Fall Soup for Gut Health
By Christina Davis
Crohn’s disease affects nearly 1.6 million Americans who are frequently diagnosed before the age of 35. It is a chronic, inflammatory bowel disease typically with lifelong conditions. This disease is caused by inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, causing damage to the lining.
Using diet in Crohn’s disease can be helpful in decreasing inflammation, alkalizing the body, detoxification and lowering blood glucose levels. Eating a balanced diet of protein, healthy fats and low glycemic carbohydrates can be beneficial.
This warming seasonal carrot, ginger, and turmeric soup works well as a therapeutic food for Crohn’s Disease. It follows many of the rigid diet standards used to help reduce symptoms and cause remission of a flare up. It is vegetarian, gluten free, anti-inflammatory, and within the guidelines of the Specific Carbohydrate Diet.
Turmeric and olive oil have been found to reduce inflammation, making these a good option to help heal the lining of the gut which is chronically inflamed with IBD. Turmeric and ginger are useful in treating the gas and bloating associated with Crohn’s Disease, acting as carminatives and stomachics.
Olive oil is high in omega-9 fatty acids and has a high amount of monounsaturated fats that are beneficial to heart health. Garlic is a strong antibiotic and can be helpful for people with compromised immune systems and GI health by helping reduce the risk of infection. Turmeric is most beneficial for it’s inflammation reducing actions, and acts as an antibacterial as well.
The importance of an increase of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet is also discussed as an important dietary step in improving inflammation that occurs during a flare up. Decreasing the amount of omega-6 fatty acids in the diet, while increasing the amount of omega 3 fatty acids, has shown to improve symptoms of IBD. (Scaioli, Liverani and Belluzzi)
Certain vitamins and minerals also play a vital role in improving immune function and inflammation modulation that are compromised in a person with IBD. Vitamins A, C, E, and D, folic acid, beta carotene and trace elements such as zinc, selenium, manganese and iron are all important in improving immune function and reducing inflammation. (Aleksandrova)
Carrots are high in vitamins A & K, manganese, and potassium. They are also a good source of beta-carotene and pectin. Olive oil is high in vitamins E & K, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Onions are high in vitamins B6 & C, manganese, and potassium. Garlic is high in vitamins B6 & C, manganese, and selenium. Ginger is high in volatile oils and bitter principles like gingerol.
Turmeric is high in volatile oils and curcuminoids like curcumin.
This soup is incredibly easy to make - below is a link to a simple recipe. Enjoy it paired with a salad or sandwich as part of a light lunch, or warm up your belly with it as an appetizer to your dinner. It’s a great base to dress up in anyway you like!
References
Aleksandrova, Krasimira. "Diet, Gut Microbiome and Epigenetics: Emerging Links with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Prospects for Management and Prevention." Nutrients (2017): 962. Web. 12 March 2018. <http://rj2hh4ra6g.search.serialssolutions.com/?V=1.0&sid=PubMed:LinkOut&pmid=28867793>.
Limketkai, Berkeley N. "Nutritional Intervention in the Patient with Inflammatory Bowel Disease." Gastroenterology clinics of North America (2018): 155-177. Web. 12 March 2018. <http://rj2hh4ra6g.search.serialssolutions.com/?V=1.0&sid=PubMed:LinkOut&pmid=29413010>.
Scaioli, Eleonora, Elisa Liverani and Andrea Belluzzi. "The Imbalance between n-6/n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Comprehensive Review and Future Therapeutic Perspectives." International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2017). Web. 12 March 2018. <http://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/18/12/2619>.