For people living with Crohn’s disease, it can be difficult to stick to a healthy eating plan when you’re on the go. You probably won’t find Crohn’s-friendly snacks from gas stations or convenience stores. That is why health experts encourage you to always pack snacks that are safe and healthy for your condition. 

Each person living with Crohn’s disease has their own particular food tolerances and taste preferences. It is necessary to keep track of what you eat because certain foods may affect the digestive tract differently. While there is no specific diet for Crohn’s disease, there are nutrient-dense foods that are beneficial to consume if you have the condition. It can be beneficial to keep a food journal, as monitoring which foods make your gut happy vs. unhappy can help you choose better meals and snacks moving forward. Additionally, eating the right foods can help you manage digestive flare-ups. 

Although there isn’t a perfect diet to follow if you have Crohn’s disease, you can consult with a dietitian for help. Consider experimenting with the following Crohn’s-friendly snacks that are tasty and easy to digest. 

Rice Crackers

Rice is one of the most tolerated sources of carbohydrates if you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Health experts consider it an IBD-friendly food, noting that most people do not experience gut inflammation after eating it. When buying rice, make sure to purchase low-fiber white rice because brown rice and wild rice may not benefit your condition. You can easily make rice cakes, rice crackers, and rice pudding with rice. Purchase unsalted rice crackers from the store and top it with avocado, peanut butter, or hummus for a filling, Crohn’s-friendly snack. 

Bananas

Bananas are easy to enjoy if you have Crohn’s disease, and they make for an easy travel snack, no matter what symptoms you experience. Pack one or two in your bag and get on the move! According to dietitians, you can eat bananas at almost any stage of ripeness, except for the very green types. Bananas are truly the exception if you have Crohn’s disease because they are easy for the body to digest. You can add more protein and healthy fats by pairing them with some healthy peanut butter. 

Hummus

If you want a higher-calorie snack option, this classic chickpea dip can be a great option, especially if you have a hard time maintaining weight. A small container of two to three tablespoons of hummus is a perfect on-the-go snack that is Crohn’s-friendly. Since you probably do not want to eat hummus with a spoon, cohoe some crackers that don’t aggravate your digestive system. As mentioned earlier, rice crackers can be a great option, but plant pretzels can also help you avoid a flare-up. 

Applesauce 

People with inflammatory bowel disorders typically have to avoid raw fruits, but cooked fruits without peels are usually fine, more often than not. Applesauce is very easy to digest and safe to eat, especially after a flare-up. Applesauce contains lots of potassium and vitamin C, especially if you make your own applesauce. Store bought applesauce can be tricky because a lot of it contains added sugar. You can make your own by clicking here, or you can search for healthier varieties in the store. 

Avocado

According to dietitians, avocado is one of the best superfoods for people living with Crohn’s disease. It contains lots of unsaturated fats and other nutrients, including potassium, vitamins C & E, and magnesium. Similar to bananas, avocados are very easy for the body to digest and tolerate. Avocados are also versatile, and you can eat them fresh with a little sea salt, pureed on top of rice crackers, as guacamole, or incorporate them into smoothies. 

Peanut Butter On Toast

If you have Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or another inflammatory bowel disease, you should obtain your dietary fat from heart-healthy sources. Nut butters, nuts, seeds, avocado, and olive oil are great sources of heart-healthy fats. Peanut butter on toast is a great snack if you have Crohn’s, but make sure that the bread fits within a low-residue diet. Low-fiber white bread tends to be a better option for people with Crohn’s disease, especially if symptoms are severe. If you don’t enjoy peanut butter, you can opt for cashew butter, almond butter, and other nut butters.

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Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes irritation or swelling in the digestive tract. Affecting over half a million Americans, Crohn’s disease can trigger diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and cramps. Depending on the person and the severity of the condition, inflammation can occur in different areas of the digestive tract. If left unchecked, inflammation can spread to deeper layers of the bowel tissues. 

If you have Crohn’s disease, you know that flare-ups can feel incapacitating. Not only do flare-ups interrupt your life, but they can also make you feel miserable. Furthermore, it’s possible to worsen flare-ups by choosing the wrong foods. Although there isn’t a specific Crohn’s diet, there are foods that patients should avoid. Some foods may trigger flare-ups or give the gut general discomfort. 

According to dietitians and health experts, the following foods are thought to trigger Crohn’s flare-ups. This isn’t to say that these foods trigger reactions in every person with the condition. Some people may have to keep a food journal or experiment to see which foods make the gut happy. Generally speaking, though, the following foods can trigger Crohn’s flare-ups. 

Popcorn

This classic movie snack is often doused in butter, and it happens to be rich in fiber. Unfortunately, both fiber and fat (butter) are common Crohn’s triggers. More often than not, people with Crohn’s are better off consuming low-fat diets that don’t include a lot of fibrous foods. It’s possible that some people can enjoy a small amount of popcorn with no butter during remissions, but most claim that popcorn worsens existing symptoms. 

Fruit Skin

Fruit skin can irritate the gut, regardless of whether a person has Crohn’s or not. Some people with sensitive digestive systems can benefit from peeling all their fruit. The skin can irritate the gut’s lining, which causes a flare-up. 

Sweeteners

Every person should know how to identify sweeteners on ingredient labels. It’s very easy for people to overlook them because they aren’t aware of the names. Maltitol, xylitol, and sorbitol are all added sweeteners that are poorly absorbed by the body. This can cause bloating, gas, or diarrhea. That’s why it’s best for Crohn’s patients to avoid fruit juices, sodas, or any gums and candies that contain “sugar alcohols.”

Nuts & Seeds

Nuts and seeds are excellent sources of healthy fats, fiber, and protein. That’s exactly why both of them are not recommended for people with Crohn’s disease. Many people with Crohn’s cannot properly digest them, which causes irritation to the lining in the gut. Some people, however, can tolerate ground nuts and seeds. If you have Crohn’s and are willing to experiment, start out with smooth almond butter or tahini. 

Dairy Products

There are many people with Crohn’s that have no problem consuming dairy products. If the person experiences symptoms that may indicate a flare-up, though, it’s best to steer clear of dairy. Lactose is a natural sugar found in milk and dairy products. It commonly causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas, and bloating, and that’s not specific to Crohn’s patients. Try lactose-free alternatives or simply avoid whole milk, sour cream, ice cream, and other similar dairy products when a flare-up occurs. 

Cigarettes

This doesn’t necessarily fall under the “food” umbrella, but the smoke, nicotine, and chemicals still enter the body. A review of 33 studies found that the severity of Crohn’s disease decreased after people stoped smoking cigarettes. Smoking constricts blood vessels, which causes inadequate oxygen flow and nutrition to the intestines. Health experts theorize that this increases biochemical mediators of inflammation, causing harm to the digestive system. 

Not everyone with Crohn’s disease experiences the same reactions to common food triggers. If you live with Crohn’s, you may have to go through a trial and error stage of testing foods to see how you react to them. Keep a food journal and jot down what you experience after eating certain foods. You can click here if you want to learn more about foods that are beneficial for Crohn’s patients. 

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Crohn’s disease affects about three million Americans, with men and women being equally at risk. Belonging to a group of conditions known as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. The most common area, though, is the small intestine. While the disease can show up at any age, Crohn’s disease typically occurs in people between the ages 20-30. 

People who have Crohn’s disease can experience acute inflammation and mild pain, but it’s possible to have long-lasting irritation. Failure to address this pain can lead to reduced immune function and overall strength. The problem with Crohn’s disease is that it spreads through the intestinal wall. That being said, there’s no need to give up on life because of this condition. In fact, there are lifestyle and dietary changes that can curb the effects of the disease. If you or someone you know has Crohn’s disease, the following superfoods are highly beneficial. 

Yams

Yams, or orange sweet potatoes, contain a lot of potassium, tryptophan, and vitamins A & C. In the June 2020 issue of Journal of Coloproctology, sweet potatoes are listed as one of the top three anti-inflammatory foods for people with Crohn’s disease. Some holistic nutritionists recommend that people with Crohn’s puree or mash their foods. This is why yams are perfect! One tip is to peel the yams because the fibrous skin can cause a flare up.

Acai Berries

For how small these berries are, they have an incredibly high concentration of antioxidants. Not only are they low in sugar, but they are also rich in a diverse mix of vitamins and minerals. According to several studies, acai berries exhibited protective effects against colorectal cancer development. During in vitro studies, acai powder demonstrated that it was able to reduce tumor cells. 

Papayas

There are some misconceptions about eating fruit when you have Crohn’s disease. Tropical fruits like papayas, bananas, and mangos are easily digestible and they contain a lot of beneficial nutrients. Papayas, in particular, contain a beneficial enzyme, papain, that assists your body with digesting proteins. They are also rich in folate, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin A. Opt for Hawaiian papayas because they are much more flavorful. 

Oats

Whether you are or aren’t experiencing a flare-up, oats are beneficial for Crohn’s disease. They contain soluble fiber, which works to absorb water as it slowly passes through the digestive tract. This differs from insoluble fiber, which actually draws water into the colon and can cause diarrhea for people with IBD. Homemade oatmeal is a great breakfast item for people with Crohn’s. 

Raw Honey

According to many health studies, raw honey exhibits powerful antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Ancient civilizations actually used honey in many herbal remedies, especially ones that treated digestive discomfort. Raw honey is naturally rich in hydrogen peroxide, which helps to calm inflamed bowels. This makes it an excellent superfood for Crohn’s disease patients. Just remember to consume honey in moderate quantities to avoid excessive sugar intake. 

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a superstar in the world of alternative medicine. Not only can it help accelerate wound healing, but it can also help to reduce inflammation in the bowels. Just like raw honey, aloe vera contains hydrogen peroxide, in addition to other plant compounds. It works to boost overall immune function, which tends to be lower for people suffering from IBD. When you consume aloe vera juice or gel, make sure that it is 100% pure. You don’t want other additives or sugars. Pure aloe vera works to fight bacteria in the gut and has a cooling effect on the digestive tract. 

Homemade Almond Milk

There’s an emphasis on homemade because many store bought almond milks contain emulsifiers, thickeners, gums, and other preservatives. Fortunately, it’s very easy to make your own almond milk, and it tastes much better! Since many people with Crohn’s disease are lactose intolerant, almond milk is a great dairy-free alternative. Additionally, almond milk is naturally rich in vitamin E and free of saturated fats and cholesterol.

Many people with Crohn’s disease have a fear of eating vegetables. They tend to focus on white carbohydrate products, which are not nutritionally dense. There are many vegetables that you can eat, even during a Crohn’s flare up. Butternut squash, parsnips, pumpkin, carrots, and other veggies that you can puree offer lots of beneficial nutrients and are easily digestible. 

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Crohn’s Disease is medically defined as: “A chronic inflammatory bowel disease of unknown origin, usually affecting the ileum, the colon, or both structures. Diseased segments may be separated by normal segments.” Mosby’s Medical Dictionary, 3rd ed., p. 321 “Crohn’s disease is characterized by frequent attacks of diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, nausea, fever, chills, weakness, anorexia, and weight loss. Children with the disease often suffer retarded physical growth. The diagnosis of Crohn’s disease is based on clinical signs, x-ray studies using a contrast medium, and endoscopy. The disease is easily confused with ulcerative colitis, which is also an inflammatory bowel disease affecting the colon and rectum.” Ibid.

Anal fistulas are very common in cases of Crohn’s Disease. An anal fistula is: “An abnormal opening on the cutaneous surface near the anus, usually resulting from a local crypt abscess. Also called Fistula in ano.” Mosby’s supra.

Because Crohn’s Disease is known as ‘ileocolitis’, it is characterized by inflammation of the ileum section of the colon.

Causes and Risk Factors

Though Western medicine openly admits their ignorance as to what causes Chron’s disease, it is most likely caused by a constipated mind, poor diet and excessive lifestyle.

Because Crohn’s Disease deals with inflammation in the colon, it is a disease physically caused by MUCUS due to excess ACIDITY in the body, the colon in particular. All inflammation is caused by extreme acidity (acidosis), which is created by the breakdown and byproduct of meat, dairy products, refined grains refined starches, and a host of other things that have no business in the human body.

Symptoms

Crohn’s Disease is most commonly indicated by these symptoms:

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Fever
• General weakness
• Anorexia or weight loss

The diarrhea aspect of Crohn’s Disease is the body attempting to pass hardened fecal matter via process of liquefying the stools, a process that robs sodium from the body.

The abdominal pain aspect of Crohn’s Disease stems from old gas pockets in the colon opening up releasing gas, causing severe spasms. The body is simply attempting to heal itself, but of course to the Western human mind, healing is considered sickness or a problem and must be interfered with.

The fever aspect of Crohn’s Disease is the body raising its own heat level or temperature so as to effectuate healing via hyperthermia that induces sweating, which is very therapeutic.

The weakness aspect of Crohn’s Disease is indicated by the body’s attempt to heal itself. People don’t move around as much when they feel weak so many times the body induces a feeling of weakness to keep people steady and still so healing can effectively take place. The mind has a tendency to operate on its own and many people will convince themselves via the mind that instead of lying in bed all day to allow optimal healing, they instead should be up doing things, working, making some money, cleaning up around the house, etc.

The anorexia and weight loss aspect of Chrons Disease stems from necrosis, whereby the cells begin to attack the body by eating away at the body.

HEALING CROHN’S DISEASE NATURALLY

Herbs

Herbs can stimulate peristalsis and help tone, strengthen, nourish and repair the intestinal tract. Herbs that help remedy or prevent Crohn’s Disease include all cathartic and laxative herbs such as Senna Leaf/Pods, Cascara Sagrada, Aloe Vera Resin, Glucomannan, Buckthorn, Trifala, Bibitaki, Bilwa, and Ipecac Root.

Catalyst family herbs such as Cayenne, Ginger, Cloves, and Cinnamon are also helpful in cases of Crohn’s because they facilitate a fever; not breaking it, but working with it. They can also help to naturally break chills and counter nausea, especially Ginger.

Antispasmodic herbs are also beneficial for Crohn’s Disease. These herbs include Cramp Bark, Wild Yam, and Black Haw. They address and resolve painful spasms.

Nutritive herbs are also important in remedying Crohn’s Disease. A nutritive herb provides nutrition to the body. Nutritive herbs are usually rich in minerals, vitamins, B-vitamins, and amino acids (protein). Nutritive herbs include Moringa Seed, Irish Moss, Spirulina, Alfalfa, Chlorella, Blue Green algae, Suma, Dulse, Sheep Sorrell, Kelp, Barley Grass, and Wheat Grass.

These individual herbs help to counter anorexia and involuntary weight loss which are usually present in cases of Crohn’s Disease.

Carminative herbs are also recommended for Crohn’s Disease. These herbs soothe the digestive system and include Cardamom, Chamomile, Anise Seed, Fennel Seed, and Caraway Seed.

Crystals

Crystal elixir of Carnelian is very helpful in cases of Crohn’s Disease. No other crystal impacts the colon to the degree that Carnelian does. A crystal elixir is made by placing a crystal in distilled water for 24 hours (overnight, for the moon’s influence on the elixir). After 24 hours, the elixir can be drunk (1-4 ounces per day).

Sea salt

Because diarrhea is associated with Crohn’s Disease, sodium loss is inevitable as diarrhea causes sodium to be lost. The sodium can be replaced by drinking celery juice (4 ounces per day) and/or drinking a glass of warm water with sea salt (one-third teaspoon of sea salt).

Diet

People suffering from Crohn’s Disease should switch to a vegan diet balanced with raw foods. All meat and dairy products should be cut out of the diet. Refined starches and grains should be entirely avoided.

Enemas and Colonics

Enemas and colonics should not be performed during severe bouts of Crohn’s Disease, but nevertheless should be performed after recovering from Crohn’s Disease. Weekly enemas and monthly (every 3 months) colonics are a great preventive measure of Crohn’s Disease and we at Dherbs.Com highly recommend these effective modalities.

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