No matter if there’s a flare up or none, it can be a real challenge to plan your meal if you are suffering from Crohn’s disease. Making it extra difficult is the fact that every person with this inflammatory disease of the intestinal tract may have different set of foods that help prevent the appearance or exacerbation of the various symptoms associated with the condition. Basically, it’s a matter of trial and error.
The idea is to consume foods that are highly nutritious yet won’t cause a flare up or help speed up the healing of the irritated gut. If you are on the hunt for foods that can be very good for your condition, read on. The following are some of the best foods for someone like you who has Crohn’s disease.
Eggs
There are many ways to cook eggs so you will never get tire of consuming these wonderful sources of good quality protein. Unlike red meat and pork, eggs are easy for your digestive tract to process. They also supply your body with iodine, selenium and vitamins B2, B12 and D.
Oatmeal
What’s so nice about oatmeal is the kind of fiber it contains — soluble — which won’t hurt your gut even during a flare up, unlike the kind of fiber fruits and vegetables are packed with. Soluble fiber absorbs water so it passes more slowly and gentler along the intestinal tract. Oatmeal also packs carbohydrates, and you need lots of energy when having a bout of the symptoms of Crohn’s disease. It’s a great idea to have your oatmeal soft-cooked to make it really friendly to the tummy.
White Rice
The consumption of white rice is frowned upon by many. Although it’s true that it isn’t as packed with nutrients as other rice varieties, white rice is so easy on the tummy of anyone with Crohn’s disease. White rice is filling and it provides sufficient amounts of calories your body needs to recover from a flare up.
Almond Milk
Chances are you are also lactose intolerant if you have Crohn’s disease. Fret not that you can no longer have a glass of whole milk for life because there’s a great alternative to it: almond milk. Many of the ones available these days are fortified with calcium to ensure you got strong bones and teeth. Almond milk also contains vitamin D and E. What’s so great about it is, unlike whole milk, it contains no cholesterol and saturated fats.
Vegetable Soup
A lot of people with Crohn’s disease steer clear of vegetables whether or not there’s a flare up because the fiber they contain may be too hard for the digestive tract to process. However, it’s no secret that vegetables are loaded with vitamins and minerals your body needs for optimum health and a speedy recovery from a flare up. Here’s what you can do: cook up vegetable soups out of pureed carrots, parsnips, pumpkins, chickpeas and the likes.
Fish
Protein supplies your body with energy, something you greatly need for a faster recovery from the various symptoms of Crohn’s disease. Some excellent sources of protein are salmon, tuna, mackerel and many other oily fish types. Omega-3 fatty acids oily fish are very rich in have anti-inflammatory properties that help in soothing your irritated gut.
Chicken and Turkey
Just like fish, both chicken and turkey are great sources of protein that won’t give your digestive tract a difficult time. Especially if you remove the skin, you can considerably reduce your consumption of saturated fats.
Papaya
Fruits, just like vegetables, are avoided by many of those with Crohn’s disease. Crossing out all fruits on your shopping list is not really a good idea because many of them are actually friendly to your gut. For instance, papaya won’t give your belly a challenge during digestion. This succulent tropical fruit is also packed with vitamins A and C, as well as papain — an enzyme known for its ability to reduce pain and inflammation effectively.
Avocados
Whether or not there’s a flare up, eating avocados is good for someone like you who is suffering from Crohn’s disease. Thanks to their soft meat, avocados are so easy to digest so your body may enjoy the impressive nutrients it contains such as B-vitamins and vitamin E. Avocados are also great sources of healthy fats.
