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What Do People With Crohn's Disease Eat?

According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 100,000 Americans are hospitalized each year from Crohn's disease, a chronic and progressive inflammatory bowel disease. Roughly 20 percent of those with the condition have a blood relative with Crohn's or another form of inflammatory bowel disease, with African-Americans and those of Jewish descent most at risk. Crohn's patents are generally diagnosed in their 20s or 30s; men and women are equally affected. There is no cure for the disease, though a nutritious diet can help manage it.

  1. Foods to choose

    • Since Crohn's can cause a person to suffer from diarrhea, inadequate nutrient absorption and a poor appetite, patients must maintain a diet rich in protein, calcium, iron, zinc and other essential vitamins and minerals, including folic acid. To achieve this, health experts recommend Crohn's patients eat---in moderation and as their doctors instructs---a variety of foods from each of the four food groups: meats, dairy, grains, and fruits and vegetables. During a severe Crohn's flare-up, doctors may prescribe several days of a clear liquid diet made up of boullion, clear fruit juices like apple and grape and other clear beverages without caffeine.

    Foods to avoid

    • Equally important as eating nutritious foods is staying away from those that can irritate the colon, cause diarrhea and lead to a painful Crohn's flare episode. For many this means limiting dairy products or, for those who are lactose intolerant, eliminating them altogether; choosing low-fat over whole-fat foods; avoiding raw fruits and vegetables; and abstaining from foods that tend to cause gas, such as cabbage, broccoli, beans, citrus fruits, chocolate, caffeinated drinks and soda.

    Added advice

    • Other ways to manage Crohn's disease include eating six small daily meals rather than three large ones; drinking at least eight 8-oz. glasses of water each day; and staying away from alcoholic and caffeinated beverages. Many patients also benefit from meeting with a registered dietitian.

    Significance

    • Although narrow, ulcerated, obstructed intestines are the primary effects of Crohn's, the disease can affect any part of the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus. Symptoms can include severe abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting and abdominal distension. Treatments generally include surgery and/or medication, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and immune system suppressors. Advanced or unmanaged cases can lead to intestine and bladder infections; abdominal abscesses; and gas, pus and feces leaking from the anus or vagina, among other painful, messy and embarrassing symptoms.

    Expert insight

    • Keep a food diary to help identify the foods that cause your Crohn's symptoms to flare up. Also, talk to your doctor before taking any vitamin or mineral supplement. For a Crohn's patient, some do more harm than good.

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