BY AMBER J. TRESCA
It’s the ultimate paradox. In a world where your friends and family are trying to eat less, you’re struggling to eat enough. But when you’re living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), poor appetite is all too common. That doesn’t only impact your energy levels. IBD-related inflammation may increase your need for nutrients, like vitamins, minerals, protein and calories to help you heal, rebuild and replenish. So, even though you might not feel like eating anything at all, you ironically may require more food than the average person.
A poor appetite can also be a major obstacle to wellness, especially in people with IBD, who often have a difficult relationship with food. The good news is, even though you might not have much of an appetite, there are lots of tricks to help you get more of the nutrients your body needs now.
There are several reasons why people with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis experience a decrease in appetite. One is that eating is often associated with uncomfortable symptoms such as nausea, pain, bloating and diarrhea, so even the thought of eating can be stressful.
Symptoms of nausea and diarrhea also tend to make people physically less hungry. Additionally, their sense of taste may be altered, making food less appealing. Complications, such as mouth ulcers, may also make it difficult to eat certain foods. Even fatigue can be a factor because if you’re tired, you’re less likely to have the energy to prepare and eat healthy meals.
Normally, eating should be a source of pleasure. But when eating causes pain, bloating and a lack of appetite, food can be especially unappealing. This can make it difficult to obtain the nutrients and calories your body requires for energy, healing and to sustain a healthy weight. At the same time, your intestine may not be able to properly absorb key nutrients like vitamins and minerals, making nutrition all the more important.
The first step in treating a lack of appetite is to consult your healthcare team. Your gastroenterologist or internist can help treat your IBD to prevent (or at least minimize) flares. Over time, this helps increase appetite by relieving any negative symptoms associated with eating and help you feel better overall.
A dietitian can also help by working with you to develop a plan that provides sufficient calories and nutrients. This may include identifying those foods you can tolerate, and which ones set off your symptoms as well as strategies for quick, easy, nourishing meals and snacks.
It can be helpful to know that there is no one-size-fits-all diet to treat IBD. However, it’s good to be aware that certain foods, such as processed foods and red meats, may promote inflammation, which can tend to worsen symptoms and may even increase the risk of relapse. In the event that you have to eliminate certain food groups from your diet to ease your symptoms, your dietitian or doctor may recommend special vitamin and mineral supplements. Sipping an oral nutrition supplement can also provide extra nourishment, especially if you’re losing weight.
ILLUSTRATIONS BY JEANNIE PHAN
BLACKSALMON/GETTY IMAGE