7 Self-Care Tips for Patients Living With Crohn’s Disease

Roughly a million Americans suffer from Crohn’s disease, and if you’re one of them, you know how challenging it can be to keep your symptoms under control. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to help manage symptoms and prevent uncomfortable flare-ups.

In this post, our team at Digestive Disease Specialists in Moline, Illinois, and Bettendorf, Iowa, offers seven steps you can take to improve your Crohn’s symptoms, digestive health, and overall wellness.

1. Create a food plan that works for you

Most people have specific food triggers — foods or ingredients that worsen their symptoms. Keeping a food journal is a great way to uncover new triggers and make additional adjustments to your dietary plan.

In addition to individual responses, most people with Crohn’s disease find that foods high in fat or fiber can cause symptoms too. Even though many digestive problems benefit from high-fiber foods, that might not be the case if you have Crohn’s. Highly processed foods are another general food group you want to avoid.

2. Make hydration a priority

Crohn’s can interfere with your body’s ability to absorb fluids, making dehydration more likely. Drinking water regularly supports normal digestion by replacing fluid loss caused by diarrhea, a common problem during flare-ups. 

Sipping water throughout the day is a good way to maintain optimal hydration, but you can also reap benefits by including more hydrating foods, like broths and juicy fruits. Staying hydrated is important for all sorts of body processes, not just digestion, so you can enjoy better overall wellness and improved energy levels.

3. Stick to your treatment plan

If you have Crohn’s disease, you probably already know how important it is to have a management plan tailored to your specific needs and symptoms. Sticking with that plan plays an integral role in reducing or avoiding symptoms and feeling your best every day.

Taking medications exactly as prescribed keeps inflammation under control and reduces the likelihood of sudden symptom changes. Setting a reminder on your phone can help ensure you stay on top of your medication schedule. 

If you notice new symptoms or your treatment plan seems less effective than usual, call our office so we can make adjustments right away.

4. Stay active with gentle movement

While intense exercise may be uncomfortable during flare-ups, regular low-impact movement is important for supporting digestion and overall health while also reducing stress that frequently accompanies Crohn’s symptoms. 

Activities like walking, gentle yoga, or stretching help maintain flexibility and circulation without overloading your digestive system. Opt for gentle activities that support wellness rather than leave you feeling drained or tired.

5. Get plenty of rest

Speaking of feeling tired, Crohn’s is known for sapping energy and leaving you feeling fatigued, especially during flare-ups. That’s why it’s critically important to prioritize regular sleep habits to promote deep, restorative sleep. 

Adequate sleep doesn’t just boost energy; it improves immunity and manages inflammation. To help you optimize your sleep habits, the CDC offers this list of simple tips on its website.

6. Focus on emotional wellness

Chronic diseases like Crohn’s cause more than physical symptoms. The effects are far more widespread. For people with Crohn’s, the intensity and unpredictability of symptoms can take a major toll on their emotional wellness.

To help manage emotional ups and downs, incorporate stress-management activities into your routine. Journaling, exercise, and relaxing hobbies can help you process stress before it takes a toll on your health and potentially triggers a Crohn’s flare-up.

7. Stay connected

Regular check-ins with our team help catch changes early and keep your treatment plan aligned with your current needs. Whether you’re managing mild symptoms or navigating frequent flare-ups, we can help by adjusting your therapy and recommending lifestyle tips tailored to your unique needs and symptoms. 

Joining a support group, whether online or in person, is another important step toward feeling more in control of your health. These groups help you feel less isolated while also making you feel more connected and better understood.

Don’t let your Crohn’s disease diagnosis define who you are. Our team can help you develop strategies to improve your health and reduce your symptoms, so you can focus on enjoying life to its fullest.

To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Digestive Disease Specialists today.