Crohn’s disease can cause uncomfortable physical symptoms like abdominal pain, fatigue, and diarrhea. It can even affect your mental health and lead to depression. Having an established self-care routine can make life with Crohn’s disease easier.
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About Copay AssistanceStudies show that those who practice self-care experience fewer symptoms and visit the hospital less often. Below, we will provide 14 tips to help you build a care plan for Crohn’s disease and navigate life with this condition.
Keep a Food Diary
Certain foods can trigger symptoms of Crohn’s disease and make your condition worse. Some of the most common triggering foods include:
- Spicy foods
- High-lactose products
- High-fat foods
- High-fiber foods
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Artificial sweeteners
- Cruciferous vegetables
- Fried and processed foods
You might tolerate certain food groups better during remission. Some people eat several smaller meals throughout the day as part of their Crohn’s disease self-care routine to experience less severe symptoms.
Experiment with different foods and keep track of the ones exacerbating your symptoms in a diary.
Follow a Nutritious Diet
There is no specific diet recommended for Crohn’s disease. However, certain diets may help reduce flare-ups. Some nutritionists recommend following a low-FODMAP diet. FODMAP stands for:
- Fermentable oligosaccharides
- Disaccharides
- Monosaccharides
- Polyols
Consuming less of these carbohydrates may alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
When creating a care plan for Crohn’s disease, focus on a balanced diet. Avoid trigger foods and eat more FODMAP friendly fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Examples include carrots, pineapples, strawberries, hard cheeses, eggs, oats, and peanuts.
Consult a Dietician
The best way to optimize your diet for your Crohn’s disease self-care routine is to consult a professional nutritionist or dietician. They help you devise a personalized meal plan and suggest supplements to ensure you receive all the essential nutrients.
You might even need total parenteral nutrition (TPN) if you’re dealing with a more severe case of the disease. A dietician can assess your nutritional status and help your healthcare team make that decision.
Stay Hydrated
Staying well-hydrated is crucial for managing Crohn’s disease. Dehydration can worsen your symptoms and lead to further complications, such as:
- Constipation
- Kidney problems
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Fatigue and weakness
- Increased risk of flare-ups
The disease can also cause diarrhea and lead to dehydration, making it essential to incorporate adequate fluid intake into your Crohn’s disease self-care routine. Try different hydration strategies and track your water intake to avoid further problems.
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For Crohn’s DiseaseExercise Regularly
You may not always feel like exercising, especially during a flare. However, including exercises in your care plan for Crohn’s disease is one of the best ways to manage symptoms and improve your overall health.
Studies show lower disease activity in individuals who stay physically active despite their diagnosis. Your exercises don’t have to be extreme to be effective. Do as much as your body allows. Try low-impact activities such as swimming, biking, or even walking.
Before adding physical activities to your Crohn’s disease self-care routine, ask your doctor for recommendations on the best types of exercises. Rest when you’re feeling abdominal pain or bloating. Lastly, remember to drink enough water to stay hydrated and energized.
Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol
Living with Crohn’s disease is less challenging for non-smokers. If you’ve been a smoker until now, it’s a great time to quit. Nicotine in any form, whether it’s a cigarette or a vape, can wreak havoc on your body.
According to recent studies, smoking increases the risks of complications and interacts with medications for Crohn’s. Additionally, some medications used in the management of Crohn’s may not be as effective in those who smoke.
In addition to nicotine, certain compounds found in alcoholic beverages can irritate your intestinal lining, aggravate your symptoms, and cause medication interactions.
It’s up to you if you want to include the occasional cocktail in your Crohn’s disease self-care routine, but check with your doctor beforehand and prepare for any consequences.
Prioritize Sleep
An effective care plan for Crohn’s disease prioritizes sleep. Studies show that those who don’t get enough sleep have higher disease activity and hospitalization rates.
A good night’s rest can enhance your mood and boost your immune system. Aiming for seven to nine hours of rest each night will give your body enough time to recover.
If you find it difficult to fall asleep, try adding a bedtime routine to your Crohn’s disease self-care plan. Avoid TV and phone screens, lower your bedroom’s temperature, and take a warm bath before hitting the mattress.
Go to bed at the same time each night to signal your body it’s time to sleep. Your internal clock will adjust in no time.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
Being diagnosed with this type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be stressful and take a toll on your mental health. Studies show mindfulness-based therapy improves inflammatory biomarkers in those with Crohn’s disease and helps alleviate their symptoms.
Try adding different relaxation techniques to your Crohn’s disease self-care routine to calm your mind. Some of the most popular techniques include:
- Yoga
- Tai chi
- Meditation
- Breathing exercises
If these techniques aren’t effective, try other relaxing activities such as reading, writing, listening to music, painting, or gardening. Do what works for you.
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Take Your Medications
The most vital part of your care plan for Crohn’s disease is taking your medications on time. Your medications can help prevent flare-ups, alleviate symptoms, and reduce the risk of further complications.
According to studies, one-third of those who don’t adhere to their treatment plan experience relapses and a worsening of their condition.
Find a reliable specialty pharmacy to get your medications from. If you have difficulty remembering when to take them, set an alarm on your phone to remind you of the most important part of your Crohn’s disease self-care routine.
Track Your Symptoms
Monitoring your symptoms is crucial for managing your condition effectively. Keeping track helps you identify patterns that may reveal triggers or predict flare-ups.
This knowledge empowers you to adjust your daily activities and engage in more informed discussions with your healthcare providers, ultimately improving your care plan for Crohn’s disease.
Some of the symptoms you should watch out for include:
- Gas
- Bloating
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Bloody stools
- Abdominal pain
Communicate With Friends and Family
Navigating life with Crohn’s disease can be challenging, but having your friends and family by your side can make a significant difference. Studies even show that those with a better support system have a higher quality of life.
Communicate openly with your loved ones and let them be part of your Crohn’s disease self-care journey. Surrounding yourself with trusted individuals provides emotional comfort while ensuring you have help when it matters most.
Join Support Groups
Your friends and family can only support you so far. They can’t know what it’s like to live with this condition. For these difficult times when you feel alone and misunderstood, it’s great to have a support network of peers.
Look for support groups of people dealing with the same condition. They can share experiences, provide insights, give helpful tips for your Crohn’s disease self-care routine, and reassure you that you’re not alone.
You can ask your doctor to refer you to patient advocacy groups or look through the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation’s support group directory to connect with others facing the same challenges.
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About Copay AssistanceBe Prepared
A care plan for Crohn’s disease is incomplete without preparation for unexpected situations. Planning ahead will help you navigate these situations easier and enjoy a more active social life.
Familiarize yourself with restroom locations in the areas you’re visiting and keep essential supplies on hand. A well-stocked Crohn’s disease self-care kit can provide comfort and security during outings.
Here is what you can include in your emergency kit:
- Baby wipes
- Toilet paper
- Spare clothes
- Hand sanitizer
- Gloves and sealable bags
Communicate With Your Doctor
Open communication with your healthcare team is essential for effectively managing your condition. Inform your doctor about all aspects of your health, especially medications and supplements.
You might be considering adding over-the-counter (OTC) medications to your Crohn’s disease self-care routine. While these medications may help relieve some symptoms, they can also pose risks. Always consult your doctor before trying any new OTC products.
Some of the other key points you can discuss with your doctor include:
- Report persistent or new symptoms
- Notify them of any medication changes
- Ask about the safety of OTC supplements or herbal remedies
- Inform them of any side effects from current medications
- Seek advice for managing severe symptoms or flare-ups
- Discuss mental health concerns, including anxiety or depression
Manage Crohn’s Disease At Home With AmeriPharma® Specialty Pharmacy
Self-care is an essential part of managing Crohn’s disease. With these tips, you can create your care plan for Crohn’s disease and live your best life with this debilitating condition.
AmeriPharma® Specialty Pharmacy is here to help you in that quest. Our ACHC and URAC-accredited specialty pharmacy provides specialty treatments for Crohn’s disease in over 40 US states and territories.
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