Living with Crohn's disease

• Diet – Some people find that changes to their diet helps relieve the symptoms of Crohn’s disease.
  
  
  
  • Increase your intake of fruit and vegetables and reduce fat and sugar intake.
  • Dairy products, fats and spicy foods may make the symptoms of Crohn’s disease worse. Avoid wherever possible.
  • Chew food thoroughly.
  • Include fish oil in your diet.
  • Avoid products that contain gluten.
  • High-fibre diets may be of benefit. However, these should be taken with care if intestinal obstruction is a problem.
  • Natural yogurt has been shown to reduce symptoms.
    
    
• Smoking – Try to reduce or stop smoking.
  
  
• Exercise – Exercise has been shown to improve Crohn’s disease. However it is worth discussing your exercise plan with your doctor before starting. It is very important to drink lots of fluids while you are exercising, in order to avoid dehydration. 
  
  
• Stress avoidance – Relaxation techniques may be of benefit.