Crohn’s Disease: What to Eat to Feel Better?

Chron’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can make it difficult to digest certain types of food and beverages. The disease causes your digestive tract to become inflamed along with a handful of other uncomfortable symptoms. And if the disease is left untreated it can result in long term consequences that can even include malnutrition. Your dietary habits can also worsen the symptoms of Chron’s disease, which is why sufferers of the disease have to be aware of what they’re eating. Read on to learn what are the best foods to eat to limit the symptoms of Chron’s disease.

Grains

Grains are a major part of most diets. Normal nutritional advice recommends eating whole grains due to them providing the most health benefits as they hare high dietary fiber and nutrients. But the fiber content can be a challenge for people already suffering from IBD.

Avoid:

• Whole wheat bread
• Whole wheat pasta
• Rye products
• Barley

Eat:

• Rice and rice based pasta
• Potatoes
• Cornmeal
• Oatmeal
• Gluten free bread

Fruits and Veggies

Vegetables have lots of health benefits, which is why you should include them in your diet. Unfortunately, many veggies are also rich in dietary fiber; this is especially true when they are served raw.

Avoid or Limit:

• Apple skins
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Peaches
• Cherries

Eat:

• Applesauce
• Cooked veggies
• Bell peppers
• Cantaloupe
• Bananas

If you don’t want to avoid as many fruits and veggies, try cooking them first. Baking and steaming fruits can make them more easily digestible.

Protein and Meat

Eating protein is typically fine for people suffering from Chron’s disease, just make sure to avoid meat with a high fat content.

Avoid:

• Red meat
• Sausages
• Dark meat poultry

Eat:

• Eggs
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Pork tenderloin
• Peanut Butter
• White meat poultry
• Soy products