There is no evidence to suggest that diet causes or plays a role in Crohn’s disease. However, some people with the condition have found that certain foods seem to aggravate their symptoms.
Your GP may also suggest that you try an elemental (liquid only) diet if your symptoms are severe.
Diet
Types of food and drink that have been associated with worsening symptoms include:
- milk and dairy products
- alcohol
- spicy foods
- fatty foods
- high-fibre foods
However, there are no definitive dietary recommendations for Crohn’s disease because different people react differently to certain foods. You may find it useful to keep a food diary to make a note of the foods that you eat and to record the effects that they have on your symptoms.
Eating six smaller meals a day, rather than three larger meals, may also help to improve your symptoms.
Some researchers have suggested that an elimination diet may help to control the symptoms of Crohn’s disease. An elimination diet involves permanently removing entire food types, such as grains or sugars, from your diet.
However, an elimination diet is a controversial approach to treating Crohn’s disease and it is not supported by many experts who work in the field. Therefore, you should not attempt an elimination diet without first consulting your GP.
You may also require vitamin and food supplements if you are unable, or unwilling, to eat certain foods. For example, as dairy products are an important source of calcium, you will require calcium supplements if you are no longer able to eat dairy products. Your GP will be able to advise you about any supplements that may be appropriate for you.
Elemental diet
Your GP may recommend an elemental diet if your symptoms are particularly severe, or if you are showing signs of malnutrition (when your diet does not contain enough nutrients to meet the demands of your body).
An elemental diet is a liquid-only diet where all of your nutritional needs are met by drinking specially prepared liquid meals. It is a useful way of allowing your digestive system to rest while ensuring that you get all the nutrients that you require. In most cases, people only have to stay on an elemental diet on a short- to medium-term basis.
Stop smoking
Smokers are twice as likely to develop Crohn’s disease and have a significantly higher chance of relapse after surgery. People who stop smoking after having surgery for Crohn’s disease reduce their risk of having a relapse by 65% compared with those who continue to smoke.
Read about how to get help stopping smoking.
