The Best Crohn’s Disease Diet To Reduce Inflammation And Pain

March 12, 2019 by Charushila Biswas

ISSA Certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition

Crohn’s disease affects 1 in every 5 people (1). Its typical symptoms are painful abdominal cramps and diarrhea. To prevent further complications like ulcers and sores, you MUST take care of your diet. This is where Crohn’s disease diet comes in handy. It helps you choose foods that soothe the intestinal walls and avoid foods that might cause inflammation. Keep reading to know how this diet helps, foods to eat and avoid, and diet tips.

Table Of Contents

What Is Crohn’s Disease?

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Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. It can affect any region from the mouth to the anus. The inflammation can go deep into the intestinal wall lining, and you may experience the following symptoms:

Diarrhea
Rectal bleeding
Constipation
Abdominal pain
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Weight loss

Crohn’s disease affects people between 20-30 years and, if left untreated, can cause the following complications:

Intestinal blockage
Ulcers
Kidney stones
Fistulas
Arthritis
Gallstones
Skin issues

This disease is treated over a period of time. You will have to combine drug therapy, diet, surgery, and supplements to get good and quick results. In this post, we will discuss how diet can help and foods to eat and avoid. Scroll down.

How Can Diet Help?

Crohn’s disease diet helps you identify foods that might cause flare-ups and deteriorate the condition. Foods that reduce and control the inflammatory symptoms are recommended in this diet. Crohn’s disease diet helps you control the symptoms and improve your quality of life. Here’s a list of foods that can potentially increase inflammation. So, it’s best to avoid them.

Foods To Avoid

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Alcohol
Raw vegetables and fruits
Dairy products, especially if you are lactose intolerant
Spicy and oily foods
Pickles
Fried foods
Fast foods
Margarine, butter, ghee, mayonnaise, and oil
Foods high in fiber
Nuts and seeds
Nut butters
Legumes – lentils and beans
Carbonated drinks
Red meat and processed meat

This list might feel like there’s nothing left for you to eat or enjoy eating. But if you are not careful about your diet, it might cause kidney problems, fistulas, and skin and liver problems. You may try consuming the following foods.

Foods To Consume

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Note: Make sure you talk to your doctor before consuming these foods.

Peeled, boiled or baked vegetables – Bell pepper, white potato, carrot, pumpkin, squash, cucumber, and spinach.
Peeled raw, boiled or baked fruits – Banana, apple, and cantaloupe.
White rice
White rice pasta or white potato pasta
Boiled or baked fish with limited or less oil and spices
Olive oil, as tolerated
Psyllium and oats bran (if you can tolerate them and if your doctor recommends)

Apart from these foods, you have to try the process of elimination, where you will consume a food and see if you feel any discomfort. If yes, you must eliminate it from your diet.

Also, there are certain diets that scientists have found to help in the remission of IBD symptoms. Talk to your doctor before starting any of the following diets.

Diets That Might Help Reduce Symptoms Of Crohn’s Disease

Not fads but scientifically proven diets might help in reducing the symptoms of Crohn’s disease (2). Here’s a list:

Low-FODMAP Diet
Mediterranean Diet
Low Residue Diet
Semi-vegetarian diet

Along with a good, IBD-compatible diet, taking a few supplements can also help. Here’s the list.

Dietary Supplements For Crohn’s Disease

Multivitamin
Iron (if you have anemia)
Calcium and vitamin D for your bones
Folic acid
Vitamin B12
Vitamins A, E, and K
Zinc

Make sure to consult your doctor before taking any of the supplements mentioned above.

Before coming to a close, here are a few tips to prevent flare-ups. Take a look.

Tips To Prevent Flare-Ups

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Quit smoking.
Make sure that you cook your veggies completely before consuming.
Fish oil and flaxseed oil can help in reducing flare-ups. Talk to your doctor before consuming them.
Have small, frequent meals.
Drink water.
Try to limit your refined sugar intake.
Limit oil and spices.
Avoid adding too much salt to your food.
Consume gluten-free products if you are gluten sensitive.
Seek regular nutritional counseling.
If this disease is affecting your mental health, talk to a psychiatrist.
Stay active by doing some physical activity.

Crohn’s disease is disabling and painful. Be on a diet that will help improve the condition, and, for sure, you will live a pain-free, independent life. Take care!

Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions

Are bananas good for Crohn’s?

Yes, you may consume bananas. But talk to your doctor before consuming them.

Can milk cause Crohn’s disease?

Milk itself cannot cause Crohn’s disease. However, it is best to avoid dairy if you have Crohn’s disease and/or are lactose intolerant.

Can “elimination diets” cure Crohn’s disease?

Elimination diets have been found to work for people with Crohn’s disease. Try it under the supervision of your doctor or a nutritional counselor.

Can a liquid diet help me control Crohn’s disease symptoms?

liquid diet might help. But make sure that your food is cooked properly. If you are drinking fruit juice, strain it to remove all the fiber that might irritate the stomach wall.