Best Protein Shakes for Crohn's Disease Patients

Understanding Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract. It can affect any part of the GI tract but is most commonly found in the end of the small intestine or the beginning of the colon.

Some of the most common symptoms of Crohn’s disease include:

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Fatigue and loss of energy
• Reduced appetite and weight loss
• Fever and night sweats

Causes of Nutrient Deficiencies in Crohn’s

The inflammation and symptoms of Crohn’s make it difficult for the body to properly digest food and absorb vital nutrients. Some major causes of malnutrition include:

• Loss of appetite making less food consumed
• Diarrhea or bowel surgery preventing nutrient absorption
• Inflammation damaging GI absorption cells

Staying Hydrated with Crohn’s Disease

Dehydration is also a common issue for Crohn’s patients due to fluid loss from vomiting and diarrhea. However, staying properly hydrated is critical because water helps digest food, absorb nutrients, filter waste, and transport nutrients.

Best Drinks for Hydration with Crohn’s

For patients struggling with Crohn’s related nutrient deficiencies, the best beverages provide hydration along with calories, protein, vitamins, minerals, electrolytes and more. Smart drink choices can help reduce symptoms while supporting the healing process.

Protein Shakes and Smoothies

Protein shakes and smoothies are excellent Crohn’s disease drinks, especially for patients struggling with weight loss or muscle wasting. Look for shakes with:

• 20-30 grams protein per serving
• 5-10 grams BCAAs
• Source is whey, pea, egg, or hemp protein
• At least 30% Daily Value of vitamins/minerals
• No artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavors

Benefits of Protein Shakes for Crohn’s

The protein and nutrients in shakes/smoothies helps:

• Builds and repairs muscle tissue
• Strengthens the immune system
• Increases energy levels
• Boosts glutathione to reduce inflammation

Having premade shakes makes getting vital nutrition convenient when chewing/digesting food is difficult.

Tips for Consuming Protein Shakes with Crohn’s

Start with very small amounts of shake (1-4 oz) every 2-3 hours to avoid overwhelming your system. Slowly increase serving size and frequency while monitoring symptoms. Avoid shakes entirely during periods of active inflammation and diarrhea.

Nutrient Juices

For patients able to tolerate solid foods, juicing vegetables and fruits allows easier absorption of the nutrients they contain. Great options include:

• Carrots - vitamin A for immunity
• Kale - calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium
• Sweet potato- vitamin C, manganese
• Broccoli sprouts - sulforaphane to reduce inflammation

Look for cold press juices without any added sugars or unnecessary ingredients. Limit fruit content to avoid excess sugar.

Herbal Teas

Sipping on warming herbal teas can help soothe the digestive tract. Beneficial options include:

• Marshmallow root - repairs gut mucosa
• Ginger - reduces nausea
• Peppermint - minimizes intestinal spasms
• Slippery elm - aids mucus membranes

Avoid any herbs that may irritate the intestines like black pepper, turmeric, cinnamon, etc.

Clear Broths

For patients able to tolerate small amounts of liquid nutrition during flare ups, clear broth provides hydration and minerals. Chicken, vegetable, and bone broths are filling without having difficult insoluble fiber to digest.

Coconut Water

Sports drinks like Gatorade are too high in simple sugars. All natural coconut water contains electrolytes, minerals, and cytokines that help:

• Replenish fluid lost from diarrhea/vomiting
• Restore hydration
• Boost metabolism and energy

Avoid coconut water with added sugars or juices.

Oral Rehydration Solutions

Severe dehydration with high-volume fluid loss requires an oral rehydration solution or ORS. Under medical guidance, ORS solutions contain glucose and electrolytes in specific ratios chemically similar to plasma:

• Improves intestinal absorption
• Reduces duration of diarrhea
• Speeds recovery process

Beverages to Avoid with Crohn’s

Some beverages can actively make Crohn’s symptoms worse by exacerbating inflammation, increasing gut irritation, or reducing nutrient absorption. Avoid:

Coffee and Black Tea

The caffeine and tannins in coffee and black tea may stimulate intestinal motility leading to urgent, loose bowel movements.

Alcohol

All types of alcohol from beer to wine to spirits can severely irritate the intestinal lining. Alcohol also reduces the intestines’ ability to properly absorb nutrients.

Carbonated Beverages

The carbonation and bubbles in sparkling drinks tend to rapidly stretch the intestines promoting inflammation and abnormal bowel activity.

High Sugar Drinks

Beverages sweetened with corn syrup, fruit concentrates, and natural sugars pull fluid into the intestines worsening diarrhea.

Very Cold or Hot Beverages

Extreme temperatures from icy cold drinks to steaming hot coffee shocks the digestive system putting extra strain on the damaged intestines.

Room temperature or slightly chilled is ideal for most Crohn’s patients. Let hot drinks cool 5+ minutes before slowly sipping.

Should Crohn’s Patients Use Protein Shakes?

For Crohn’s patients struggling with appetite changes, diarrhea, and nutrient malabsorption issues protein shakes offer an easy way to get vital calories and daily protein goals.

However, shakes containing artificial fillers or sweeteners may irritate sensitive intestines. Stick with all-natural options made from easy to digest ingredients.

When symptoms flare, pause drinking shakes to allow bowels to rest and heal before slowly restarting them. Consult your healthcare team to determine if nutritionally balanced shakes and smoothies could benefit your Crohn’s disease nutritional plan.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.