Sugar & Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease discomfort can be treated by dietary elimination of bowel-inflaming foods. Sugar inflames the bowels and causes discomfort in an individual who has Crohn's disease.

Crohn's Disease

Decomposition of protective layers within the intestines causes a sensitivity to higher acid levels. Potentially caused by viral infection, bacterial infection or abnormal immune response, many individuals who suffer from severe cases have genetic markers in common.

Acidity of Sugar

Sugar digestion readily produces acidic molecules due to stability of the disaccharide sucrose, allowing for release of charged hydrogen molecules. The disaccharide does not break down entirely and cannot be absorbed, causing a build up of acid.

Milk Sugar

Another acidic disaccharide, which cannot be readily removed from the intestinal fluids, is lactose. While behaving similar to sucrose chemically, lactose can be absorbed when the enzyme lactase is present. Lactase breaks lactose into the galactose and glucose molecules, which can be absorbed.

Alcoholic Beverages

Sugar concentration varies in alcoholic beverages.

Sugar concentration may vary in alcoholic beverages, as part of the byproducts and flavor of the beverage. Lower sugar content in the beverage may result in lower inflammatory reaction of the intestines. Tolerance varies.

Severity and Treatment

The severity of Crohn's disease may allow for some sugar consumption. Consult with a medical professional. Symptoms of Crohn's disease and discomfort experienced from inflammation might be treatable by prescription medication or over-the-counter products.

References

• Crohn's Disease on the Mayo Clinic Webpage