Why does crohns make you tired

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Print This Page. How useful was this post? Click on a star to rate it! As you found this post useful Follow us on social media! We are sorry that this post was not useful for you! Be sure to share your concerns about fatigue with your doctor so that he or she can help find ways to address this issue.

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You should also speak to your doctor if you think your medication may be causing your fatigue, as they might be able to adjust the dose or find an alternative medicine. If your Crohn's or Colitis is in remission, you could ask for a blood test to check for anaemia, iron stores, vitamin B12, and other chemical or nutrient deficiencies. Those experiencing emotional or psychological stress should speak to their GP or IBD team about accessing specialist support to help cope with this.

For more information on the different types of counselling and how it may help you, see our information on Mental Health and Wellbeing. There is some evidence that low to moderate intensity physical activity may reduce IBD fatigue.

You could try gradually to increase the amount of physical exercise you do, while being careful not to overdo it. This can be simple activities, such as walking rather than catching the bus for short journeys, or going to exercise classes. It is important to achieve the right balance between doing too much and exhausting yourself, and not doing enough to make a difference.

You might need to build up your activity level slowly over several weeks. See our information on Living with Crohn's or Colitis for tips on exercising with Crohn's or Colitis. If you smoke, stopping smoking can also help to reduce Crohn's or Colitis fatigue. You may find our information sheet Smoking and IBD helpful. If pain is contributing to your fatigue, you may wish to discuss pain management strategies with your IBD team.

There are a number of options that may help with pain in Crohn's or Colitis, many of which have already been mentioned above as ways to tackle fatigue. These include drug treatments, exercise or physical therapy, stopping smoking and counselling.

For more information on how to increase your physical activity, or for advice on stopping smoking, visit nhs. I try and take each day as it comes. I like running, so I get out for a run when I feel up to it. There are many foods that may help alleviate various deficiencies, including vitamin B12, iron, folate and vitamin D, which is also synthesised in the skin during exposure to sunlight.

Your doctor, IBD team or dietician can offer advice. For information on nutritional supplements such as iron, folic acid a synthetic form of folate , vitamin B12 and others, you may want to read our information sheet Other Treatments for IBD. Some people have found that taking other supplements, such as omega-3 oils found naturally in oily fish and some other foods improves their fatigue.

However, there is little scientific evidence to support this. Check with your IBD team before taking any supplements or making major changes in your diet. Some people find that during a flare-up they cannot tolerate certain foods. During remission, you should try to eat as balanced and healthy a diet as possible. Foods containing carbohydrates are a major source of energy. There are two types of carbohydrate — simple and complex.

Foods containing complex carbohydrates such as cereals or porridge can provide you with longer-term energy. Foods containing simple carbohydrates such as sugary sweets, cakes and biscuits provide quick bursts of energy, but this energy only lasts a short time. Although there is currently little scientific evidence, some people find that following a gluten-free diet reduces their fatigue.

Assess your diet Do you have any foods that make you feel heavier, or sluggish? Consider if you are getting a good mix of fruits and vegetables, carbohydrates for energy, and rich protein. Manage your workload Wherever possible, ensure your workplace, family or education provider is aware of your condition and see what flexibility is available with responsibilities, work hours and prior planning.

Know your body You are the best person to assess when you need to rest or recharge.