Doctors will often recommend that people with Crohn's disease keep a food journal of everything they eat and in what amounts. A person can list the symptoms — if any — they experience after eating certain foods. Common foods that may worsen symptoms include spicy foods, dairy products, alcohol, and high fiber grains.
Fatty foods can make symptoms worse, especially if you have inflammation in your small intestine. Avoid spicy foods. Hot and spicy foods contain chemicals that can irritate your digestive system and worsen symptoms, according to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation. Limit dairy products.
Although there's no firm evidence that any particular foods cause Crohn's disease, certain things seem to aggravate flare-ups. So a food diary can help you identify personal triggers. Beyond that, limit dairy products, eating smaller meals, stay hydrated, and try to avoid caffeine, alcohol, and carbonation.
Coffee Has Its Pros and Cons
In either case, the high amount of caffeine in coffee can aggravate certain unpleasant Crohn's symptoms. But some people with Crohn's tolerate coffee in small doses, such as a morning cup. “I think it's fine for people to have their morning coffee,” Dr. Longman says.
Smoking: Smoking can increase the possibility of a flare in Crohn's disease. Keep in mind that this could include prolonged exposure to second-hand smoke. Infections: Sometimes, infection of the gastrointestinal tract (such as c. difficile) can cause flares of symptoms.
Do: Eggs. They're a quick, easy-to-digest breakfast choice. And they're a good source of high-quality protein. If you like them fried or scrambled, go light on fats like butter or oil.
Short answer: yes, if tolerated! Pizza is a food that can be categorized into the Western Diet, which research has linked to the increased prevalence of IBD. But pizza can feel like a slice of normalcy. There's a case to be made for enjoying pizza occasionally, if you tolerate it!
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.
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.
Some high-fiber fruits and veggies may be best avoided, as they can increase intestinal gas, such as corn, broccoli, and prunes. Grains: When you're having symptoms, choose bread, pasta, and other carbohydrates made from refined white flour instead of whole grains. 4 White rice is another low-fiber option.
Angela Cohen, age 33, Crohn's disease
“When I'm feeling well and don't have restrictions, I sometimes try to incorporate more foods like yogurt, oatmeal, whole grain bread, sweet potato, turkey sausage, apples, berries, avocado, and bananas.
Cheese lovers with Crohn's disease have options. “Natural cheeses may contain some beneficial bacteria, so we don't want to demonize cheese or dairy. It can be really helpful for fighting diseases and a healthy part of the diet for someone with Crohn's disease,” Medlin says.
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.
According to research, the average life expectancy of an individual with Crohn's is shorter compared to those who do not have Crohn's. The average life expectancy for females is 78.4 years and for males, it is 75.5 years.
Causes for Crohn's disease are not completely known. Researchers believe genetic, hereditary, and environmental components may play a part in the condition. And while stress does not cause Crohn's, past research shows it can affect IBD and Crohn's disease.
Spicy or greasy foods, whole grains, high-fiber fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, caffeine, and alcohol can also be problematic for Crohn's patients. Avoiding trigger foods may keep symptoms manageable.
Most of those studies also concluded that Crohn's symptoms worsened with alcohol consumption. The authors likewise noted that confirming the findings will require further research.