Start a food diary and write down everything you eat and the time you eat it. Also keep track of all symptoms and the time they occur. Changing your diet will not cure you but you may be able to better manage foods that cause an increase in symptoms.

Many people diagnosed with Crohn’s are lactose intolerant. Symptoms of lactose intolerance usually begin between 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming dairy food or drink. Your doctor can also check this for you with some simple tests; the lactose intolerance test, hydrogen breath test, or the stool acidity test. If you are lactose intolerant eliminate products with lactose from your diet. You may just want to experiment by eliminating lactose products and seeing if symptoms improve.

Drink lots of water. You need to replace all the fluids you are losing with your diarrhea. Alcohol and soda will not replace the fluids you need.

Eat healthy. Many with Crohn’s are suffering from serious nutritional deficiencies. Most nutrient absorption takes place in the small intestine. When your small intestine isn’t working properly your body does not get the nutrition it needs. Take a multivitamin and eat 5 to 6 small healthy well balanced meals per day. If necessary talk with a nutritionist or dietician.

Manage stress.   Stressful events can worsen symptoms. Exercise reduces stress as does deep breathing or meditation. Find something that works for you.

For more information on finding help go to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America at www.ccfa.org.