 I've Have you been told by your doctor to try an elemental diet? An elemental diet is nutrition made from vitamins, fatty acids, minerals, glucose and amino acids. It is not whole foods. Following an elemental diet is a BIG commitment and can be too much for most of us. I like to adopt some of the principles for a few days (or sometimes even a few hours). I do this because it gives my digestion a break. It may even help someone who is lacking an appetite or is suffering the nausea that can come with a flare. You are kind of (not scientific I know) giving your digestive system a rest while still getting in the much-needed calories and nutrition that can go missing from our diets when we are unwell. So, no matter who you are or what your current health status may be with your Crohn's Disease, you cannot go wrong when it comes to introducing smoothies or juices into your life. By drinking these potent beverages, you're literally changing your cells. You're providing your body with calories, vital nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants in an easy-to-digest form. So, Juices and Smoothies can be a great way to get the Nutrients we need easily without having to "DIGEST" food from scratch and provide us with the extra calories we also desperately need. I like to drink a juice in the morning of Carrot, Celery and Beetroot with a touch of Ginger and I have done for years BUT I am also partial to a Smoothie Bowl. (I know you've seen some of the pics I've shared) I've included an AMAZING one below. So which will you try first? Here are some ingredient suggestions and 9 Recipes to get you started!  Suggestions for Ingredients Protein It can increase your energy and help you gain weight (if that’s your goal). Good sources include nut milk; organic, smooth, all-natural nut butter (store-bought or homemade); good quality protein powders; and collagen. Dairy Quite often we can't tolerate dairy, but if your system can handle it, fermented foods that contain probiotics, such as yogurt and kefir, may help you feel better during a flare. Yoghurt can also be a good source of protein. Fruit and veges They are one of the best sources of carbohydrates and much-needed vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Focus on fresh, soft, peeled fruits and leafy greens, or opt for frozen fruit and vegetables. Healthy fats Mono- or polyunsaturated fats, are satiating and can give your smoothie a calorie boost. Good sources include fresh or frozen avocado, flaxseed oil, avocado oil, extra virgin olive oil, chia seeds, ground hemp seeds, ground flaxseed, and smooth nut butter. Liquid These help blend the other ingredients, but it can also keep you hydrated. Water is always an option, but other good choices include fruit juice and non-dairy milk. Whole grains These are a good source of fibre. Try including whole rolled oats or quinoa in your smoothies; both are gluten-free. GUIDELINES FOR A SMOOTHIE SNACK
During an IBD flare, it may be beneficial to be on the side of caution with how much fibre you introduce into each meal and snack. Sticking to lower-fibre soft fruits and cooked vegetables can help under these conditions. SMOOTHIES 1. Blueberry Smoothie This is not only great for your health, but it's loaded with antioxidants, phytochemicals, and flavonoids, which are vital for cellular health and disease prevention. · Big handful frozen or fresh organic wild blueberries · 1 Banana · 1 Tbsp extra-virgin coconut oil · 1 Tbsp hemp seeds · 1 Tbsp chia seeds · Pinch of cinnamon · 1 cup hemp milk, almond milk, oat milk, or coconut water as your base 2. Kidney Nourishing Smoothie Cucumbers hydrate your body, and they're also fabulous for flushing out toxicity in your kidneys. · 1⁄2 large cucumber, peeled and sliced · 1 cup fresh/frozen blueberries · 8 oz coconut water or unsweetened hemp/rice/almond milk · 1-2 Tbsp ground flax or chia seeds · Tbs raw organic honey or stevia to taste (optional) · Ice (optional) 3. Cranberry Lymph Flush Smoothie Cranberry concentrate is a wonderful way to keep your bladder free of unwanted bacteria naturally. Bonus: cranberries are a great source of vitamin C. · 1 cup of mixed berries · 1⁄4 cup unsweetened Cranberry juice concentrate · 1⁄4 avocado · 1 cup coconut water or coconut milk/hemp/almond/rice milk · 1 Tbsp ground flax or chia seeds · 1 teaspoon ginger · Ice (optional) 4. Blackberry-Cinnamon Smoothie Blackberries a fabulous source of Vitamin K, which is essential for absorbing calcium and bone growth. (And it tastes so good! PLUS great for us as well) · 1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries · 1 cup coconut water or unsweetened almond/coconut/hemp/rice milk · 1 Tbsp ground flax or chia seeds · 1⁄8 tsp cinnamon · 1 handful of spinach · Splash of vanilla extract · Tbsp raw, organic honey or stevia to taste (optional) JUICES 1. The Green Monster Drinking this green juice will alkalize your body and leave you feeling fabulous. Even better, it contains parsley, which is loaded with Vitamin C and iron, which can be difficult for many vegan or vegetarians to get enough iron. (You must drink this one!) · 1 and 1⁄2 cups coconut water · 1 handful kale · 1 handful spinach · 5 stalks celery · 1 apple, cored and chopped · Juice from 1 lemon · 1⁄2 bunch parsley Note: add the coconut water at the end to your juice. 2. Delicious Detox This is a great drink for juicing newbies because the carrots add enough sweetness to make you feel like you're not even drinking a green juice. · 3 carrots · 3 stalks celery · 1 cucumber · 1⁄2 bunch kale · 1⁄2 bunch parsley · 1⁄2 bunch cilantro · 1 lemon squeezed 3. Cleanse Your Blood Juice Beets are known to cleanse the blood and colon. By doing so, you're supporting and strengthening your liver and gallbladder. · 1 medium beet · 1 large apple · 3 radishes · 1 cup fresh kale leaves 4. Simple + Sweet Green Flush This is great for anyone with digestive issues, because the apple aids in digestion and improves bowel function. It's a fun and easy treat for juicers at all levels. (Another must for us!)
5. Carrot + Apple Looking to reduce water retention? This one's for you, as carrots help to eliminate excess water from the body! This is perfect for anyone who is feeling bloated and wants to flush!
REMEMBER that you will need to adapt THESE RECIPES to suit your dietary PREFERENCES and also which foods you can TOLERATE. If you have any more questions then please free to email me at [email protected] or visit my Facebook Page at My Crohn's Doctor. Yours in Health and Wellness Dr Michael  LEGAL DISCLAIMER - This article (including links to any/all website pages, blog posts, blog comments, forum, videos, audio recordings, etc.) is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have an urgent medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. Any application of the recommendations in this email is at the reader's discretion. My Crohn's Doctor and Dr Michael are not liable for any direct or indirect claim, loss or damage resulting from use of this email. Readers should consult their own physicians concerning the recommendations in this article.
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My Crohn's Doctor
