The use of castor oil dates back to Ancient Egypt, where it was used as fuel and for medicinal purposes. Despite its historical use, many people are discovering castor oil for the first time. Some people include it in various folk and alternative medicine applications, while others use it to help encourage healthier hair and skin. 

What Is Castor Oil?

Castor oil comes from the castor seed, which is native to India. Today, the majority of castor oil is produced in India, where it is still used as a laxative and in skin and hair care products. According to the FDA, castor oil is safe for treating constipation, but researchers are still investigating other potential health benefits. As of now, researchers attribute many of castor oil’s purported health benefits to ricinoleic acid. Reportedly, Cleopatra used castor oil to brighten the whites of her eyes, but you shouldn’t put it in your eyes.

Does Castor Oil Induce Labor?

Occasionally, castor oil is used internally to induce labor, but available research doubts its efficacy. Taking castor oil internally can cause intense diarrhea, so the idea is that it can also stimulate uterine contractions. Some people choose to experiment with castor oil to induce labor, but it may come with some side effects. That is why a lot of people prefer the external use of castor oil, so they don’t have to deal with diarrhea.

What Are Castor Oil Packs

Basically, the idea is that you pour castor oil on a piece of cloth and apply it to the skin for at least one hour with a heat source. The idea behind this is that it stimulates lymph and nerve function. Unlike other detox methods, the use of castor oil heat packs is not said to have any negative side effects. Many anecdotal accounts report that castor oil packs help improve sleep, enhance energy levels, and clear skin symptoms. 

Even if you use castor oil for external use, you may want to consult a doctor or naturopath to ensure that it is a safe remedy for you. Do not use castor oil packs if you are pregnant or struggling with a medical condition. Additionally, perform a small patch test with castor oil on a small part of your arm before using it on a larger area of the body. Wait 24 hours to see if you have a skin reaction. When you determine that it is acceptable for you to use, you can place the castor oil pack in certain places for the following benefits:

• Place castor oil packs directly on sore muscles or joints to help reduce inflammation. As a quick note, these packs are not a substitute for medical care; rather, they may help accelerate the healing of minor injuries or soreness. 
• Try to place castor oil packs on the lower abdomen to help reduce menstrual pain and difficulties. 
• Apply a castor oil pack to the right side of the abdomen or the whole abdomen to help support digestive and liver function. Some gallbladder specialists recommend castor oil packs for holistic treatment. 

What Does A Castor Oil Pack Do?

Essentially, a castor oil pack works to harness the anti-inflammatory and lymph stimulating benefits of castor oil for safe external use. What that means is that they aid liver detoxification, support uterine and ovarian health, and improve lymphatic circulation. Unfortunately, there are no conclusive studies involving the use of castor oil packs externally. A long history of traditional use in many cultures, however, does speak to the efficacy of castor oil packs. Some evidence does indicate that castor oil packs may have a suppressive effect on tumors and a positive effect on arthritis. 

How To Do A Castor Oil Pack

You can do a castor oil pack simply at home. When you apply them, you must be still for at least one hour. That is typically a hard task to accomplish! They can also be a bit messy, but if you prepare them properly then it will be just fine. There are also castor oil kits for sale if you do not want to purchase the following items. 

What You’ll Need:

• High-quality castor oil
• Unbleached and dye-free wool or cotton flannel (you can use up to 30 times)
• Hot water bottle or heating pad
• Glass container with lid
• Old clothes, towels, or sheets because castor oil stains
• Patience

How To Use A Castor Oil Pack

• Begin by cutting a large piece of cotton flannel and fold it into thirds to make three layers. If your original piece is 20 inches by 10 inches, it will be seven inches by 10 inches when you fold it. 
• Thoroughly soak (without completely saturating) the flannel in castor oil. The easiest way to do this is by folding the flannel and placing it into a quart-size mason jar. Add the castor oil to the jar one tablespoon at a time, every 20 minutes or so. You can screw on the lid and shake the jar between adding more oil. 
• Carefully remove and unfold the soaked cloth. Lie flat on an old towel or sheet and place the cloth on the desired body part. 
• Cover the area with the wrap or cotton flannel and place a heating pad or hot water bottle on top of it. Lie flat and elevate your feet, relaxing for 30 to 60 minutes. 
• After the desired time, remove the pack and return the flannel to the glass jar. Store in the fridge for later use. 
• Use a natural soap to remove any leftover castor oil on the skin. Relax and rest.

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Fall is in full swing, which means we are in peak apple season! A fresh apple is crisp, tart, sweet, and juicy, making for a great snack or salad addition, smoothie star, or dessert component. Apples, besides being delicious, are undeniably good for you, as they contain essential nutrients, specifically fiber. One medium apple contains about four grams of fiber, according to nutritional data. 

Fiber is a good thing, right? Well, the high-fiber content can make apples difficult to digest. In this article, we will explain why they are hard to digest and how long they take to digest. We’ll also explain what to do if your stomach hurts after eating apples. 

Apples Are High In Fiber

As previously mentioned, apples are great sources of fiber. Fiber brings a host of health benefits, such as reducing LDL cholesterol levels, regulating bowel movements, and keeping you full. If you consume a good amount of fiber in your diet, apples may not cause digestive discomfort. Increasing your dietary fiber intake too quickly, or eating a lot of fiber all at once (such as a couple apples), may cause gas, bloating, constipation, or abdominal cramps. 

Apples Are High In Fructose

Fructose, also known as fruit sugar, can be hard on the digestive system for some people. The fructose in apples can increase the risk of bloating and general stomach pain, especially if you eat a lot of apples at once. The Cleveland Clinic reports that people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may be particularly sensitive to the fructose in apples. If you have IBS or fructose sensitivity, you may get diarrhea if you eat fruits that are high in fructose, such as cherries, apples, and peaches. Fructose is actually the reason why apple juice can cause diarrhea, especially in children who drink it in large amounts. 

Foods that are rich in carbohydrates or sugar, like apples, tend to stay in the stomach for about 30 to 60 minutes. That all depends on the person’s digestive system, though. It can take anywhere from 40 to 120 minutes after those initial 30 to 60 minutes for food to move through the intestines. Additionally, it can take up to several hours before it becomes waste. If you have digestive issues, consider the following if you want to make apples easier to digest.

Cook Them

By cooking apples, you can break down their nutrients, which can make them easier to digest than raw apples. Cooking apples is one of the best ways to enjoy them without experiencing gas or bloating. Applesauce and cooked apples without peels are often recommended for people after dealing with a recent stomach bug. 

Peel Them

Regarding fiber, there is soluble and insoluble fiber (click here to learn the difference). Apples contain soluble fiber in the flesh and insoluble fiber in the skin, according to nutritionists. If you want to decrease the amount of fiber in your apple, you can peel it before eating it. That may help reduce the side effects of eating too much fiber at once, which can include bloating, gas, and diarrhea. 

Watch Your Portions

This tip is especially important if you have IBS, a fructose sensitivity, or you usually get diarrhea after eating apples. Try to limit the amount you eat per day, keeping in mind that a serving size is one medium apple. Eating more than one medium apple per day could potentially cause digestive discomfort. If you notice pieces of undigested apple in your stool, you may have eaten too much and the body was unable to break it down. 

If you want to enjoy apples without experience severe digestive issues, consider the following tips:

• Go for a walk if your stomach hurts after eating apples, or engage in some gentle movement to aid digestion. Health experts note that exercise is a tried-and-true remedy for gas and bloating because movement helps to get things moving.
• Drink plenty of water when you eat foods that contain a lot of fiber. The Cleveland Clinic notes that you should drink 11.5 and 15.5 eight-ounce cups of water per day, in addition to eating water-rich foods, to stay hydrated. Water helps things move through the gut, which can help you avoid complications that result from too much fiber. 
• Boil some water and get out a few different herbal teas, such as chamomile, peppermint, and ginger. These teas work to soothe bloating and gas, but keep in mind that some of them can make bloating worse, especially if you have acid reflux.

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You can tell a lot about your health through your poop. Today, we’ll go over the Bristol Stool and ways to fix the problem.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:12 Floating Poop
1:00 Poop Mucus
1:47 Diarrhea
2:14 Constipation
3:46 Skinny Poop
4:29 The Fix Is In
6:02 Outro

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Some people are of the mind that the appendix is a useless organ. The belief is that it doesn’t offer any real perks to your overall health. Could that be because it is a perplexing organ? It is a thin tube located where the small intestine meets the large intestine. When something goes wrong with the appendix, especially if the pain leads to an appendicitis, the pain can be intense and unbearable, to say the least. 

Why Do You Have An Appendix?

Researchers agree that the entire digestive system plays an integral role in immune and brain function. That’s all well and good, but what does that have to do with the appendix? Well, the belief is that the appendix is a place for the body to store certain types of gut bacteria that could be changed during an intestinal illness or overuse of antibiotics. Theoretically, good bacteria hide in the appendix and then help repopulate the rest of the colon with healthy bacteria, should things ever go out of whack. 

Although the theory (above) sounds nice, it is unproven, as are most theories about the appendix. If there is a blockage in the appendix, or it swells up or gets infected, then you have appendicitis. This is most common among people between the ages of 10 and 30, with 8.6% of men and 6.7% of women being diagnosed at some point in their lifetime. 

Because of medical advancements and healthcare, appendicitis is no longer life-threatening. That said, about 50% of people with appendicitis do not have the regular symptoms indicative of the illness. Those symptoms include specific abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting, all of which are seen in pregnant women, children, and elderly seniors. Physicians warn that people should also be mindful of the uncommon symptoms of appendicitis, which are detailed below. 

Loss Of Appetite

If you don’t have the same desire to eat as you used to, then you are likely experiencing loss of appetite. Believe it or not, loss of appetite is an early sign of appendicitis, according to health experts. 

Constipation or Diarrhea 

Are both of these symptoms common among other digestive disorders? Absolutely, which makes it difficult to discern whether constipation or diarrhea indicates appendicitis. Doctors suggest that patients experiencing appendicitis may experience constipation or diarrhea. Although these are unexpected symptoms, you do want to pay attention to them to cover all your bases. 

Pain In The Lower Right Abdomen

The appendix is located in the lower right portion of the abdomen, so it stands to reason that appendicitis pain will be concentrated in that same area. Most people tend to feel the pain near the belly button, but it moves to the lower right abdomen. Once it moves to that area, the pain becomes sharp and severe, almost crippling. It’s time to get to a hospital at that point because the pain will only increase, along with the risk of death. The pain can also radiate toward the hip. 

Lower Back Pain

It is normal to feel as though the pain in the lower right abdomen is not going away. In addition to radiating toward the hip, appendicitis pain can also extend to the lower right side of the back. That pain can mimic the pain related to chronic lower back pain or sciatic pain. Some people may even experience hamstring pain or pain near the rectum. If this pain is not normal for you and you did not strain your back, pay attention to these signs. 

If you are experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms and you believe you have appendicitis, seek medical attention. High fever and severe abdominal pain may require emergency attention. Clinicians can evaluate your situation and conduct an exam and bloodwork to determine what medical attention you need.

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People with lactose intolerance are unable to fully digest the sugar (lactose) in milk. This can result in diarrhea, gas and bloating after eating or drinking dairy products.

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Food poisoning symptoms include fever, chills, and bloody diarrhea. It’ll usually begin with cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. Symptoms usually begin within 1 to 2 days of eating contaminated food.

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After dealing with a bad case of indigestion or food poisoning, the first foods you reach for when you’re ready to eat are simple and easy to digest. Nobody has the desire to wolf down a double cheeseburger after dealing with stomach issues. More often than not, you choose plain crackers, soup, bread, or rice to remedy symptoms. 

A common theme among easy to digest foods is that they are low in fiber, fat, and flavor. They lack acidity, spice, and are usually soft or easy to chew and swallow. Eating foods that are harder on the digestive system may worsen symptoms, so you choose foods that are more digestible to give your digestive tract a break. Digestion requires energy, which includes mechanical and chemical energy processes like chewing or the work done by acid in the stomach. 

By choosing foods that are easy to digest when you don’t feel 100%, you give your gastrointestinal (GI) tract a break. Your body has to work a little less hard to carry out the digestive processes. That is what you want if you experience diarrhea, indigestion, vomiting, or other digestive issues. Continue reading to learn about some of the easiest food groups to digest when your digestive system isn’t in the best shape. 

Well-Cooked Vegetables

Raw vegetables can be harder to digest than cooked vegetables. When you cook vegetables, their plant cell walls soften and their starches become readily available to enzymes in the digestive system. That makes for an easier digestive process. Consider cooking the following vegetables if you need easily digestible healthy options: 

• Spinach
• Green beans
• Carrots
• Zucchini and squash (seeded)
• Beets
• Potatoes (peeled)

Peeled Or Stewed Fruits

Just like raw vegetables, fresh fruits are high in fiber, which can make them tougher for the body to digest. Because the bulk of dietary fiber in fruit exists in peels and seeds, health experts suggest eating peeled and seeded fruits after dealing with an upset stomach. It can be beneficial to choose fruits lower in fiber, such as ripe bananas or melons, especially if you struggle with diarrhea or nausea. If you choose to eat fruits like pears and apples, remove the skin. Softer fruits like stewed peaches or plums are also good options if you have an upset stomach.

Soups, Smoothies, And Purees

The way you prepare food can influence how your body digests it. Texture modification strategies, such as blending, doesn’t change the fiber content, but it can reduce the size of fiber particles in plant-based foods. That’s why smoothies, soups, and purees are much gentler on the digestive system. Raw kale, for example, is bulky and tough, while cooked or blended kale is soft. The change in texture allows for easier digestibility. The same goes for berries and other fibrous fruits, which you can enjoy if you blend into smoothies. Blending or pureeing these plant-based foods essentially pre-digests food, which takes the majority of the work away from your digestive system. 

White Flour Products

After a bad bout of food poisoning or general GI discomfort, you usually choose white foods, including rice, bread, and plain crackers. As you know by now, high-fiber foods can be difficult to digest if you’re experiencing abdominal bloating, diarrhea, or nausea. White bread, white pastas, and white rice, although not the healthiest foods, have had their fiber components removed. You can temporarily choose these foods to enjoy when dealing with digestive problems, but don’t eat them regularly. 

Soft Proteins

Animal proteins don’t contain fiber, but they are difficult for the body to digest, especially if they are rich in fat, tough, or chewy. Choose softer, easy-to-chew proteins that are low in fat. Scrambled eggs, smooth nut butters, and soft tofu are nourishing options that are typically easy to digest.

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According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), constipation is one of the most commonly reported health problems. The data suggests that about 16% of U.S. adults and one in three adults over age 60 experience constipation. Although there are over-the-counter medications available to treat constipation, not all of them are safe for everyone. That is why many people decide to turn to natural laxatives to encourage bowel regularity. 

Who Can Benefit From Natural Laxatives?

There are many laxatives available to help people who frequently experience constipation. Herbal teas, detox tinctures, pills, enemas, and more work in various ways to achieve the same result: elimination. Some laxatives are stimulant agents, while others are bulking agents or osmotic products. Natural laxatives, however, get the job done without the unpleasant side effects of over-the-counter products. 

Although over-the-counter laxatives may get the job done in the short term, they don’t fix underlying digestive issues. They may even make the body dependent on them in order to use the restroom. That is why health experts encourage people to eat more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and lots of water. Additionally, it is beneficial to get sufficient sleep and practice relaxation techniques to reduce stress. If you need help promoting regular bowel movements, the following foods may be your ticket to long-term regularity. 

Water

Water is life and the benefits of drinking it are legendary. The kidneys and liver require water to operate effectively and efficiently, as these organs require water to clean the blood, produce urine, and help the body get rid of waste. If you don’t drink enough water, your risk of constipation or poor digestion is much higher. Keep things moving by drinking half your bodyweight in ounces of water every day. If you weigh 150 pounds and divide that by two to get 75, you should be drinking 75 ounces of water per day. 

Chia Seeds

Known for their omega-3 and fiber content, chia seeds have an ability to absorb water in the gastrointestinal tract. Because of that, chia seeds work similarly to a laxative. They combine with liquid to form a gelatinous substance that moves easily through the digestive tract. Make sure to enhance your fluid intake when you consume more chia seeds. Try to soak the chia seeds before adding them to a recipe or smoothie for maximum benefits. Place them in a 1:10 ratio of chia to water, let them sit for 30 minutes, and then add that to the smoothie. 

Leafy Greens

If you want to consume various vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber, and antioxidants while promoting optimal digestion, eat more leafy greens. Not only do leafy greens provide a lot of fiber, but they also contain plenty of magnesium. Magnesium is an electrolyte that naturally and safely softens stool, drawing water in from the gut. Without enough magnesium in the body, it is difficult for stool to move easily through the digestive tract. Magnesium also relaxes muscles in the digestive tract, helping you pass stools more easily. 

Coconut Water

As a quick note, make sure that you purchase 100% coconut water. A lot of coconut water varieties contain excess or added sugars, artificial colors and flavors, and other preservatives. Opt for pure coconut water for the best nutritional benefits. Coconut water can help you maintain healthy electrolyte levels, helping to clear out the urinary tract. Coconut water is a great option for some people who experience constipation because it helps loosen stools, making elimination easier. 

Fiber

If you want to eliminate with ease, you need to consume more fiber. One meta-analysis found that dietary fiber increased stool frequency in patients with constipation. Ideally, you should consume between 25-40 grams of fiber per day, with adult men requiring a little more than women and smaller individuals. Get your fiber from whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible, instead of choosing artificial fiber supplements. Great high-fiber foods include berries, apples, pears, avocados, Brussels sprouts, okra, peas, and figs. 

Aloe Vera

A lot of health experts agree that 100% pure aloe vera juice is one of the best natural laxatives in existence. Aloe vera juice contains enzymes, vitamins, electrolytes, and minerals that work to soften stool and aid digestion. Anthraquinones are compounds in aloe vera that act like laxatives because they increase intestinal water content. They also stimulate mucus secretion and increase intestinal peristalsis (contractions that break down food). Aloe vera juice also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling in digestive organs. This juice may also help normalize the acid/alkaline balance in the gut, in addition to encouraging the growth of healthy digestive bacteria. 

Flaxseeds

An excellent source of fiber, flaxseeds add bulk to your stool and help it pass through the digestive tract. In addition to providing three grams of fiber per tablespoon, flaxseeds help to treat constipation and diarrhea, according to studies. Just as with chia seeds, make sure to drink a lot of water when you eat high-fiber foods like flaxseeds. Without sufficient fluid intake, you may have more bathroom troubles!

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People easily interchange food allergy and food intolerance, but the two are quite different. Food intolerances are very common, affecting roughly 15-20% of the human population. Intolerances differ from allergies and we’ll explain how below. 

What Is A Food Allergy?

An allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to an ingredient or substance that it misinterprets as harmful. The body often mistakes a food, typically a protein, as harmful and creates a defense system against it. The antibodies that the body creates battle the foreign protein, causing an allergic reaction. It’s very common to experience allergic reactions to nuts, shellfish, eggs, dairy, and certain fruits or vegetables. 

What Is A Food Intolerance?

Differing from a food allergy, an intolerance is a digestive response as opposed to an immune response. After eating a certain food, for example, the digestive system experiences irritation. This commonly happens when a person cannot properly digest or break down the food. It’s very common to experience an intolerance to lactose, which is found in most dairy products. Food intolerances are also common in people with digestive disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). You can find common signs that may indicate a food intolerance below. 

Headache

Headaches can be symptoms of so many different conditions, so it’s easy to overlook a headache as an indication of a food intolerance. Severe food intolerances may even trigger migraines. When the body cannot properly digest or break down a certain food, the body sees it as a threat. It starts to release immunoglobulin (IgG) antibodies into the bloodstream. These antibodies can sometimes cause headaches or migraines. 

Bloating Or Gas

The two most common signs of food intolerance are bloating and gas. Gastroenterologists say that these two symptoms most commonly occur after a large, high-fiber meal. When the symptoms become uncomfortable or painful, however, that is cause for concern, especially if they occur every time you eat a certain food. Bloating and gas are two very common symptoms of lactose intolerance. The body cannot fully digest lactose, so bloating and gas result. Consider dairy alternatives in the case of lactose intolerance. 

Diarrhea Or Constipation

These two symptoms often indicate an intolerance, especially to gluten. If the body cannot properly digest or break down gluten, it’s very common for constipation or diarrhea to occur. Gluten intolerance may or may not be an autoimmune reaction. In the case of Celiac disease, the body attacks the villi in the small intestine in response to the presence of gluten. Non-celiac intolerance can mean that the gut cannot properly digest gluten. According to studies, about 50% of gluten intolerant people experience diarrhea and 25% experience constipation. 

Fatigue

Fatigue, sluggishness, or a general tiredness after eating a certain food. Occasionally, people can have a blood sugar crash that causes fogginess or fatigue, but it can indicate a food intolerance. If the body cannot properly process certain foods, the adrenal glands produce cortisol, also known as the stress hormone. It does this to help reduce irritation or inflammation in the gut. The fatigue is a result of the stressed adrenal glands. 

Acne

As stated in the beginning of this article, a food intolerance is not the same as a food allergy. People who have food allergies can experience hives, itchiness, rashes, or puffiness after eating the trigger food. The body can still interpret a food as harmful even if you are not allergic to it, though. As a result, a person can experience acne or a similar skin reaction. If a certain protein in a food doesn’t agree with the body, it can produce histamine, and the reaction will occur wherever the body produces it. If it releases histamine in the skin, you may experience acne or even eczema. 

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Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes irritation or swelling in the digestive tract. Affecting over half a million Americans, Crohn’s disease can trigger diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and cramps. Depending on the person and the severity of the condition, inflammation can occur in different areas of the digestive tract. If left unchecked, inflammation can spread to deeper layers of the bowel tissues. 

If you have Crohn’s disease, you know that flare-ups can feel incapacitating. Not only do flare-ups interrupt your life, but they can also make you feel miserable. Furthermore, it’s possible to worsen flare-ups by choosing the wrong foods. Although there isn’t a specific Crohn’s diet, there are foods that patients should avoid. Some foods may trigger flare-ups or give the gut general discomfort. 

According to dietitians and health experts, the following foods are thought to trigger Crohn’s flare-ups. This isn’t to say that these foods trigger reactions in every person with the condition. Some people may have to keep a food journal or experiment to see which foods make the gut happy. Generally speaking, though, the following foods can trigger Crohn’s flare-ups. 

Popcorn

This classic movie snack is often doused in butter, and it happens to be rich in fiber. Unfortunately, both fiber and fat (butter) are common Crohn’s triggers. More often than not, people with Crohn’s are better off consuming low-fat diets that don’t include a lot of fibrous foods. It’s possible that some people can enjoy a small amount of popcorn with no butter during remissions, but most claim that popcorn worsens existing symptoms. 

Fruit Skin

Fruit skin can irritate the gut, regardless of whether a person has Crohn’s or not. Some people with sensitive digestive systems can benefit from peeling all their fruit. The skin can irritate the gut’s lining, which causes a flare-up. 

Sweeteners

Every person should know how to identify sweeteners on ingredient labels. It’s very easy for people to overlook them because they aren’t aware of the names. Maltitol, xylitol, and sorbitol are all added sweeteners that are poorly absorbed by the body. This can cause bloating, gas, or diarrhea. That’s why it’s best for Crohn’s patients to avoid fruit juices, sodas, or any gums and candies that contain “sugar alcohols.”

Nuts & Seeds

Nuts and seeds are excellent sources of healthy fats, fiber, and protein. That’s exactly why both of them are not recommended for people with Crohn’s disease. Many people with Crohn’s cannot properly digest them, which causes irritation to the lining in the gut. Some people, however, can tolerate ground nuts and seeds. If you have Crohn’s and are willing to experiment, start out with smooth almond butter or tahini. 

Dairy Products

There are many people with Crohn’s that have no problem consuming dairy products. If the person experiences symptoms that may indicate a flare-up, though, it’s best to steer clear of dairy. Lactose is a natural sugar found in milk and dairy products. It commonly causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas, and bloating, and that’s not specific to Crohn’s patients. Try lactose-free alternatives or simply avoid whole milk, sour cream, ice cream, and other similar dairy products when a flare-up occurs. 

Cigarettes

This doesn’t necessarily fall under the “food” umbrella, but the smoke, nicotine, and chemicals still enter the body. A review of 33 studies found that the severity of Crohn’s disease decreased after people stoped smoking cigarettes. Smoking constricts blood vessels, which causes inadequate oxygen flow and nutrition to the intestines. Health experts theorize that this increases biochemical mediators of inflammation, causing harm to the digestive system. 

Not everyone with Crohn’s disease experiences the same reactions to common food triggers. If you live with Crohn’s, you may have to go through a trial and error stage of testing foods to see how you react to them. Keep a food journal and jot down what you experience after eating certain foods. You can click here if you want to learn more about foods that are beneficial for Crohn’s patients. 

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