Crohns sufferers looking for a natural cure or therapy for their disease may want to consider an alkaline diet Crohns disease treatment as an option to see if it improves symptoms and overall health.
What Is an Alkaline Diet?
To understand why an alkaline diet may help Crohns suffers, first it's important to learn how an alkaline diet works. When we eat, digested foods leave either an acid or an alkaline ash behind. Bodies with high acidic residue tend to be more likely to experience a variety of health conditions.
An alkaline diet follows an 80:20 ratio; 80 percent of the diet consists of alkaline foods and 20 percent acidic foods.
Alkaline Diet Crohns Disease Benefits
An alkaline diet is a balanced diet that includes foods that follow the 80:20 ratio of alkaline foods and acidic foods. Dieticians recommend alkaline foods for those with Crohns because acidic foods often aggravate the conditions that prompt inflammations or exacerbate existing inflammations. For Crohns patients, eating an alkaline can actually ease symptoms.
If you drink ample amounts of fresh fruit juices and vegetable juices (especially greens) without adding sweeteners, the body is supplied with alkaline ash that can counter effects of acidic foods. This is important because over time acidic foods can have a toxic effect. On the flip side, an alkaline diet rich in anti-oxidants and detoxifying elements can rid your body of these toxins.
As Crohns patients avoid acidic ash foods the body begins to recoup its acid-alkali balance. This is the start of the recovery process as the body gradually recovers from the effects of a negative acidic environment.
Alkaline Foods
The good news for those who choose to follow an alkaline diet for Crohns disease is the large list of delicious whole foods which are highly or moderately alkaline.
Alkaline Vegetables
- asparagus
- barley
- beets
- Brazil nuts
- broccoli
- brussel sprouts
- cabbage
- carrots
- celery
- chestnuts
- collard greens
- corn
- cucumber
- eggplant
- garlic
- green beans
- lettuce
- mustard greens
- onions
- peppers
- potatoes
- pumpkin
- sea vegetables
- turnips
- watercress
- wheat greens
- wild greens
Alkaline Fruits
- apple
- apricots
- avocado
- cherries
- currant
- dates
- figs
- grapefruit
- lemon
- lime
- mangoes
- nectarine
- oranges
- papaya
- peaches
- pears
- pineapples
- tangerines
- watermelon
Alkaline Protein Sources
- almonds
- cottage cheese
- chicken breast
- eggs
- flax seeds
- millet
- nuts
- pumpkin seeds
- sesame seeds
- sunflower seeds
- tofu
- yogurt
Alkaline Fats
- avocado oil
- coconut oil
- cod liver oil
- evening primrose oil
- olive oil
Alkaline Misc. Foods and Beverages
- vegetable juice (without added sweeteners)
- fruit juices (without added sweeteners)
- herb tea
- green tea
- lemonade
- maple syrup
- spices and condiments
Highly Acidic Foods
The following foods and beverages are highly acidic and should be avoided:
- sugars
- coffee
- alcohol
- cereals
- hardened fats
- high sugar fruits
- berries
Individualizing the Diet
An alkaline diet Crohns disease treatment plan's effectiveness will depend on the person's condition. Foods do not react in the same manner with each patient. Sometimes a food will work for one person but can trigger inflammation in other patients. Be proactive, taking care as you experiment with the various alkaline foods. Pay attention as to whether or not your condition improves or worsens. If a food triggers acute diarrhea, eliminate it from your diet. Most often a balanced diet that provides sufficient vitamins and minerals will help your body recover to lead a healthier life.The exact effect of an alkaline diet for Crohns disease is still being studied. If you decide to try an alkaline diet to treat your Crohns disease, check with your doctor first and do so under his supervision and guidance.
