Diet for Crohn's disease: What to Eat and What to Avoid

In this article, we bring you the most effective diet for Crohn's disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) associated with digestive tract inflammation and discomfort. Some of Crohn's symptoms are similar to those of Ulcerative Colitis and Celiac disease.

Diet and lifestyle play a huge role in the prevention of flare-ups, with certain foods causing irritation to the intestinal lining and worsening symptoms. Read on to learn about how to follow a diet for Crohn's disease.

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Foods to Eat in a Diet for Crohn’s Disease

According to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), people with Crohn’s may find relief with a low-fiber, low-residue diet that might reduce irritation to the intestinal lining. Try to include the following grains in your diet:

• rice and rice pasta
• potatoes
• cornmeal and polenta
• oatmeal
• gluten-free bread

Gluten should be avoided in a diet for Crohn's disease (Image via Unsplash/Wesual Click)

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Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables contain several essential nutrients, but they may cause gut irritation due to the presence of high insoluble fiber content.

Fruits and vegetables that are safe in a diet for Crohn's disease are:

• steamed or well-cooked vegetables
• peeled cucumbers
• bell peppers
• bananas
• cantaloupe
• squash
• pumpkin

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Protein Foods

Certain protein foods can trigger flare-ups, especially those with high-fat content. Try to choose from the protein foods listed below:

• eggs
• fish
• shellfish
• peanut butter
• white meat poultry
• tofu and other soy products

However, if you are allergic to soy, shellfish, or eggs, remember to exclude them in your meals.

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Dairy & Dairy Alternatives

You can include regular dairy in a diet for Crohn's disease if you don't experience any intestinal discomfort. If you can't consume dairy, try milk alternatives made from plant-based sources, including:

• alternative products made from plants like soy, coconut, almond, flax, or hemp
• low-fat fermented milk products like yogurt or kefir

If you really love regular milk, you can also find several lactose-free dairy products nowadays.

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Foods to Avoid in a Diet for Crohn’s Disease

Insoluble fiber, found in fruit and vegetable skins, seeds, dark leafy vegetables, and whole grains may increase diarrhea and abdominal pain. However, gluten and fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs) are the main culprits.

Try to avoid these foods that are rich in gluten and FODMAPs:

• whole wheat bread
• whole wheat pasta
• rye and rye products
• barley

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Fruits and vegetables to avoid in a diet for Crohn's disease

Some fruits and vegetables contain high amounts of insoluble fiber and FODMAPs. These substances can trigger flare-ups and hence a low FODMAP diet is considered ideal in this condition. Try to avoid the following fruits and vegetables in a diet for Crohn's disease:

• apples with skins
• broccoli
• cabbage
• cauliflower
• artichokes
• cherries
• peaches
• plums

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Proteins to avoid or limit

Meats with a higher fat content should also be avoided, as these can cause flare-ups. Try to avoid these foods in a diet for Crohn's disease:

• red meat
• sausages and other processed meat products
• dark meat poultry

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Lactose & Crohn's disease

Lactose, a type of milk sugar, can trigger the formation of gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Full-fat milk can be difficult to digest as well. People with dairy allergies must avoid all milk products.

Try to avoid the following dairy and high-fat products if you are facing discomfort:

• butter
• cream
• full-fat dairy products
• margarine

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Other Foods to Avoid in a Diet for Crohn’s Disease

Several other foods can trigger flare-ups and cause discomfort. Spices, including allspice, black pepper, cayenne pepper, chili powder, jalapeños, garlic, white, yellow, or purple onions, paprika, and wasabi should be completely avoided in the diet for Crohn’s disease. Caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, soda, and alcohol can have the same effect. Intestinal discomfort is among the side effects of having too much caffeine.

Alcohol should be avoided in a diet for Crohn's disease (Image via Unsplash/Adam Jaime)

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Supplements to include in a diet for Crohn's disease

Deficiencies in folate, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K) are common in Crohn's disease and supplementation is recommended in most cases. If symptoms persist, it is advisable to get proper advice and treatment from a registered medical professional.

Usually, people with Crohn's disease continue treatment and management throughout their life, and a proper diet can reduce their dependence on medications.