IBD Dietitian Perth
Exclusive Enteral Nutrition (EEN) Diet for Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a debilitating condition that can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and fatigue. While there is no known cure for Crohn's disease, there are many treatment options available to help manage the conditions, inflammation and symptoms.
One treatment option that has been gaining popularity in recent years is the Exclusive Enteral Nutrition (EEN) diet. This diet involves consuming only a liquid formula for a period of time, typically 6-8 weeks. In this blog post, we'll share the story of a patient with Crohn's disease who achieved remission with the EEN diet.
Crohn's Disease Dietitian Perth
The above video by Dietitians Crohn's Colitis Australia Network (DECCAN), helps explain EEN as therapy for Crohns Disease.
Meet Sam
Sam was diagnosed with Crohn's disease (moderate severity) earlier this year. She struggled with symptoms for many years before a diagnosis had been made. Her symptoms included abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, and fatigue. She felt like she was constantly on a rollercoaster, with good days and bad days.
After doing some research and speaking with her Gastroenterologist and myself , she decided to trial EEN as an alternative therapy to corticosteroids for her active Crohn’s disease.
EEN as therapy induces remission in 80% of patients with Crohn's Disease, with adult data closely following peadiatic population data
Ele Stojanoska IBD Dietitian Perth
Starting the EEN Diet
I worked quite closely with Sam to find a medical nutrition supplement that was right for her. This is a liquid formula that contained all the nutrients she needed to meet her nutritional needs. She was excited to commence the therapy but also worried about how she would handle not eating solid food for a little while.
The first few days were tough for Sam. She was missed the taste and texture of food. But towards the end of the first week, something surprising happened. Her symptoms started to improve. Her abdominal pain and bloating disappeared, and her bowel movements became much more normalised.
Over the course of several weeks, Sam stuck to the EEN diet religiously. She drank her liquid as prescribed (5 times per day), and was feeling better and better.
Achieving Remission
At the end of the eight weeks, Sam went back to her Gastroenterologist and came to see myself for a review. Her Gastroenterologist completed a set of bloods and was impressed to see her inflammatory markers had reduced and she has a significant improvement in her symptoms. A colonoscopy showed that her Crohn's disease was in remission.
Sam was overjoyed. She couldn't believe that something as simple as a liquid diet could have such a profound effect on her health. I then guided Sam to she slowly reintroduce solid foods back into her diet towards a healthy balanced diet.
For many of my patients, EEN has led to remission of their Crohns Disease which has allowed them to achieve a better quality of life
Ele Stojanoska Crohns & Colitis Dietitian Perth
Maintaining Remission
Sam is grateful for the EEN diet and credits it with helping her achieve remission. Each time I see Sam in my clinic she says to me that more people with Crohn's disease need to consider trying the EEN as an alternative therapy to corticosteroids.
The EEN diet is a promising treatment option for Crohn's disease. While it may seem extreme to consume only liquid formula for 6-8 weeks, the benefits can be significant.
If you are struggling with Crohn's disease, talk to your Gastroenterologist and IBD Dietitian about whether the EEN diet may be right for you.
If you would like to read more about us and how we can help with with your Crohn's Disease take a read here and our experience with IBD take a look at our About Us page.
Sam is grateful for the EEN diet and credits it with helping her achieve remission. Each time I see Sam in my clinic she says to me that more people with Crohn's disease need to consider trying the EEN as an alternative therapy to corticosteroids.
When can EEN be used as therapy for my Crohn's Disease?
Remission induction for active Crohn’s disease (mild to moderate) as alternative therapy to corticosteroids
Management of complications of CD such as Stricturing Crohn's disease, Enterocutaneous fistula or Intra abdominal collection.
Downstage disease severity prior to surgery
Improve surgical outcomes
Why Dietetic Gut Clinic for IBD?
The Dietetic Gut Clinic is a Perth based private practice with special focus on diet and gastrointestinal health and disease. We believe that IBD is best managed by IBD dietitian with an interest in that field.
At Dietetic Gut Clinic our mission is to empower and support our patients, to take charge of their digestive condition and health in order to optimise their quality of life.
We have clinics both north and south of the river which means that we are able to accommodate patients across the Perth metropolitan area, in addition to also providing Telehealth services.
We have a range of Specialised IBD Programs, that include which include specialised IBD content, evidence based diets, meal plan and recipes designed to optimise your condition.