Nutrition
Although diet cannot cause or cure Crohn's disease, some studies suggest that people who eat foods high in saturated fat and sugar or who eat processed foods may be more likely to develop the disease. Certain foods may also reduce symptoms and make recurrences of the disease less likely.
- Eating fruits and vegetables, lowering fat, and eliminating sugar may reduce the risk of developing Crohn's disease. Although a low-fiber diet is one of the risk factors for developing Crohn's disease, some people with Crohn's disease find that fiber makes symptoms worse. If fiber bothers you, steam or bake your vegetables rather than eating them raw, and avoid high fiber fruits such as apples.
- Certain foods may aggravate symptoms of Crohn's disease – most often, dairy products, fats, and spicy foods. People with Crohn's disease may want to avoid these foods.
- Eat antioxidant foods, including fruits (such as blueberries, cherries, and tomatoes) and vegetables (such as squash and bell peppers).
- Eat foods high in B-vitamins, calcium, and magnesium, such as whole grains (if not bothered by fiber), dark leafy greens (such as spinach and kale), and sea vegetables.
- Avoid refined foods such as white breads and pastas.
- Eat five or six smalls a day.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco.
- If symptoms are severe, an elemental diet may be recommended. Elemental formulas are liquid diets that contain only the basic building blocks of food and do not need to be broken down into smaller substances along the digestive tract. Some people find it hard to stick to an elemental diet, but after a period of time, often other foods can be reintroduced. One study suggests that adding omega-3 fatty acids to an elemental diet may boost its nutritional content and make it more likely that people with Crohn's disease will stick with it.
