White Diet for Crohn's

Crohn's disease can cause a lot of discomfort, and unfortunately it affects something that you do often: eat. It's a condition of the digestive tract, and certain foods may cause discomfort. However, a low-fiber diet full of white foods may be just what the doctor ordered, and could bring you some much-needed relief.

Crohn's Disease

• Crohn's disease causes the digestive tract to become inflamed. It is a chronic disease that can cause pain and diarrhea. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, there is no known cause of Crohn's disease, but there are several theories. One theory is that it is caused by an abnormal immune system that mistakes foods or bacteria as foreign bodies, which results in a swelling of the digestive tract. Since some foods, such as high-fiber items, can cause a reaction, many Crohn's patients suffer from nutritional deficiencies.

Fighting Crohn's With Diet

• Your doctor may recommend a low-residue, low-fiber diet in order to help reduce the effects and discomforts of Crohn's disease. Many of these foods are white in color.

  Avoid whole grains, which are high in fiber. Instead, opt for items that are enriched but plain. White bread, enriched pasta, white rice, soda crackers, and plain cereals such as Rice Krispies are good options for grains. Choose bananas or applesauce for your fruits. Dairy products, such as cottage or ricotta cheese, hard cheeses, skim milk, and ice cream are also good options. Many creamed soups, such as cream of potato, will also work.

  As you can see, many of these items are white. However, not all foods on a low-residue or low-fiber diet have to be light-colored. Meat is still acceptable; some good options include lunch meats, hot dogs, fish and chicken. Pasta can be served with tomato sauce, but it should be plain and not seasoned. Soups are fine if they do not contain chunks of vegetables.

Precautions

• Before attempting to change your diet and treat your Crohn's disease, discuss these changes with your doctor. Allow him to help you create an eating plan, and ask him what foods are acceptable and which ones will cause you discomfort. Keep your doctor involved with your treatment.

  A white diet may not help you deal with your Crohn's disease. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse says there is no special diet that has been proven to be effective in treating Crohn's and recommends eating a nutritious diet and just avoiding any foods that seem to worsen symptoms. Work with your doctor to see whether a white diet will be beneficial for you and the treatment of your Crohn's disease.