Crohn’s Disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects millions of people around the world.

It causes inflammation in the digestive tract, which leads to an array of symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss. While there is no known cure for Crohn’s Disease, managing its symptoms is possible through medication and diet changes. In this article, we will discuss 30 foods that aggravate symptoms of Crohn’s Disease.

1. Alcohol

Alcohol consumption can cause dehydration and irritation in the gut, which can lead to aggravation of Crohn’s Disease symptoms. It is best to avoid alcohol altogether if you have Crohn’s Disease.

2. Artificial sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners such as saccharin, aspartame, and sucralose can cause bloating, diarrhea, and cramping in people with Crohn’s Disease. It is recommended to use natural sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup instead.

3. Carbonated drinks

Carbonated drinks like soda or sparkling water can cause gas buildup and worsen bloating in people with Crohn’s Disease. It is best to opt for still water or herbal tea instead.

4. Caffeine

Caffeine can stimulate the digestive system and cause irritation in the gut, which can aggravate Crohn’s Disease symptoms. It is recommended to limit caffeine intake through coffee, tea, or chocolate.

5. Dairy products

Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt can cause lactose intolerance in people with Crohn’s Disease, leading to diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating. It is best to substitute with lactose-free or plant-based alternatives.

6. Fried foods

Fried foods like French fries, fried chicken, and fried fish can cause fat intolerance and lead to diarrhea and cramping in people with Crohn’s Disease. It is recommended to choose baked or grilled options instead.

7. Fatty meats

Fatty meats such as bacon, sausage, and high-fat beef can cause inflammation in the gut, leading to Crohn’s Disease symptoms worsening. It is best to opt for lean protein sources such as chicken and fish.

8. Gluten

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley, and can cause sensitivity in people with Crohn’s Disease, leading to diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain. It is recommended to choose gluten-free options instead.

9. High-fiber foods

High-fiber foods like whole grains, beans, and lentils can cause gas and bloating in people with Crohn’s Disease, leading to worsened symptoms. It is recommended to choose low-fiber alternatives.

10. Red meat

Red meat can cause fat intolerance and worsen inflammation in the gut, leading to Crohn’s Disease symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea. It is best to opt for lean protein sources like chicken, fish, or tofu.

11. Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds can cause intestinal irritation and worsen inflammation in people with Crohn’s Disease, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain.

It is recommended to substitute with smooth nut butters or seedless alternatives.

12. Spicy foods

Spicy foods like chili peppers and curry can cause irritation in the gut and worsen Crohn’s Disease symptoms like diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea. It is recommended to choose mild seasonings instead.

13. Soy products

Soy products like tofu, soy milk, and edamame can cause gas buildup and worsen bloating and abdominal pain in people with Crohn’s Disease. It is best to opt for lactose-free or plant-based alternatives.

14. Raw fruits and vegetables

Raw fruits and vegetables can cause fiber intolerance in people with Crohn’s Disease and lead to symptoms like gas, bloating, and abdominal pain. It is recommended to choose cooked or pureed alternatives instead.

15. Corn

The indigestible fiber in corn can cause bloating and cramping in people with Crohn’s Disease. It is best to avoid corn and its byproducts altogether.

16. Popcorn

Popcorn is a high-fiber food that can cause worsened inflammation in people with Crohn’s Disease, leading to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating. It is best to avoid popcorn altogether.

17. Alcohol-based sauces and marinades

Alcohol-based sauces and marinades can cause irritation in the gut and worsen Crohn’s Disease symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating. It is recommended to substitute with acid-based alternatives like citrus or vinegar.

18. Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits can cause acid reflux and worsen Crohn’s Disease symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating. It is recommended to choose low-acid alternatives like bananas or apples.

19. Fried snacks

Fried snacks like potato chips, crackers, and pretzels can cause fat intolerance and worsen inflammation in people with Crohn’s Disease, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating. It is best to avoid fried snacks altogether.

20. Ice cream

Ice cream can cause lactose intolerance and worsen Crohn’s Disease symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating. It is best to substitute with lactose-free or plant-based alternatives.

21. Processed foods

Processed foods like canned soups, frozen meals, and snack bars can contain preservatives and additives that can worsen Crohn’s Disease symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain.

It is recommended to choose fresh and whole foods instead.

22. Sodas

Sodas can cause gas buildup and worsen bloating and abdominal pain in people with Crohn’s Disease. It is recommended to opt for still water or herbal tea instead.

23. Tea and coffee

Tea and coffee can stimulate the digestive system and worsen Crohn’s Disease symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea. It is recommended to limit intake or choose decaf alternatives instead.

24. Tomatoes

Tomatoes can cause acid reflux and worsen inflammation in the gut in people with Crohn’s Disease. It is recommended to choose low-acid alternatives like leafy greens or squash.

25. Cured meats

Cured meats like salami and bacon can cause fat intolerance and worsen inflammation in the gut in people with Crohn’s Disease. It is best to choose lean protein sources like chicken and fish.

26. Chips and crackers

Chips and crackers can cause worsened inflammation in people with Crohn’s Disease due to their high-fat content. It is recommended to choose fresh fruit or low-fiber alternatives instead.

27. Fried vegetables

Fried vegetables like onion rings or tempura can cause fat intolerance and worsen inflammation in the gut in people with Crohn’s Disease. It is best to opt for roasted or baked vegetables instead.

28. High-sugar foods

High-sugar foods like candy, cookies, and pastries can worsen inflammation in the gut and lead to Crohn’s Disease symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating. It is best to choose low-sugar alternatives or snack on fresh fruit.

29. Processed cheese

Processed cheese can cause lactose intolerance and worsen Crohn’s Disease symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating. It is best to substitute with natural cheese or dairy alternatives.

30. Vinegar-based foods

Vinegar-based foods like pickles and sourdough bread can cause acid reflux and worsen Crohn’s Disease symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating. It is recommended to choose acid-free alternatives like unsweetened applesauce.

Conclusion

Crohn’s Disease is a challenging condition to manage, but making dietary changes can help alleviate its symptoms.

By avoiding these 30 foods that aggravate symptoms of Crohn’s Disease, people living with the condition can improve their quality of life and feel more in control of their health.