Medication is usually the first line of defense during intestinal inflammation. While OTC drugs are an easy solution, they are often costly, not to mention that they have harmful side effects.
As if that’s not enough, medical research has over time revealed that medication does not help with long-term intestinal inflammation. That said, how about trying natural methods? Here are the different foods that reduce intestinal inflammation. But first,
What Causes Intestinal Inflammation and How Does an Anti-Inflammatory Diet Work?
The leading cause of intestinal inflammation is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is a broad term that covers ulcerative colitis Crohn’s disease. Both produce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Though the cause of IBD is unknown, it is assumed to be caused by a variety of substances or a combination of them.
These may be antigens, viruses, and bacteria. They cause an inflammatory response in the intestines, which is triggered by the body’s immune system. Whatever triggers it, IBD commonly spirals out of control, damaging the intestinal wall and causing diarrhea and abdominal pain.
As bad as it sounds, there is hope. With an anti-inflammatory diet, which is surprisingly in your fridge and not the pharmacy, you can combat IBD. Foods that reduce intestinal inflammation work in different ways. First, they help fight illness-causing germs through their anti-oxidants, second, they help prevent, delay or repair cell and tissue damage and lastly, they reduce inflammation in general.
Best Foods That Reduce Intestinal Inflammation
We’ll divide the foods into 3 parts: What to eat during flare-ups, what to eat during remission, and what to consume as a lifestyle habit. Here they are:
- What to Eat When You Have a Flare-Up
Protein — Inflammation raises the body’s need for proteins. As such, consume the following:
• Well-cooked eggs
• Smooth peanut butter, sunflower seed butter and, almond butter.
• Tender, well-cooked meats, like lean cattle, poultry, salmon, or other fish
• Low-sodium and low-fat deli meats like pork prepared without additional fat
• Soy tofu
Reduce your fiber consumption — Fibre can be irritating to the gut and could worsen symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain. As such, opt for low-fiber foods that are easier to digest. They include:
• Fruits: soft fruits, light syrup, canned fruit juice, watermelon, ripe bananas, and peeled apples
• Well-cooked fresh or frozen veggies: pureed squash, asparagus tips Green beans, mashed potatoes without skin, and steamed carrots.
• Foods with fewer than 2 grams of fiber per serving such as white foods. Avoid whole grains and wheat. Rather, eat processed ones.
Ensure a good intake of calcium, vitamin D, probiotics, and prebiotics in your diet.
• Evaporated, fat-free milk
• Lactose-free milk
• Lactose-free yogurt/yogurt
• Pea and soy milk
• Non-dairy milk: Rice, Coconut, Cashew, and almond milk
AVOID added fats and oils, caffeinated, sugar-sweetened, and sugar-free beverages.
- Foods To Eat During Remission
During recovery, you’ll be in a better position to consume more foods. As such, some of these include:
• Plenty of water instead of caffeine-containing beverages, alcohol, soft drinks, and fruit juices
• Lactose and dairy products will be tolerated better
• Protein-rich foods like beef, eggs, chicken, and other lean meats
• Plant-based proteins like soy products.
• Higher fiber intake. Reintroduce whole grains
• Added fats. Use oils instead of solid fats, such as canola and olive oil.
AVOID solid fats, junk, and processed foods. Instead, concentrate on healthful foods in their natural state.
- Make It a Habit: Stick to an Inflammatory Diet
Choose anti-inflammatory meals such as:
• Healthy fats: Olive oil and coconut oil
• Healthy Veggies: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and Kale
• Fresh Fruits: watermelons, grapes, and cherries
• Minimal spices: Turmeric, fenugreek, and cinnamon
• Protein: Milk, beef, eggs, chicken, and other lean meats
Avoid the following:
• Highly processed foods
• Refined carbohydrates, sugar, and artificial sweeteners
• Alcoholic beverages.
Wind Up
According to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, not everyone with IBD responds to the same diet. As such, it is wise to consult with a doctor to discover which meals are most beneficial to you. This way, you can have the perfect tailor-made diet to aggravate inflammation and IBD symptoms.