When you find out you have Crohn’s disease, it’s natural to think about how your life may change. Crohn’s is a chronic disease, something you’re going to have for the rest of your life. It’s important you know you can manage the symptoms.

Medication is just one aspect that can help control the symptoms of Crohn’s disease, but effective treatment goes beyond what the doctor prescribes you. For you to truly live well, you’ll need to take a look at every aspect of your life to be as healthy and happy as you can be.

Here are 12 ways to live better with Crohn’s disease:

Check in with your doctor regularly

If you’re feeling well, you might only need to see your doctor twice a year. But if you’re experiencing frequent flare-ups, you may need to schedule appointments more often, possibly to adjust your medication. NOTE: Never change your medication dosage, scheduling, or any other aspect of your health plan on your own. This could be dangerous – always consult your doctor.

Practice relaxation techniques

Although stress doesn’t cause Crohn’s disease, it can certainly aggravate it. Occasions where you are feeling anxious and stressed, try slowing down your breathing, meditation, yoga or something else you find relaxing. It could just be reading a book in a quiet place, listening to your favourite singer, or spending time with loved ones. Do what works for you.

Exercise regularly

Exercise not only helps your digestive tract work more efficiently but can also help reduce stress due to the release of endorphins (or feel-good hormones) that come with getting your blood pumping around your body. To stay motivated, choose an exercise you like doing – whether that going to the gym 5 times a week or simply going for a brisk walk during your lunch break at work-  and get your body moving.

Don’t smoke

People who smoke have more Crohn’s disease flares and emergency surgeries — and are more likely to be diagnosed with Crohn’s in the first place. So for those of you that currently smoke, look into ways you can stop the habit to avoid it complicating your condition further. For help quitting smoking, here are some resources to look at:

• Better Health NHS
• Top Quit Smoking Tips
• How to Stop Smoking Guide

Avoid over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drugs

Many people with Crohn’s disease also tend to have arthritis and may want to take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) - such as ibuprofen or naproxen- for the pain and swelling. However, over-the-counter medications are generally bad for Crohn’s disease and can cause flares and ulcers in the lining of the intestines. Talk to your doctor about your options when it comes to anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medication.

Get enough sleep

When you’re tired, you’re more likely to feel stressed, which we’ve mentioned can worsen your symptoms. You’ll sleep better at night if you stick to a routine, with a set time for getting up and going to bed. Be sure to give yourself enough time to wind down before bed so you can focus on sleep. Studies have shown poor sleep is associated with higher disease activity (flares and discomfort) and even hospitalisation. So, make sure you’re well-rested every day.

Follow some dietary basics

Most people with Crohn’s disease find that they feel better if they:

• Eat small portions more frequently throughout the day, rather than two or three large meals.
• Limit high-fibre foods that are more difficult to digest. For example, popcorn, seeds, and nuts.
• Avoid greasy and fatty foods
• Cut down on dairy products, which can be hard on your stomach.

Work with a dietitian or nutritionist

Still, with the food side of things -you may want to avoid certain foods if you know they intensify your symptoms during flares, but when you eliminate entire food groups, you run the risk of malnutrition. That’s why it’s good to get guidance from a nutritionist or dietitian who will help you create a meal plan that avoids the foods that bother you but is still nutritious.

Start a journal

One great way that helps people with Crohn’s disease manage their lives better is by keeping a journal. Get yourself a book and write down your day-to-day. Include what you eat, when you eat, when you exercise, when you experience stress and anything else that affects you and your symptoms. This is so you can look back at each day regularly to see what makes you feel good and what may harm your health. Then you will be able to share the information with your doctor so you can tweak your Crohn’s disease treatment plan as needed.

Have new symptoms evaluated quickly

Other complications of Crohn’s disease include abscesses, ulcers, anal fistulas, fissures — all of which are rare, but you should know the signs and symptoms so you can contact your doctor immediately if you experience anything new/different. With new symptoms come possibly different prescription medications to help cope and even heal.

Protect your bones

Crohn’s disease and some of the treatments can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become fragile, increasing the risk of fractures and breaks. It’s important to talk to a professional, whether that is your doctor or a nutritionist, about how to get enough calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients in your diet to help keep your bones as strong as possible. The professional you talk to might suggest you get a bone density test – this is nothing to be worried about. Click HERE to learn about the bone density scan (DEXA scan).

Get screened for colon cancer

Having Crohn’s disease increases your risk of developing colon cancer, so it’s important to have regular colonoscopies to check for changes or any signs of the disease. Talk to your doctor about how frequently you should be screened for colon cancer and they will go through the process with you. Any questions you have about this screening, always refer to your doctor.

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