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.
While people should avoid raw fruits when they have a flare-up, they can eat ripe bananas, melons, and apples with the skin removed.
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.
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.
Calming techniques like deep breathing or meditation may help you relax. Make sure you get enough exercise and sleep, too. And set limits on how much you take on. That way, you won't have too much to do when a flare hits and you don't feel well.
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.
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.
Yes, coffee appears to be safe to consume if you have Crohn's or colitis, however it may trigger symptoms in certain individuals. If coffee triggers your symptoms, consider decreasing the amount you consume or having it after eating to improve tolerance.
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.
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.
Many of the foods suitable for a Crohn's diet (such as white rice) are affordable, especially if you buy them in bulk.
Support Your Gut
Support and replenish those good bacteria by consuming prebiotic foods. Prebiotics feed the good bacteria and includes foods like fiber-rich seeds, whole grains and beans, along with fermented foods that are naturally high in probiotics (think kimchi, yogurt and kombucha).
These can include meditation, deep breathing, biofeedback, yoga, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Simplify your diet. There is no specific diet that prevents or cures Crohn's disease, but you may identify specific foods that tend to worsen your symptoms. Keeping a food journal can help you make these connections.