7 foods to avoid for a Crohns flare-up

7 foods to avoid for a Crohns flare-up

Crohns disease is an inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract that mainly occurs in the colon and the small intestine and can affect any part of the GI tract. It causes sudden and painful symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, cramps, bloody stool, and fatigue. While food doesn’t cause Crohns, it can perhaps worsen the disease by leading to flare-ups. Here are some foods one needs to avoid if they are experiencing discomfort due to Crohns.

Grains

Grains contain a lot of fiber, which can worsen the symptoms of Crohns. This is because a high amount of fiber can make your intestines work harder. This makes the normal digestive process difficult, leading to abdominal pain, cramps, and even bloating. Avoid eating whole wheat bread or pasta, rye products, and barley to prevent these painful symptoms.

Spicy foods

Regarding the worst foods for Crohns flare-ups, spicy foods rank among the top. Most foods with spices are rich in capsaicin, which causes a burning feeling inside your mouth and stomach. These include chili, paprika, pepper, nutmeg, clove, and mustard. Capsaicin increases the level of acids in your stomach and may worsen symptoms, such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, and acidity.

Fibrous fruits and vegetables

Like grains, fibrous fruits and vegetables don’t get digested easily, and can cause constipation and cramps – typical symptoms of Crohns flare-ups.

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