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ymptoms of Crohn's disease often
flare up suddenly. Eating the right foods can help manage and relieve these
flare-ups.
Crohn's disease (CD) is a lifelong condition
that causes inflammation and
irritation along parts of the digestive tract. Like ulcerative colitis (UC), CD
is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
A
CD flare-up can trigger or worsen symptoms, such as:
·
diarrhea
·
bloating
·
abdominal cramping and pain
·
nausea
·
loss of appetite
Ongoing
loss of appetite and diarrhea can lead to dehydration and malnutrition.
During
a flare-up, the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation recommend avoiding
potential triggers. A person should eat foods that are soft and bland, but
sufficiently nutritious.
In
this article, we describe 12 of the best foods to eat during a CD flare-up. We
also look at which foods to avoid.
1. Refined grains
Pasta and other refined grains are easy to digest.
Refined
grains have less fermentable fiber than whole grains, so they pass more quickly
through the digestive tract. They tend to be easier on the gut and less likely
to cause inflammation.
Examples
of refined grains include:
·
white breads
·
white rice
·
pasta
·
plain crackers
·
pancakes
·
waffles
·
rice snacks
Ready-to-eat
cereals that are low in fiber are also a good option.
Also,
fortified refined grains contain added essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals,
so a person should look for fortified products.
Many
breads, for example, are fortified with iodine and folate. Manufacturers also tend to fortify
ready-to-eat cereals with:
·
vitamins A, C, and D
·
thiamine
·
iron
·
folate
2. Oatmeal
Oatmeal
made from quick or rolled oats is a type of refined grain, with slightly less
fiber than steel-cut oats. Manufacturers produce oats by removing the hulls.
When
experiencing a CD flare-up, it is best to avoid foods containing insoluble
fiber, which can worsen symptoms of diarrhea.
Oatmeal
contains a soluble fiber called beta-glucan. It can help ease diarrhea by
absorbing water in the intestines, forming a gel, slowing digestion, and adding
bulk to stool.
Try
adding oats to smoothies that contain peeled, low-fiber fruits. Breaking down
food in a blender makes digestion easier.
3. Low-fiber fruits
Low-fiber
fruits are easy on the digestive system, and they can help control diarrhea.
Examples
include:
·
bananas
·
honeydew melon
·
watermelon
·
cantaloupe
·
peaches
The
amount of fiber in a piece of fruit changes as it ripens. Ripe fruits generally
have less fiber than unripe fruits.
However,
during a CD flare-up, it is always best to eat fruit in small servings.
4. Peeled or poached fruit
Removing
the skin or peel from a piece of fruit can reduce the amount of insoluble
fibers, such as lignin and cellulose.
Poaching
and preserving fruit can also decrease the amount of fiber. Generally, the more
processing fruit goes through, the easier it is for the body to digest.
Canned
and cooked fruits are often low in fiber, but they can contain high amounts of
sugar, so eat them in moderation.
5. Cooked and peeled vegetables
Peeling vegetables removes some of the insoluble fiber.
Many
vegetables are high in fiber, but as with fruit, peeling them removes a layer
of insoluble fiber.
Some
vegetables do not need peeling, such as asparagus tips and mushrooms, but it
can help to remove the skins of potatoes, carrots, and squash.
Cooking
vegetables also makes them easier to digest, and it can reduce the fiber
contents.
However,
avoid roasting or frying vegetables in oil or butter, because fats can irritate
the digestive system and worsen symptoms of Crohn's. Try boiling or steaming
them instead.
6. Vegetable and fruit juices
Vegetable
and fruit juices are low in fiber and high in some vitamins and minerals.
Manufacturers also fortify some juices.
It
is best to avoid sugar during a CD flare-up, but a daily glass of diluted fruit
juice that contains no added sugar can help boost a person's nutrient intake.
Vitamin
C from fruit juice can also help the gut absorb iron.
7. Lean meat
Foods
that are high in fat can worsen or prolong symptoms during a CD flare-up.
However,
protein and other nutrients from animal products can help prevent malnutrition.
Skinless
chicken and turkey are good examples of lean
meats. If a person is purchasing red meat, such as pork, they should select the
leanest cut available and trim any excess visible fat.
8. Oily fish
Oily
fish contain healthful fats, including omega-3 fatty
acids. These combat inflammation and may help reduce the risk of heart disease and
certain cancers.
Health
experts often recommend eating at least 2 servings of oily fish
per week. These can include trout, salmon, mackerel, herring, tuna, and
sardines.
To
keep fat levels as low as possible, grill the fish or bake them with small
amounts of vegetable oil.
It
is best to cook the fish, for easy digestion.
9. Soy, eggs, and firm tofu
Soy,
eggs, and tofu are great sources of lean protein.
Also,
egg yolks contain high amounts of vitamin D, and people with
CD are often deficient in
vitamin D and A.
In
addition to lean protein, soy and tofu contain bioactive peptides, and
some research suggests that these have antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory properties, which may help manage
IBD.
10. Yogurt and other dairy products
Many
yogurts contain probiotics, which are healthful bacteria that may help reduce
inflammation in the gut.
However,
some studies suggest that highly concentrated probiotics can
produce mixed results.
Also,
dairy products are rich in calcium, and
manufacturers may fortify them with vitamins D and C.
Many,
however, contain lactose, a type of sugar, and some doctors recommend eliminating lactose from the diet. Supermarkets
often stock lactose-free dairy products, including yogurts.
11. Green Tea
Because it contains caffeine, green tea is an alternative to coffee.
Drinking green tea may
benefit people with CD.
Results
of a 2018 study indicate that a chemical in green tea,
epigallocatechin-3-gallate, helps combat inflammation in laboratory-cultured
human intestinal cells. However, researchers have yet to test the chemical in
people.
Green
tea is also a healthful alternative to coffee and sugary
drinks, both of which may aggravate symptoms of CD.
12. Curcumin
Curcumin
is a primary compound in turmeric. Studies in
mice and in human cells suggest that curcumin has
anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Research,
which involved using a purified form of curcumin, indicates that the compound
may help maintain remission in people with UC. Remission is a period during
which symptoms are light or disappear.
Turmeric
can help spice up meals without aggravating the gut.
Curcumin
supplements exist, but they can cause mild side effects, such as bloating, gas,
and diarrhea. Speak to a doctor before trying a dietary supplement.
Foods to avoid
Some
foods can trigger or worsen CD symptoms. Examples include:
·
popcorn, nuts, and whole grains
·
other high-fiber foods, especially
those rich in insoluble fiber
·
vegetables with their peels
·
raw green vegetables
·
cruciferous vegetables, such as
broccoli and cauliflower
·
red meat
·
unhealthful fats, such as those in
butter, coconut oil, and margarine
·
salty foods, including processed
foods and ready meals
·
fruits with skins and seeds
·
spicy foods
·
caffeine
·
alcohol
·
fizzy drinks
·
foods containing sugar alcohols,
including many low-sugar or sugar-free products
Summary
Flare-ups
of CD can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. If symptoms
persist, they can lead to malnutrition and dehydration.
During
a flare-up, it is essential to drink plenty of fluids and avoid foods that
aggravate symptoms.
Eating
foods that are easy to digest and rich in nutrients can help ease symptoms and
promote healing.
During
periods of remission, it is important to eat a balanced, healthful diet. Speak
to a doctor or dietitian before making any significant dietary changes.
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