Crohn’s Disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. The disease affects the digestive tract and causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue.

While there is currently no cure for Crohn’s Disease, many people can manage their symptoms through a combination of medication and lifestyle changes, including diet modifications. In this article, we will discuss the top 30 foods to avoid with Crohn’s Disease.

1. Dairy Products

Dairy products can be difficult to digest for people with Crohn’s Disease. Lactose intolerance is a common problem among people with the disease, and the lactose in dairy products can cause bloating, diarrhea, and cramps.

It is best to avoid milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream if you have Crohn’s Disease. Some people with Crohn’s Disease may be able to tolerate low-lactose or lactose-free dairy products, but it’s best to discuss this with a doctor or dietitian first.

2. Spicy Foods

Spicy foods can irritate the digestive tract and cause diarrhea and abdominal pain. Spices like chili powder, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes should be avoided if you have Crohn’s Disease.

It’s best to avoid spicy foods altogether, but if you must eat them, try using mild spices like ginger or turmeric instead.

3. Fried Foods

Fried foods are high in fat and can be difficult to digest for people with Crohn’s Disease. Fried chicken, french fries, and other deep-fried foods can cause diarrhea, nausea, and cramping.

It’s best to avoid fried foods altogether and opt for healthier cooking methods like grilling, roasting, or baking.

4. High-Fiber Foods

High-fiber foods can be difficult to digest for people with Crohn’s Disease, especially during a flare-up. Foods like nuts, seeds, whole grains, and raw fruits and vegetables can cause bloating, cramping, and diarrhea.

It’s best to avoid high-fiber foods during flare-ups and gradually reintroduce them into your diet once your symptoms have improved.

5. Carbonated Drinks

Carbonated drinks like soda, beer, and sparkling water can cause gas and bloating in people with Crohn’s Disease. The bubbles in these drinks can also irritate the digestive tract and cause discomfort.

It’s best to avoid carbonated drinks and opt for water or herbal tea instead.

6. Caffeine

Caffeine can stimulate the digestive tract and cause diarrhea and cramps in people with Crohn’s Disease. Coffee, tea, and energy drinks should be avoided if you have the disease. Try drinking water or decaf tea instead.

7. Alcohol

Alcohol can irritate the digestive tract and cause diarrhea and cramps in people with Crohn’s Disease. Beer, wine, and liquor should be avoided if you have the disease.

If you must drink alcohol, stick to small amounts and avoid sugary or flavored drinks.

8. Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners like aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose can cause diarrhea and abdominal cramps in people with Crohn’s Disease.

It’s best to avoid products that contain artificial sweeteners and opt for natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead.

9. Red Meat

Red meat is high in fat and can be difficult to digest for people with Crohn’s Disease. Beef, pork, and lamb should be avoided if you have the disease. Try to choose lean proteins like chicken, fish, and tofu instead.

10. Raw Fruits and Vegetables

Raw fruits and vegetables can be difficult to digest for people with Crohn’s Disease, especially during a flare-up. The fiber in these foods can cause bloating, cramping, and diarrhea.

It’s best to cook or steam fruits and vegetables to make them easier to digest.

11. Popcorn

Popcorn is a high-fiber snack that can be difficult to digest for people with Crohn’s Disease. The hulls of the popcorn can get stuck in the digestive tract and cause blockages.

It’s best to avoid popcorn and opt for low-fiber snacks like crackers or rice cakes instead.

12. Nut Butters

Nut butters like peanut butter or almond butter can be difficult to digest for people with Crohn’s Disease, especially during a flare-up. The high fat content in these products can also cause diarrhea and abdominal pain.

It’s best to avoid nut butters during flare-ups and opt for low-fat proteins like chicken or fish instead.

13. Processed Foods

Processed foods like chips, cookies, and packaged meals are often high in fat, sugar, and artificial additives, making them difficult to digest for people with Crohn’s Disease.

It’s best to avoid processed foods and opt for whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins instead.

14. Seeds

Seeds like chia seeds, flax seeds, and sesame seeds can be difficult to digest for people with Crohn’s Disease. The small size of the seeds can cause blockages in the digestive tract, especially if you have strictures (narrowing of the intestine).

It’s best to avoid seeds altogether.

15. Vegetables from the Brassica Family

Vegetables from the Brassica family like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage can be difficult to digest for people with Crohn’s Disease. These vegetables contain sulfur compounds that can cause gas and bloating.

It’s best to avoid these vegetables altogether or cook them thoroughly to make them easier to digest.

16. Beans and Legumes

Beans and legumes like chickpeas, lentils, and kidney beans can be difficult to digest for people with Crohn’s Disease. These foods are high in fiber and can cause bloating, cramping, and diarrhea.

It’s best to avoid beans and legumes during flare-ups and gradually reintroduce them into your diet once your symptoms have improved.

17. Corn

Corn is a high-fiber food that can be difficult to digest for people with Crohn’s Disease. The tough outer layer of the corn can irritate the digestive tract and cause discomfort.

It’s best to avoid corn or choose low-fiber corn products like corn tortillas instead.

18. High-Fat Foods

High-fat foods like fried food, fatty meats, and butter can be difficult to digest for people with Crohn’s Disease. These foods can cause diarrhea, cramps, and nausea.

It’s best to choose low-fat or fat-free versions of these foods if you must have them.

19. Sweets and Sugars

Sweets and sugars like candy, cookies, and sugary drinks can be difficult to digest for people with Crohn’s Disease. These foods can cause diarrhea, cramps, and nausea.

It’s best to avoid sweets and sugary drinks and opt for natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead.

20. Eggplant

Eggplant can be difficult to digest for some people with Crohn’s Disease. The skin and seeds of the eggplant can be irritating to the digestive tract, causing discomfort.

It’s best to avoid eggplant or peel and cook it thoroughly before eating.

21. Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits can be difficult to digest for people with Crohn’s Disease. The acidity in these fruits can irritate the digestive tract and cause discomfort.

It’s best to avoid citrus fruits during flare-ups and opt for low-acid fruits like bananas and apples instead.

22. Tough Meats

Tough meats like steak or roast beef can be difficult to digest for people with Crohn’s Disease. The toughness of the meat can be hard for the digestive tract to break down, causing discomfort.

It’s best to choose leaner cuts of meat like chicken or fish instead.

23. Garlic and Onions

Garlic and onions can be difficult to digest for some people with Crohn’s Disease. These foods contain fructans, a type of carbohydrate that can be hard for the digestive tract to break down.

It’s best to avoid these foods during flare-ups and gradually reintroduce them into your diet once your symptoms have improved.

24. Cabbage

Cabbage can be difficult to digest for some people with Crohn’s Disease. The high fiber content in cabbage can cause gas and bloating. It’s best to avoid cabbage or cook it thoroughly to make it easier to digest.

25. Poppy Seeds

Poppy seeds can be difficult to digest for people with Crohn’s Disease. The small size of the seeds can cause blockages in the digestive tract, especially if you have strictures (narrowing of the intestine).

It’s best to avoid poppy seeds altogether.

26. Ice Cream

Ice cream can be difficult to digest for people with Crohn’s Disease due to its high fat and lactose content. It can cause diarrhea, cramps, and bloating. It’s best to avoid ice cream or opt for lactose-free varieties if you must have it.

27. Tomatoes

Tomatoes can be difficult to digest for some people with Crohn’s Disease. The acidity in tomatoes can irritate the digestive tract and cause discomfort.

It’s best to avoid tomatoes during flare-ups and opt for low-acid vegetables like green beans and carrots instead.

28. Raw Onions

Raw onions can be difficult to digest for some people with Crohn’s Disease. The high fiber content in onions can cause gas and bloating.

It’s best to avoid raw onions during flare-ups and gradually reintroduce them into your diet once your symptoms have improved.

29. Large Meals

Eating large meals can put a strain on the digestive tract, causing discomfort and making symptoms worse in people with Crohn’s Disease.

It’s best to eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to reduce the workload on the digestive tract.

30. Processed Meats

Processed meats like hot dogs, bacon, and deli meats are often high in fat and salt, making them difficult to digest for people with Crohn’s Disease. These meats can cause diarrhea, cramps, and nausea.

It’s best to avoid processed meats and choose lean proteins like chicken or fish instead.