Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory condition of the digestive tract. It is considered an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), together with ulcerative colitis.
Crohn’s disease may affect different organs along the digestive tract, like your small and large intestines, mouth, and anus.
Symptoms of Crohn’s disease may include:
- stomach pain and cramps
- diarrhea
- unintentional weight loss
- fatigue
- anemia
- fever
- rectal bleeding
- loss of appetite
- eye irritation
- joint pain and inflammation
- gallstones
- skin irritation
Crohn’s disease is a lifelong condition that has no known cure yet. Your eating choices may help you manage its symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
But in some cases, the food you eat may actually cause flares. Learning to identify your triggers may help.
Foods to avoid for Crohn‘s disease
The foods that trigger a Crohn’s flare for you may not affect someone else. To identify your triggers, consider keeping a journal that helps you match up foods with symptoms.
Here are a few common triggers:
Spicy foods
Research is still being conducted on the link between Crohn’s and spicy foods. Yet, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation (CCF) lists these as common triggers for bowel symptoms.
A small 2018 study of 104 Korean adults with IBD showed that 22.4% of the participants excluded spicy foods from their diet to prevent digestive symptoms like abdominal discomfort or pain.
A 2020 study that included 118 participants with Crohn’s disease also indicated that spicy foods were the number one cause of flare-ups and intensification of existing symptoms.
Spicy foods may include peppers, sriracha, jalapeño, and chilies.
Fatty and greasy foods
Some people with Crohn’s disease may find that fatty foods make their symptoms worse. These may include margarine, heavy cream, fried foods, chips, baked goods, thick sauces, and processed meats.
A review from 2019 suggested that fatty foods, particularly deep-fried options and those high in saturated fats, may be more likely to increase inflammation and worsen Crohn’s symptoms.
Alcohol
According to a 2021 review, there is no definitive evidence that alcohol worsens Crohn’s disease, yet up to 60% of individuals with IBD avoid it based on past experiences.
The review suggests that wine and beer may be more likely to trigger IBD symptoms than spirits.
If you drink, you may want to log your personal experience with alcohol intake to determine whether it is a trigger for you.
Caffeine
No conclusive studies have indicated a negative link between Crohn’s and caffeine intake. Still, the CCF lists it as a possible trigger for people with the condition.
In a 2015 study of 442 Swiss adults with IBD, 54% of the participants reported that coffee triggered symptoms.
But you may find that drinking coffee does not affect your symptoms. Although caution is advised, you may be able to determine if and when caffeine is a trigger for you.
Foods to add for Crohn’s disease
If you live with Crohn’s disease, you may benefit from introducing anti-inflammatory and probiotic foods into your eating plan. Still, caution is always advised when you try something for the first time following a diagnosis. Triggers may be specific to you and may depend on other factors.
In general, liquid diets based on protein formulas low in fiber and sugar are considered the first line of treatment for acute Crohn’s disease symptoms. They may help decrease inflammation and restore digestive tissues.
Consider discussing liquid diet benefits and options with a healthcare professional based on your needs.
In addition, adding some of the following dietary options may help reduce the frequency and intensity of flares:
Omega-3s
Reviews from 2016 and 2019 indicated that foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids — like salmon, tuna, and walnuts — have anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit people with Crohn’s disease.
Another 2019 review found that omega-3 intake is associated with reduced inflammation markers, fewer flares, and increased quality of life for people with Crohn’s disease.
More research is needed, however, to determine the long-term effects of omega-3s on symptoms and flares of the condition.
Prebiotics and probiotics
Probiotics, like yogurt and kefir, can promote a healthy gut microbiome. These are microorganisms that live in the digestive tract and have an effect on inflammation. Prebiotics, like bananas and oats, can feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut.
Although results remain inconclusive, some research from 2021 has indicated the potential benefits of gut-friendly foods for the symptoms of IBD.
High fiber foods
Research is inconclusive regarding the effects of dietary fiber on people with IBS. Some people find that fibrous foods like kale, whole grains, and beans trigger or intensify Crohn’s symptoms.
In fact, a 2021 review indicated that fiber is not recommended if you are experiencing a flare or intense symptoms.
Yet the same review also found that a diet rich in soluble and insoluble fibers may benefit some people with Crohn’s disease, particularly those who may follow a semi-vegetarian diet. These foods may decrease the frequency of flares.
Soluble fibers include black beans, avocados, sweet potatoes, and broccoli. Insoluble fibers include nuts, cauliflower, and green beans.
A large but older 2013 study found that a high fiber intake, especially from fruits, reduced the chance of developing Crohn’s disease by 40%.
The study spanned 26 years and included more than 170,000 women. Of them, 269 developed Crohn’s disease. Authors suggest a diet high in dietary fiber may reduce the chance of flares and prevent the development of the condition for those who haven’t received the diagnosis but may have a higher chance of doing so.
How to eat during a Crohn’s disease flare-up
Liquid diets low in fiber and sugars are advised if you experience a Crohn’s disease flare-up.
Consider discussing options and diet duration with your healthcare professional to ensure you still get the necessary nutrients.
Avoiding known trigger foods is also crucial to preventing longer or more intense flares.
Do supplements help?
Some dietary supplements may ease symptoms of Crohn’s disease and promote gut health.
A 2019 review suggests that omega-3, vitamin D, serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin, curcumin, and nettle supplements might reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, resulting in improved symptoms.
Yet, more research is needed to learn more about how supplements may support those with Crohn’s.
It’s best to consult your doctor before taking any supplements, as some may interact with medications or worsen your symptoms.
How is Crohn‘s disease treated?
Crohn’s disease has no known cure. Medical intervention for IBS typically aims to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Crohn’s disease treatment may vary depending on your symptoms but may involve life modifications, medications, bowel rest, and surgery.
Medications for Crohn’s disease may include:
- corticosteroids like prednisone, hydrocortisone, and budesonide
- immunomodulators like methotrexate and azathioprine
- pain relievers like acetaminophen (but ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin are not recommended)
- antidiarrheals like loperamide
Your health professional may also prescribe aminosalicylates, like balsalazide, olsalazine, and sulfasalazine, as an off-label treatment for Crohn’s, even though they are manufactured for ulcerative colitis only. These medications reduce inflammation in your gut.
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