In general though, you'll want to avoid processed foods that can trigger gut inflammation, and primarily follow a Mediterranean Diet of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, lean meats, fish, beans, and eggs.
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.
Eating certain foods can sometimes help relieve the symptoms of a Crohn's flare-up. Refined grains, low fiber fruits, lean proteins, and yogurt are some options.
While people should avoid raw fruits when they have a flare-up, they can eat ripe bananas, melons, and apples with the skin removed.
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.
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.
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, foods high in fiber and fat, dairy products, and carbonated beverages such as soda can trigger a flare-up. The best option is to stick to fresh fruits and vegetables, along with lean meats, says Dr. Sultan.
Herbal Teas May Soothe the Digestive System
As with coffee, decaffeinated teas and other beverages in general are the way to go, says Gaffen. That's because even low-caffeine tea like white tea may cause symptoms.
Avoid high-fiber foods.
Fiber is essential to healthy digestion, but some people with Crohn's disease find that high-fiber foods, such as whole-wheat pasta or bread, and beans and other legumes, like chickpeas and lentils, can cause diarrhea and bloating during flares.
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.
Yogurt Yogurt is a rich source of probiotics — “good bacteria” — and helps promote gut health. And unlike cow's milk and cheese, yogurt is a dairy product that is well tolerated by people with IBD.
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.
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.
Keep It Simple To Avoid Triggers
Simpler foods like white bread, bananas, white rice, and white meat like poultry can be easier to tolerate. 4 Consider sandwiches with lean meat like turkey and avocado instead of lettuce and tomato. Or, you might try well-cooked foods like mashed potatoes, rice, and veggies.
Can you eat pizza with Crohn's disease? Although everyone with Crohn's disease is different, pizza may trigger symptoms in some people. Common ingredients found in pizza that may cause trouble include cheese, sauces, and fatty, processed meats, such as sausage, bacon, ham, and pepperoni.
Certain high-fat foods can cause symptoms in some people with Crohn's disease, but you may be able to tolerate higher-fat protein sources like nut butters and whole eggs without issue. Nevertheless, most people with Crohn's disease opt for low-fat protein sources like: Lean poultry like chicken and turkey.
For example, anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen can make some people's symptoms worse. Ask a pharmacist, a GP or your care team for advice before taking an medicine bought from a pharmacy, including medicines to relieve stomach cramps or diarrhoea (such as loperamide).
While doctors encourage most people to include plenty of high-fiber foods in their diet, the Crohn's sufferer should limit fiber intake to refined breads and pastas, low-fiber cereals, and fruits and vegetables that are easy to digest. This is especially true during a Crohn's flare up.
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.
Anti-inflammatory drugs are often the first step in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. They include: Corticosteroids. Corticosteroids such as prednisone and budesonide (Entocort EC) can help reduce inflammation in your body, but they don't work for everyone with Crohn's disease.