Crohnās diseaseĀ is a lifelong condition that causes immune reactions and inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Crohnās disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as ulcerative colitis. Crohnās disease symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, blood in stools, fever, joint pain, skin conditions, and eye problems.
Crohnās disease involves phases of active disease, flare-ups, and remission. AĀ Crohnās flare-upĀ can trigger orĀ worsen symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and pain, loss of appetite, and nausea, and persistent symptoms can lead to malnutrition and dehydration.
One of the best ways to manage Crohnās disease is to understand how the food consumed affects you.
Foods to eatĀ
- Refined grains: Studies indicate that certain insoluble fibres can worsen IBD symptoms. As refined grains have less insoluble fibre than whole grains, they tend to pass more easily and swiftly through the digestive tract and are less likely to cause inflammation. Examples of refined grainsĀ include pasta, white rice, white bread, rice snacks, and plain crackers.
- Low-fibre fruits: Low-fibre fruits are easy on the digestive system while containing various nutrients. Examples include honeydew melon, bananas, cantaloupe, watermelon, raspberries, peaches, and avocados. Ripe fruits generally have less fibre than unripe fruits. Removing the peel or skin from a piece of fruit can decrease the content of insoluble fibres, such as cellulose and lignin.
- Preserving and poaching and preserving fruit can also reduce fibre content. The more processing fruit goes through, the easier it is for the body to digest. Cooked and canned fruits are usually low in fibre. However, they have a high sugar content.Ā
- Vegetables: Ā Consume fully cooked, skinless, seedless, non-cruciferous vegetables such as green beans and carrots are high in fibre. Starchy vegetables such as potatoes and squash can be consumed. Limit the use of oil or butter when roasting or frying vegetables and can boil/steam them since fats can irritate the digestive system and worsen Crohnās symptoms.
- Lean proteins: ProteinĀ is a vital component of a balanced diet and important for overall health. However, many animal protein sources are also high in dietary fats. A high intake of animal fats is aĀ risk factorĀ for developing many IBDs, including Crohnās. Consuming high levels of dietary fat can also worsen existing IBD symptoms. Prioritizing lean protein sources can help a person maintain adequate nutrition while minimizing the risk of IBD symptoms.
- EggsĀ are excellent sources of lean protein. Egg yolks also contain high amounts ofĀ vitamins AĀ andĀ D of which people with CrohnāsĀ patients often experience deficiencies. Other sources include salmon, tilapia, flounder, white meat chicken, and lean cuts of pork.
- Soy products: In addition to lean protein, soy products such as tofuĀ containĀ bioactive peptides. SomeĀ research also suggests they haveĀ antioxidantĀ and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help manage IBD.
- Lean meats: Skinless turkeyĀ and chicken are good examples of lean meats. When purchasing red meat, such as pork, it is best to select the leanest cut available and trim any excess visible fat. People experiencing a Crohnās flare-up cook proteins to a soft texture and avoid tough or chewy meat cuts. Doing so can reduce the burden these foods place on the digestive process.
- Oily fish: Oily fish contain healthy fats, includingĀ omega-3Ā fatty acids which combat inflammation and may helpĀ reduce the risk ofĀ cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. Health experts often recommend eating at least two servings of oily fish per week. These include salmon, trout, herring, mackerel, sardines, and tuna. To keep fat levels minimal, you can grill the fish or bake them with small amounts of vegetable oil. Other sources of omega-3 fatty acids include chia seeds and flax seeds.
- Yogurt and other dairy products: Many yogurts contain probiotics, which are healthy bacteria that reduce gut inflammation and improve intestinal barrier function. Other dairy products, such as cheese and milk are rich inĀ calcium. Manufacturers may also fortify them with vitamin A. However, many contain lactose, a type of sugar. Some doctorsĀ recommend individuals with Crohnās try eliminating lactose from their diet, as it can trigger digestive discomfort in people with an intolerance.
- Juices: Fruit and vegetable juices (beets, carrots, leafy greens, apples, and pineapple) are low in fibre while retaining high levels of minerals and vitamins. Although it is best to avoid sugar during a Crohnās flare-up, a daily glass of diluted fruit juice that contains no added sugar can help boost a personās nutrient intake as part of a varied diet. Vitamin C from fruit juice can also help the gut absorb iron.
- Protein shakes and meal replacements: Sometimes people cannot tolerate any solid foods during a Crohnās flare. In these cases, doctors may recommend following a liquid diet. Protein shakes are the best way to maximize calories and protein on a liquid diet. Choosing a protein shake that is low in added sugars is important.
- Green tea: Drinking green tea may benefit people with Crohnās.Ā Multiple studies suggest green tea can have anti-inflammatory properties. This may help reduce symptoms of Crohnās flares. Green tea is also a healthy alternative toĀ coffeeĀ and sugary drinks, which may aggravate Crohnās symptoms.
Foods to avoidĀ
Avoid trigger foods and foods that can increase active disease risk.Ā
Trigger foods:
Trigger foods include foods that cause unpleasant symptoms such as gas, abdominal pain, and bloating. Common trigger foods and beverages include:
- Foods with high insoluble fibre content (that cannot dissolve in water) can be difficult to digest: apple skin, sunflower seeds, raw kale
- High-fibre foods: Cabbage, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, and cauliflower
- High lactose-containing foods: Cream, cowās milk, cream, custard, and ice cream
- Artificial sweeteners: mannitol, sorbitol, sucralose, xylitol, saccharin, and aspartame
- Sugary foods: pastries, cookies, honey, coconut sugar, maple syrup
- High-fat foods: cheesy dishes, fried foods
- Spicy foods: chilli powder, sriracha,
- Alcohol
- Caffeinated tea/coffee, energy drinks, and carbonated drinks such as soda
- Wheat bran
Foods that can increase the risk of inflammation:
- Red meat: lamb, beef, veal, pork, bison
- Processed meat: lunch/deli meat, hot dogs, bacon, sausages
- Dairy fat and saturated fats, such as those in butter, mayonnaise,Ā coconut oil, palm oil, and margarine
- Ready meals and processed foods
One could also avoid mushrooms, steak, popcorn, raw nuts, and dried meats or fruit. Tougher-to-digest foods can be reintroduced during remission.
Final thoughts
Oatmeal, mashed potatoes, salmon fillets, avocados, fruit and vegetable juices, eggs, grilled chicken, yogurt, almond milk, and baked apple desserts are gut-soothing foods for Crohnās patients, whereas foods with high content of insoluble fibres, lactose, sugar, and caffeine content, and processed foods must be avoided. However, Crohnās diseaseĀ affects each individual differently, which means there are no hard-and-fast rules regarding which foods to eat or avoid.Ā
The best way to shore up yourĀ CrohnāsĀ dietĀ is by assessing your own experience with particular foods.Ā To identify food triggers, maintain a food diary and start eliminating the foods you cannot tolerate. Next, look for nutrient-rich foods that you can digest easily. At the time of a flare-up, it is best to drink plenty of fluids and avoid foods that aggravate Crohnās symptoms. Eating nutrient-rich foods that are easy to digest can help ease symptoms and promote healing. During remission, it is important to eat a healthy, balanced diet.