If you suffer from an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), you understand how terrible a flare-up can be. Regardless of your efforts, the inflammation associated with conditions such as Crohn’s disease may seem unavoidable. Stomach pain, cramping, and diarrhoea can make you feel awful and disrupt your plans.
Crohn’s is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It results in chronic inflammation and irritation in various parts of the digestive tract.
When experiencing a flare-up, consuming soft, non-irritating, and nutritionally rich foods may be beneficial. It’s also advisable to avoid some foods that can trigger inflammation.
In this blog, we will explore the best diet for Crohn’s disease & discuss foods that you should avoid.
Best Diet for Crohn’s Disease
Living with Crohn’s disease can be challenging, but choosing the right diet can make a significant difference in managing the symptoms and improving overall well-being.
If you want to know more about the diet plans for other IBDs like Ulcerative Colitis, check out our previous guide, Ulcerative Colitis Diet: Foods to Eat and Avoid, for more insights into foods that can help or hinder your health.
Fruits and Vegetables
The health benefits of fruits and vegetables are numerous, but their high insoluble fibre content may cause some issues.
Instead of completely avoiding fruits and vegetables, you can still gain some of their advantages by preparing them differently.
For example, baking and steaming fruits and vegetables can make them easier to digest. However, this process may eliminate some important nutrients, particularly water-soluble vitamins & enzymes.
You should consider consulting with a doctor & a dietitian to learn about methods to avoid any deficiencies.
Below are some fruits and vegetables that you can consider:
- Applesauce
- Steamed or cooked vegetables
- Peeled cucumbers
- Bell peppers
- Bananas
- Cantaloupe
- Squash
- Pumpkin
Refined Grains
Plant-based diets might help reduce inflammation in the intestines and enhance overall health. However, specific insoluble fibres can worsen symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) during a flare-up due to their difficult digestibility.
Refined grains contain less insoluble fibre than whole grains, making them likely to move through the digestive system more quickly and effortlessly.
Here are some refined grains to consider in your diet:
- Plain crackers
- White bread
- Pasta
- Rice snacks
- White rice
Lean Protein
When considering Crohn’s flare-ups, the fat content should determine your protein choices. It is better to choose proteins with lower fat content.
Due to its soft texture and low-fat content, lean protein is usually suitable for most people with Crohn’s disease, even during a flare-up. The body needs more protein when a person is suffering from an active disease and has inflammation to help repair the damaged digestive tract tissue. Therefore, maintaining sufficient protein intake is crucial to support your body’s recovery.
Here are some protein options to consider:
- Pork tenderloin
- Shellfish
- White meat poultry
- Peanut butter
- Eggs
- Fish
- Tofu and other soy products
Dairy Products
While some people with Crohn’s disease may occasionally consume milk without issues, others may have difficulty taking dairy. Consider opting for dairy substitutes, which can be found in many food stores and supermarkets.
Types of dairy or dairy alternatives include – milk, yoghurt, and cheese derived from plant sources such as soy, coconut, almond, flax, or hemp, as well as low-fat fermented dairy products like yoghurt or kefir.
Drinks and Juices
Consuming still drinks can assist individuals in maintaining hydration and increasing their nutrient intake without causing stomach irritation. Vegetable and fruit juices have minimal fibre content and are rich in essential vitamins and minerals.
While it is advisable to limit sugar consumption during a Crohn’s flare-up, a daily serving of tinned fruit juice without added sugar can enhance a person’s nutrient intake as part of a diverse diet.
Vitamin C from fruit juice can also help absorb iron in the gut. Opting for a protein shake is the most effective approach to maximising calorie and protein intake while on a liquid diet. It is crucial to select a protein shake with a low added sugar content.
Foods to Avoid with Crohn’s Disease
Foods that trigger unpleasant symptoms do not necessarily cause harm or inflammation to your body. Trigger foods vary for each individual, but here are some common examples:
- Certain foods high in insoluble fibre, such as raw kale, apple skin, and sunflower seeds, can be difficult to digest.
- High-fibre foods like Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and asparagus.
- Foods containing high levels of lactose, including cow’s milk, cream, ice cream, and custard.
- Sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners like sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, sucralose, aspartame, and saccharin.
- Added sugars and sugary foods such as cookies, pastries, coconut sugar, honey, and maple syrup.
- High-fat foods like butter, cheesy dishes, and fried foods.
- Spicy foods like sriracha and chilli powder.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Caffeinated coffee and tea, energy drinks, and other caffeinated beverages.
- Sugar-sweetened beverages, including soda, coffee, or espresso drinks with added sugar or syrup and juices.
Conclusion
Dealing with Crohn’s disease requires paying a lot of attention to your diet. Identifying trigger foods and adopting a nutritious diet can minimise flare-ups and reduce digestive discomfort.
It is crucial to consult with your doctor & a dietitian to develop a dietary plan tailored to your specific needs & symptoms. Taking a proactive approach to nutrition can enhance your overall quality of life & help you in effectively managing Crohn’s disease in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What foods should people with Crohn’s disease avoid?
Foods to avoid with Crohn’s disease:
- Alcohol (mixed drinks, beer, wine)
- Butter, mayonnaise, margarine, oils
- Carbonated beverages
- Coffee, tea, chocolate
- Corn
- Dairy products (if lactose-intolerant)
- Fatty foods (fried foods)
- Foods high in fibre
How can someone with Crohn’s disease stay healthy?
To stay healthy with Crohn’s disease, it is important to:
- Eat a balanced diet
- Stay hydrated
- Get regular exercise
- Manage stress levels
2. What is the life expectancy for someone with Crohn’s disease?
People with Crohn’s disease can expect to live as long as people who don’t have the disease. You can still lead a fulfilling life with Crohn’s disease by making a few lifestyle changes.
3. Is walking beneficial for people with Crohn’s disease?
Light to moderate exercise, such as walking or yoga, is considered safe for people with Crohn’s disease. For those with inactive or mildly active IBD who are not very active, moderate walking or yoga can improve quality of life and stress levels and usually does not worsen IBD symptoms.
4. Does Crohn’s disease worsen with age?
Older individuals with Crohn’s disease may not necessarily experience milder symptoms but may be more likely to require surgery. Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed or have been living with Crohn’s disease for years, you likely already know that it requires lifelong management.
