The soluble fiber found in foods like cooked apples, ground chia seeds, and oatmeal in particular may help people with Crohn's by absorbing fluid and slowing down digestion.
Whole grains
The high amounts of fiber in foods like whole-grain bread, whole-wheat pasta, popcorn and bran can cause a lot of traffic through the gastrointestinal tract. “That can be irritating to someone experiencing a disease flare,” Taylor says.
Your health care provider may recommend that you temporarily follow a low-fiber diet when you have a flare-up of: Irritable bowel syndrome. Diverticulitis. Crohn disease.
Studies have shown that increased fiber can actually lower the risk of Crohn's disease and can decrease flares by 40%–as long as you do it when you don't have active symptoms (pain, blood in the stool and diarrhea). It seems to be because all that healthy fiber has a good effect on the bacteria in your intestine.
Depending on the severity of your Crohn's disease, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following: Anti-diarrheals. A fiber supplement, such as psyllium powder (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel), can help relieve mild to moderate diarrhea by adding bulk to your stool.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Although studies suggest conflicting results, some physicians recommend psyllium for mild-to-moderate cases of diarrhea from either ulcerative colitis or Crohn disease (another type of inflammatory bowel disorder).
May not be suitable for people with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, phenylketonuria, or difficulty swallowing. Contraindicated in people with fecal impaction or gastrointestinal obstruction (bowel blockage).
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.
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.
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.
According to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, most people with Crohn's disease find that they feel better if they: Eat small amounts more frequently throughout the day, rather than two or three large meals. Avoid greasy or fatty foods, especially fried dishes.
Crohn's disease is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. It is an autoimmune disorder, meaning your body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in your body. Crohn's disease is chronic (ongoing), and may appear and disappear at various times.
Steroids can be used in the short-term to get a flare into remission, and while medication is the first treatment option, many people with Crohn's need surgery at some point, according to the CCF. Surgery may help reduce the number of flares a person has and reduce complications.
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.
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.
Sourdough bread is typically made of flour, water, and salt. It often involves a long fermentation process, which can make it much easier to digest. This may make it especially beneficial for people living with IBD.
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.
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.
Q: Can I take Metamucil every day? A: Yes! For best results, we recommend taking the dietary fiber supplement Metamucil every day. Metamucil fiber powders can be taken up to three times per day as a dietary fiber supplement.
Taking fiber supplements every day seems to be safe. Popular fiber supplements include inulin, psyllium (Metamucil, Konsyl, others) and methylcellulose (Citrucel). Fiber is good for the body. It helps the bowel work well and prevents constipation.
Any time of day is appropriate to take Metamucil as long as an adequate intake of fluids (at least 240 mL of water or liquid per serving) is consumed. We recommend taking Metamucil three times per day at mealtimes as a convenient way to get the benefits of Metamucil.