Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the digestive tract. It is considered an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
While the exact cause of Crohn’s disease is still unknown, experts suspect triggers may include dietary choices that could worsen inflammation in the gut.
Common Crohn’s disease trigger foods and drinks
Crohn’s disease triggers may vary from person to person. To identify what might worsen your symptoms or lead to Crohn’s flare-ups, consider keeping a diary to log daily food choices and how they affect your symptoms.
Fatty foods
Research from 2017 notes that trans and saturated fats may increase the risk of developing IBD and lead to intensification or reoccurrence of symptoms. These fats may negatively affect the gut microbiome. Your gut microbiome refers to the necessary microorganisms in your digestive tract.
Fats may contribute to inflammation and lead to Crohn’s symptoms. You might consider avoiding or limiting:
- fried foods
- oil and butter
- fatty and processed meats
- high fat baked goods
- high fat snacks
- high fat dairy
Spicy foods
Spicy foods can irritate the digestive tract, possibly causing worsened symptoms in people with Crohn’s.
A 2022 study that included 50 people with IBD and 50 without IBD found that frequently eating chili increased the chance of experiencing IBD symptoms.
A 2023 study of 82 people with IBD found that 65.7% of participants purposefully avoided spicy food to prevent worsening symptoms, based on past experiences.
Consider avoiding or minimizing your consumption of:
- chili powder and flakes
- hot sauce
- hot peppers
- cayenne and black pepper
- curry
High fiber foods
Some people may find dietary fiber challenging for the digestive system to break down. This may cause symptoms like stomach pain, diarrhea, and bloating.
Your body needs dietary fiber, though. The 2017 research mentioned above recommends not avoiding fiber altogether, only during flare-ups. Limiting fiber is recommended if you think you’re sensitive to it.
High fiber foods may include:
- whole grains like couscous, oats, brown rice, and quinoa
- nuts and seeds
- fruits like strawberries, apples, pears, and prunes
- vegetables like broccoli, beetroot, carrots, and collard greens
Dairy products
Some, but not all, people with Crohn’s disease have difficulty digesting lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. Lactose intolerance may lead to gas, bloating, and diarrhea. These are also symptoms of IBD.
A 2022 study including 1,888 people found that people with IBD are more likely to experience dairy or lactose intolerance than people without these conditions.
Lactose-containing dairy products include:
- milk
- yogurt
- fresh cheeses
- butter
- ice cream
Caffeinated and alcoholic drinks
A 2022 narrative review notes that caffeine may stimulate the intestines and increase bowel movements in some people. The review found that people with IBDs, including Crohn’s, are more likely to avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee than people without IBDs.
Regarding alcohol, the 2017 research mentioned earlier notes that it may worsen Crohn’s symptoms and cause flare-ups. Alcohol can also cause dehydration, a common concern for individuals with Crohn’s.
You may want to consider limiting or avoiding:
- coffee
- tea
- soda
- alcoholic beverages
- pre-workout energy drinks
Dietary guidelines and protocols
When it comes to managing Crohn’s disease and flare-ups, the Chron’s and Colitis Foundation recommends:
- Managing stress levels: Physical and emotional stress may worsen your symptoms, so consider using stress reduction techniques.
- Not smoking: Tobacco use may increase the chance of developing Crohn’s and experiencing flare-ups.
- Taking supplements: After confirming possible nutrient deficiencies, a health professional may recommend specific vitamin or mineral supplements to make sure your body gets what it needs, even during flare-ups. Taking supplements without the supervision of a doctor is not recommended as it may worsen your symptoms.
- Exercising: Increasing your level of physical activity may improve overall health, including Crohn’s symptoms. Some people also find that low intensity movement after eating, like walking, helps keep symptoms at bay.
- Eating cooked and soft foods: It may be helpful to stick to liquid, pureed, or thoroughly boiled foods during flare-ups to minimize discomfort from eating.
How is Crohn’s treated?
Treatment for Crohn’s disease often involves a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. In severe cases, a doctor may recommend surgery.
According to clinical guidelines from the American Gastroenterological Association, healthcare professionals may prescribe medications for moderate to severe Crohn’s disease. These medications may include:
- Aminosalicylates: These reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. They may include:
- mesalamine (Canasa)
- balsalazide (Colazal)
- sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
- Corticosteroids: These suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation during flare-ups. They may include:
- prednisone (Rayos)
- budesonide (Pulmicort)
- methylprednisolone (Medrol)
- Thiopurines: These immunomodulatory medications help regulate the immune response to reduce inflammation and maintain remission. They may include:
- azathioprine (Azasan)
- mercaptopurine (Purixan)
- Antibiotics: Healthcare professionals may prescribe these if you have developed a bacterial infection in the gut. They may include:
- metronidazole (Flagyl)
- ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan)
- Anti-TNF (biologics): These target specific proteins involved in the inflammatory process, which may be effective for moderate to severe Crohn’s symptoms. They may include:
- infliximab (Remicade)
- ustekinumab (Stelara)
- adalimumab (Humira)
- certolizumab (Cimzia)
- Monoclonal antibody medications: These block integrin, a natural substance that contributes to inflammation. They may include:
- vedolizumab (Entyvio)
Not all of these drugs are approved to use for Crohn’s disease. Depending on your symptoms and needs, your healthcare professional may prescribe them off-label.
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