Crohn's disease diet
A Crohn's disease diet may include eating more protein, avoiding certain foods, and increasing fluids.
Foods to eat
- Protein: Eat more protein-rich foods like chicken, fish, eggs, tofu, beans, and nut butters.
- Hydrating fluids: Drink more water, broth, smoothies, and oral rehydration solutions.
- Soluble fiber: Eat foods like oatmeal, oat bran, rice, potatoes, and bananas.
Foods to avoid
- Foods that increase stool output: Avoid fresh fruits and vegetables, prunes, and caffeinated beverages.
- Foods that may cause gas: Avoid beans, nuts, seeds, and kernels.
- Dairy: Avoid dairy if you have lactose intolerance.
- Carbonated beverages: Avoid soda and other carbonated drinks.
Other tips
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
- Consider nutritional supplements if you have decreased appetite.
- If you're experiencing a flare-up, follow a low residue diet to reduce diarrhea and abdominal pain.
- If you're experiencing diarrhea, bloating, or abdominal pain, you can try excluding fiber for a short time.
- If you're experiencing oily and foul-smelling stools, you may have fat malabsorption.
A Crohn's disease diet may include eating more protein, avoiding certain foods, and increasing fluids.