7 foods to eat during a Crohn's disease flare-up (2024)

FAQs

What foods are good for Crohn's flare-ups? ›

Foods to increase in your diet include:

Fruits: bananas, raspberries, applesauce, blended fruit. Vegetables: squashes, fork-tender cooked carrots, green beans. Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids: fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel, etc.), walnut butter, chia seeds, flaxseed oil, flaxseed meal.

Calming techniques like deep breathing or meditation may help you relax. Make sure you get enough exercise and sleep, too. And set limits on how much you take on. That way, you won't have too much to do when a flare hits and you don't feel well.

For that reason, maintaining adequate protein intake is crucial to help your body bounce back. Fatty meats such as high fat red meat, fried meats, oily/greasy proteins may worsen symptoms during active disease. Instead, stock up on skinless, white-meat chicken or turkey; eggs; fish; and tofu.

Having lots of different nut butters, such as smooth peanut butter or smooth mixed nut butters, is a really great way of incorporating nuts if people with Crohn's disease find the amount of fiber in nuts is too aggravating,” says Sophie Medlin, RD, a consultant dietitian at City Dietitians and chair for the British ...

Eating foods that are low in fiber and high in protein may help you stay full and well-nourished during a Crohn's flare-up. These may include eggs, chicken, tofu, white bread, bananas, some nut butters, and yogurt, among others. If you notice that a particular food triggers symptoms, remove it from your diet.

Research studies have tried to identify food tolerances and intolerances in people with Crohn's and colitis. Here is a list of some of their key findings: Foods such as yogurt, rice, and bananas have been reported to improve symptoms.

Iceberg and butter lettuce — These soft, light green lettuces are considered safe in small amounts for most people with Crohn's. They are low in fiber and high in water content. When you are in remission, slowly introduce butter lettuce or other soft greens into your diet for valuable nutrition.

Potatoes. These starchy veggies can be a lifesaver during a Crohn's flare-up. Just be sure you avoid potato skins, as they are high in fiber and may cause digestive distress. Bake or roast white or sweet potatoes and scoop out the middle for a simple, delicious meal that won't leave you feeling under the weather.

What do people with Crohn's eat for breakfast? ›

Toasted bread or a bagel made with refined white flour are good for breakfast or as a sandwich base. Look for brands with 2 grams of fiber or less per serving. Low-fiber grains are easier to digest when you have Crohn's. Spread on smooth, creamy peanut or almond butter for extra protein.

Raw or unpeeled veggies aren't a good choice. Whether you're using them for dip or in a salad, these tough, fiber-rich plant foods can make you poop even more. They could make a Crohn's flare feel worse. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage can also cause gas.

Flare-ups can last anywhere from a few days to several months and you may have different symptoms during a flare-up than you had when you were first diagnosed.