Crohn's Disease Dietary Therapy

Animal Protein

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein in your body.   No matter what protein you eat, it is broken down in your gut into amino acids, which are then absorbed by your upper intestine.  Then your body will build the specific proteins it needs to remain healthy.  Animal protein is a complete protein, meaning it has all the amino acids the body needs.  A specific vegetable protein, on the other hand, is an incomplete protein, meaning that each vegetable lacks a few of these essential amino acids.  However, eating a variety of vegetables will correct this as some vegetables will make up for those amino acids missing in others.  Fifty grams of animal protein a day will provide all the amino acids your body needs.  A piece of meat or chicken about the size of a deck of cards will usually suffice.  You need to read labels on milk, cheese and other foods derived from animals and to become educated on protein in all foods you eat.  The amino acids derived from vegetables and fruits are just as good as those derived from animals.