Yes, oatmeal is a safe food for most people with Crohn's disease in remission, during a flare, and with active disease. Oats and oatmeal are a great source of soluble fiber making them well tolerated by most people with Crohn's disease.
Soluble fibre is partially digested (broken down) in the large intestine to form a glue like substance, which helps to produce soft/formed stools, without causing inflammation. Examples of foods rich in soluble fibre are: Oats e.g. Porridge oats/Ready Brek ®, oatcakes.
Because we recognize the importance of soluble fiber, we allow steel-cut and rolled oats on the diet (SCD does not allow grains of any kind). Finally, IBD-AID also recommends certain types of proteins— lean meats, beans, and soy products (tofu)—which are lower in saturated fat.
Choose low fibre cereals such as cornflakes or Rice Crispies® (rather than high fibre cereals such as Bran Flakes®, Shredded Wheat® and Weetabix®). Choose white bread instead of granary or brown bread. Peel fruit before eating or have tinned or stewed fruit instead.
Is oatmeal safe for Crohn's disease? Yes, oatmeal is a safe food for most people with Crohn's disease in remission, during a flare, and with active disease. Oats and oatmeal are a great source of soluble fiber making them well tolerated by most people with Crohn's disease.
Do: White Bread. Toasted bread or a bagel made with refined white flour are good for breakfast or as a sandwich base. Look for brands with 2 grams of fiber or less per serving. Low-fiber grains are easier to digest when you have Crohn's.
Lisa Simon, RD, a registered dietitian in London, says there's a wide variety of healthy fats and we should encourage more people with Crohn's disease to eat foods such as avocados, nuts and seeds (unless your doctor says to be careful with these because of strictures), tahini, and extra-virgin olive oil.
To help your body digest fibrous foods during a flare, the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation (CCF) recommends avoiding the skins of fruits and vegetables; raw produce, especially cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower; and high-fiber whole grains, and opt for low-fiber fruits such as bananas and melons.
She recommends lactose-free cow's milk as the best nutritional choice for most people with lactose intolerance: “It provides 8 grams of protein and 300 milligrams of calcium per cup.” Goat's milk has slightly less lactose than cow's milk and some people find they tolerate it better.
Symptoms of Crohn's disease can also include inflammation in the colon. Merely waking up in the morning stimulates the colon to start moving again. (It slows down — a lot — while you sleep.) Because of that, if someone has an active IBD flare that involves their colon, their symptoms could worsen when they wake up.
Oatmeal has anti-Inflammatory properties.
Not only do oats have protein and fiber, they are full of other powerful vitamins and minerals. Oats boast 24 phenolic compounds — plant compounds that have antioxidant properties.
An increase in appetite and disordered eating can also occur in people with IBD. Binge eating, comfort eating, and impulse eating are all associated with IBD due to anxiety, depression, drug side effects, and factors associated with inflammation and the gut-brain axis.
Potatoes. These starchy veggies can be a lifesaver during a Crohn's flare-up. Just be sure you avoid potato skins, as they are high in fiber and may cause digestive distress. Bake or roast white or sweet potatoes and scoop out the middle for a simple, delicious meal that won't leave you feeling under the weather.
Mashed potatoes can be great to eat during a Crohn's flare-up. They contain potassium and can be either baked or broiled. Skim milk can substitute traditional dairy milk when preparing for added precaution. Try pairing skinless potatoes with salmon to make a great meal that the whole family can enjoy!
“Eggs are high-quality protein,” says Cepo. If you need to increase protein because of Crohn's or medication effects, pair a hard-boiled egg with your usual muffin or bagel.
4. Probiotic foods like yogurt, kefir, aged cheeses, miso and real sourdough bread can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, something that is altered in Crohn's disease.
Berries Yezaz Ghouri, MD, a gastroenterologist at the University of Missouri Health Care in Columbia, recommends fruits such as strawberries and blueberries because they're easily digestible for people with Crohn's disease. They also exhibit antioxidant activity, which protects your cells against damage.
Foods To Avoid:
– Nuts: Nuts are difficult to digest and can irritate the lining of your intestines. Substitute creamy nut butters instead, such as almond butter or peanut butter. – Seeds: Strawberries and raspberries, or bread with sees can create discomfort.
Iceberg and butter lettuce — These soft, light green lettuces are considered safe in small amounts for most people with Crohn's. They are low in fiber and high in water content. When you are in remission, slowly introduce butter lettuce or other soft greens into your diet for valuable nutrition.