Article written Mai Vien Phuong, MSc, MD of the Department of Examination and Internal Medicine at Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital wrote this article.
The foods you consume can impact the severity of your Crohn's symptoms. Here are some foods that Crohn's patients have reported benefiting from. Consuming one or more of these foods during a flare-up may reduce symptoms.
1. Yogurt
If you have Crohn's disease, live yogurt may be beneficial to your diet. Yogurt contains probiotics, which may help with the recovery of the intestine.
If you have trouble digesting dairy proteins, you should avoid yogurt since it might aggravate Crohn's symptoms such as diarrhea and bloating.
2. Oily fish
Oily fish like salmon, tuna, and herring may help with your Crohn's symptoms. Some oily fish include omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory effects and may help prevent flare-ups that exacerbate your symptoms.
3. Fruits and vegetables
A diet high in fruits and vegetables may help relieve your discomfort. If raw fruits aggravate your flare-ups, try applesauce and bananas. Both are healthy and fulfill a craving for sweets.
4. Cooked Carrots
Carrots are an excellent vegetable for many people with Crohn's disease because they deliver nutrients without exacerbating symptoms.
During a Crohn's flare-up, cook your carrots until they are soft and tender, as cooked carrots are not only easier to digest but also contain antioxidants that can help treat Crohn's.
5. Grains
If you have Crohn's disease, you may want to avoid fiber-rich foods, particularly whole grains or whole wheat.
However, there are several low-fiber grains that can help you obtain the nutrients you require. These include refined grains, such as cream of wheat, as well as dry cereals like cornflakes and rice cakes.
6. Potatoes
Potatoes, like bananas, are high in potassium and can assist your body maintain fluid balance during a flare-up.
7. Low-fiber foods, and more
If you want to decrease your Crohn's symptoms through diet, choose foods that are low in fiber but rich in soluble fiber, which tend to be easier on the digestive system.
You may also want to take a vitamin supplement throughout this period to ensure that you are getting the nutrients you require to minimize inflammation.
Talk to your doctor about your food, vitamins and supplements, and any other concerns you have about your Crohn's symptoms. Your doctor may recommend you to a dietician for additional help with meal planning.
More information: Treatment for high-risk Crohn's disease patients - Article by Dr. Mai Vien Phuong, Department of Examination and Internal Medicine, Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.
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References:
Aghdassi E, et al. (2003). Antioxidant vitamin supplementation in Crohn's disease resolving oxidative stress: A randomized controlled trial. DOI: Crohn's disease. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Low-fiber diet do's and don'ts. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019). Crohn's disease. Omega-3 fatty acids. (2019). Potassium. (n.d.).
