Are Probiotics Beneficial for Gastrointestinal Health?
Probiotics are microorganisms that help support digestive health. Here’s how they work, along with a brief overview of the many ways probiotics can keep your gut healthy.
5 Ways to Avoid a Crohn’s Flare-Up Over the Holidays
As many as 3.1 million Americans suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease, a chronic condition that can cause inflammation and other symptoms anywhere in your digestive system.
Our team at Digestive Disease Specialists, in Moline, Illinois, and Bettendorf, Iowa, wants every person with Crohn’s disease to enjoy the holidays without worrying about their symptoms. Here, learn five simple but powerful ways to prevent flare-ups while taking part in your favorite seasonal activities.
1. Plan ahead
Holiday season or not, if you have Crohn’s disease, preparation is essential for reducing your risk of flares. The holiday season represents some additional challenges, particularly if you attend parties or other gatherings outside your home.
Before any holiday outing, think about the foods and ingredients that trigger you. Let family and friends know about your needs if you can. Better still, for potlucks and buffets, ask if you can bring a dish or two to share. That way, you know there will be at least one or two options you can enjoy without worry.
If you’re meeting friends or family at a restaurant, check the menu for safe options before leaving home. Knowing in advance what you can order takes the pressure off when you reach your destination.
2. Watch what you drink
Staying hydrated is really important if you have digestive issues, including Crohn’s disease. The digestive process uses lots of fluid, and staying hydrated helps support that process and avoid uncomfortable symptoms.
Carrying a water bottle with you throughout the day, especially when running errands, is one great way to stay hydrated. Avoiding too many caffeinated beverages (including flavored coffees and hot chocolate) is important too.
Alcohol is a common trigger for many people with Crohn’s disease. If you must indulge, stick to a single-ingredient option, like a glass of wine, and only have one glass. For an alternative, consider having a glass of seltzer flavored with lime or an iced herbal tea.
3. Prioritize stress management
Stress is another common trigger for people with IBD and other digestive issues. Unfortunately, avoiding stress entirely during the holidays isn’t always easy — or possible.
To keep stress to a minimum, practice stress management activities like meditation or deep breathing every day. Set aside a little time for yourself each day too. Reading a book, listening to music, or taking part in a hobby you enjoy are all great ways to relieve stress and avoid triggering your symptoms.
4. Set priorities
Holidays are a time filled with social and personal obligations, like parties, decorating, baking, and gift-buying. If your to-do list is overflowing, try delegating some of those responsibilities to other people.
Shopping online or buying gift cards takes the stress out of that seemingly endless gift list. It’s also perfectly fine to say no to obligations and events when you’re feeling overwhelmed or tired.
Prioritizing your chores and choosing only the events that truly give you joy is a great way to pare down tasks and focus on what really matters to you. Accept that you’re not perfect and neither are the holidays. It’s fine to do less and enjoy better health in the process.
5. Stick to your care routine
Finally, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Sure, you want to enjoy your holidays, and you want to help others enjoy them too. But the biggest and most important gift you can give to yourself and those you love is a healthy you.
When you have Crohn’s disease, you need to have a management plan and stick with it. That means watching what you eat, limiting stress, getting plenty of sleep, and taking prescribed medication.
Keep your medicine with you when you’re out and about and set reminders to stay on track. And, of course, call our office if you have any concerns about your treatment or symptoms.
Enjoy this holiday season
Crohn’s may be a lifelong condition, but that doesn’t mean it needs to take over your life. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy all the holidays offer while still preventing uncomfortable flare-ups.
To learn more about Crohn’s management and how we can help, book an appointment online or over the phone with Digestive Disease Specialists today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
6 Tips for Keeping Your Liver Healthy
Liver problems are a lot more common than people realize, but fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your liver and keep it healthy. These six tips can help.
Encouraging Facts About Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects millions of Americans, and though there’s no cure (yet), recent years have brought encouraging developments in IBD management. If you have IBD, here’s the good news you need to know.
Colon Polyps vs. Hemorrhoids: How to Tell the Difference
Colon polyps and hemorrhoids may cause similar symptoms, but that’s pretty much all they have in common. Here, learn how these two conditions vary and why medical evaluation is a good idea.
5 Different Types of Hepatitis
Hepatitis is a disease that causes inflammation of your liver, and while most of us think of it as a single disease, there are actually several different types. Here, learn about five of them.
Chest Pain and Bad Breath: Is It Barrett’s Esophagus?
Chest pain and chronic bad breath are two potential symptoms of Barrett’s esophagus, an uncommon complication of recurrent heartburn that increases your risk of cancer. Here’s why you need to have your symptoms evaluated.