Living with Crohn’s disease can sometimes feel like your digestive system is auditioning for a drama series, with its flares, twists, and turns. But one plot twist no one wants? Malnutrition.
When inflammation from Crohn’s decides to throw a tantrum, it can mess with how your body absorbs nutrients from food.
Even if you’re eating what seems like a balanced diet, your body might not be soaking up the vitamins and minerals it needs to power your brain, muscles, and immune system. This can leave you feeling like a phone with a dying battery—always on low power and unable to fully charge.
How can you tell if malnutrition might be creeping in? Fatigue is a big clue; not the “I stayed up too late bingeing TV” kind, but the bone-deep exhaustion that makes climbing stairs feel like a marathon. Unintentional weight loss, brittle hair, and nails that break if you look at them wrong are also signs.
Don’t forget those pesky nutrient-specific issues like mouth sores (thanks, vitamin B12 deficiency) or achy bones (hello, vitamin D). Your body is pretty vocal when it’s missing something—it just uses symptoms instead of words.
So, how do you outsmart malnutrition? Think of your meals like a game of strategy. Work with your doctor or a dietitian to craft a nutrient-packed plan that your gut will actually tolerate. Lean into nutrient-dense, easy-to-digest foods—like creamy smoothies, hearty soups, or gentle proteins.
Don’t shy away from supplements if your healthcare team recommends them; they’re like bonus power-ups for your body. And don’t forget to stay hydrated, as dehydration loves to tag along during flare-ups. Taking small, mindful steps can keep your body fueled and help you feel like the main character of your story—because you are!
