees from absorbing nutrients from what they eat–and they often need more because their bodies use more too
3. Healthy diets and specific nutrients (like iron and calcium) are needed to keep the intestines, bones and other organs healthy and to prevent problems or complications
4.  What we eat and drink also feeds our intestinal bacteria (the microbiome) and (spoiler alert) the microbiome may be one of the keys to returning your intestine to better health
5. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are autoimmune diseases that seem to react to the intestine's microbiome
6. An adequate diet will improve growth for children and teens with IBD
7. Eating healthier often helps everyone feel better