I have Crohn's disease and am learning what I can and can't eat. Is there a special Crohn's diet I should follow?
The food you eat is an important part of managing Crohn's disease (CD). However, there is no single diet for people with Crohn's to follow.
Certain foods and beverages can worsen your symptoms. But there's no firm evidence that what you eat causes Crohn's disease. Plus, different foods affect people with Crohn's disease differently. You may be able to eat some foods that others with Crohn's disease can't. It's important to figure out what works best for you to minimize your symptoms and maintain good nutrition.
General dietary suggestions
There are basic guidelines to follow that may help you manage your symptoms.
- Eat small meals. You may find that you feel better eating five or six small meals a day rather than two or three larger ones.
- Drink plenty of liquids. Try to drink plenty of fluids daily. Water is best. Alcohol and beverages that contain caffeine stimulate your intestines and can make diarrhea worse, while carbonated drinks frequently produce gas.
- Limit dairy products. Some people with Crohn's disease can't digest lactose. Lactose is a sugar found in dairy products. If you have digestive problems when you eat dairy, it may help to switch to lactose-free dairy products or to use an enzyme product such as Lactaid.
- Reduce or avoid fatty foods. High-fat foods, fried foods and highly processed meats can cause digestive problems.
- Limit high-fiber foods. Examples include popcorn, seeds and nuts.
Know your triggers and keep a food diary
It's important to understand which foods cause your symptoms. Keep in mind that some common triggers are healthy food options. For example, fruit is a healthy food that is full of nutrients. However, eating fruit that has seeds or is not peeled may trigger your symptoms. In addition, you might be able to eat raw cucumbers, but you need to remove the skin and cook other types of vegetables.
It isn't always clear which foods might be causing your symptoms. The best way to identify your triggers is to keep a food diary. Use your diary to track everything you eat and drink and how each of them affects you. This can help pinpoint the foods that cause your symptoms and which ones don't cause you discomfort.
Your individual diet plan
Many people with Crohn's disease can consume most foods when in remission but need to change their diets during flares. Other people may need to stay on a modified diet. It's tempting to avoid foods or food groups if they cause symptoms. However, not eating entire food groups puts you at risk of malnutrition. It's helpful to work with a nutritionist or dietitian who can create a meal plan that is nutritious but avoids your triggers.
With
Sahil Khanna, M.B.B.S., M.S.
Show References
- Diet, nutrition, and inflammatory bowel disease. Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/science-and-professionals/patient-resources/patient-brochures. Accessed June 7, 2023.
- What should I eat? Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/diet-and-nutrition/what-should-i-eat. Accessed June 5, 2023.
- Farraye FA, et al. The food fight: What can you eat? In: Mayo Clinic on Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: Strategies To Manage IBD and Take Charge of Your Life. Mayo Clinic Press; 2022.
- Levine A, et al. Dietary guidance from the International Organization for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Clinal Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2020; doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2020.01.046.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/crohns-disease/expert-answers/is-there-a-special-diet-for-crohns-disease/faq-20548976