Superfoods For Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any location of the 
gastrointestinal tract, most commonly starts at the beginning to the large intestine. 
Modern medicine has been unable to discover what the root cause of Crohn’s Disease 
may be, but there are a variety of treatments available for those suffering from the 
disorder. 

Some of those who are living with this constant discomfort have begun to turn to other 
sources of relief, either to limit or give themselves breaks from treatments that involve 
drugs or surgery. The primary way that people have chosen to treat Crohn’s Disease is 
through diet, so this information will be exploring several of the ways that it is treated, 
and discuss a few specifics on how you can use superfoods for the treatment of Crohn’s 
disease. 

Aloe Vera

This amazing plant has been associated with healing and relief for hundreds of years. In 
some cases, ingesting aloe vera has given sufferers a small bit of relief. This is most 
likely due to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, but doctors caution that the 
immune boosting properties could possibly irritate the already over-active immune 
system of a person struggling with Crohn’s disease. 

They also note that aloe vera has strong laxative effects, so taking too much could 
cause soreness and discomfort. It is recommended to keep aloe vera intake at a 
minimum and to closely monitor how it affects your gastrointestinal system. 

Salmon

Oily fish like salmon, mackerel, carp, and herring are full of omega 3 fatty acids which 
can greatly improve the condition of the digestive tract. This is because the omega 3 
fatty acids found in the oils and fats in fish are anti-inflammatory. In a recent study, 
heavy fish oils were that were ingested by crohn’s disease patients were found to have 
a positive effect on inflammation in the lower gastrointestinal tract. This was also true in 
a study where the subjects experienced inflammation which was originally caused by an 
abundant amount of omega 6 fatty acids. 

Almond Milk

This is one of the best non-dairy solutions for people with Crohn’s disease. Almond milk 
is widely available, and can be fortified to contain an impressive amount of vitamins 
without any of the saturated fats found in cow’s milk. Unsweetened almond milk is 
lighter, and at least 20 calories lower than most sweetened varieties, so you’ll have less 
to worry about pertaining to weight management. People dealing with Crohn’s can feel 
comfortable knowing that they can once again enjoy some of their favorite cereals, as 
long as the cereals are more of the refined variety. Whole food cereals can rub against 
the intestinal wall and aggravate inflamed tissues, with the exception of the soluble fiber 
contained in oatmeal. 

Oatmeal

Even though most people who have to deal with Crohn’s are generally supposed to 
avoid whole high fiber foods, oatmeal is a high fiber food that they can eat. This is 
because oatmeal is a soluble fiber that can be broken down by your digestive system 
much more easily than other typical forms of fiber. The moisture retentive properties of 
oatmeal also make it better for the intestines, and can even have a soothing effect. 
Also, the slowly digested form of fiber found in oatmeal serves to satisfy food cravings 
by providing a sustained source of energy over a period of time.    

Eggs

No matter which way you enjoy your eggs, they are considered a super food due to the 
fact that they are an easily digested source of a plethora of vitamins and minerals 
including B12, B2, B5, Choline, biotin, and protein. This is especially important during 
difficult and painful flare ups. 

Eggs can also be turned into an entire meal by adding other powerful, low fiber foods to 
them, such as those commonly found in an omelet. Vegetables that are more fibrous 
and more difficult to digest during flare-ups can even be precooked to a softness that is 
less likely to bother sensitive intestinal tissues. 

Avocados

If you have been looking for a food that is incredibly soothing to your digestive tract, 
then this is the little green fruit for you. Avocados are rich in vitamins B, extremely high 
in proteins and contain more potassium than bananas. This makes them a great option 
during times of Crohn’s flare ups. One really great secret about avocados, is that they 
are a great substitution for butter in baking, because they contain many similar fats to 
those that make baked goods delicious. 

Mashed avocado can also be used to make an amazing and healthy substitute for 
condiments such as mayonnaise, or slathered onto some lettuce for a healthy and 
nutritious snack. 

Butter Lettuce

If salads have become difficult due to the high fiber content of many vegetables, butter 
lettuce may be a good answer for you. This light, leafy vegetable is much more soft and 
easy for the stomach and intestines to break down. Simple salads with a light dressing, 
avocado and chicken can give you enough of the nutrients to make a serious meal. Just 
be sure that you cut back on the butter lettuce if you begin to experience any 
discomfort, increased inflammation, or diarrhea. 

Fermented Vegetables

This type of food is a wonderful source of probiotics for your digestive tract. Foods like 
Sauerkraut, and kimchee contain many of the digestion promoting bacteria needed to 
have a healthy balanced digestive system and efficient waste elimination. Another 
excellent bonus of fermented foods, is that they are far easier to digest for the body. 
Healthy amounts of good bacteria in your system also means improved immune health 
also, so you might want to load up on some of these magic foods as well. 

Papaya

If you are having some difficulty digesting food, you should consider adding papaya to 
your grocery list. Like other tropical fruits such as mangos, banana, and pineapple, 
papaya is very easily digested. This unique and delicious fruit is even good when you 
are not having a flare up. 

Papaya contains the enzyme papain, which is an important step in the processing of 
vitamins A, and C, as well as minerals like potassium. Some people have even reported 
that ingesting fresh papaya has reduced occurrences of flatulence by a noticeable 
amount. 

Poultry

Chicken and turkey are two of the most versatile meats available. These high protein 
meats can be cooked in a variety of ways, and are much easier for the body to digest 
than red meats like beef and pork. Turkey is a very low cost source of vitamins and 
minerals such as phosphorus, iron, potassium, and zinc. They also pair very well with 
other foods on this list to create a variety of healthy meals and snacks that will provide 
robust nutrition to help you stay energized and ready for your day.  

Red Peppers

Roasted red peppers can be a fantastic addition to your diet during flare ups. These 
amazing peppers are a source of pantothenic acid, folate, molybdenum, potassium, 
vitamins C, vitamin E, vitamin B6, and vitamin B2. This makes them a great way to get a 
lot of very important nutrients while you’re having a flare up. Just be sure to peel off the 
skin, and you’re on your way to adding a host of healthy components to your soup, 
salad, or sandwich. Unfortunately, not everyone reacts well to red pepper. 

Try it in small amounts before you add a large portion to your food, because some 
people report that they still have a difficult time digesting it. 

Pureed Chickpeas

Even though Crohn’s disease sufferers are told to avoid beans of all types, pureed 
chickpeas are easier to digest and are a lot less likely to cause any sort of irritation to 
the intestines. Chickpeas contain calcium, potassium, Vitamin B6, and iron. The trace 
minerals that chickpeas carry can help you to stave off hunger during and after flare 
ups, and when paired with other foods, they can provide a balanced amount of nutrition 
with a hearty and satisfying texture. 

Be sure to closely observe how you feel, and take notice of any sort of reaction when 
eating chickpeas during flare ups.  

Coconut Kefir

Kefir is a fermentation of coconut water. It boasts of unprecedented aid in the effort to 
restore helpful microflora to mucous membranes in the gut. These tiny organisms help 
up to control a variety of systems beyond just our digestion. When balance has been 
damaged, it is common to experience unpleasant symptoms. 

Some of these can ever be blood sugar related illnesses. Some of the gut flora provided 
by kefir can also fight off dangerous strains of yeasts like candida, and help to keep the 
delicate balance intact. It can also help with inflammation, flatulence, and promote 
proper elimination. 

Sweet Potatoes

These amazing potatoes are great for more than just sweet desserts during holiday 
time. Sweet potatoes are one of the highest sources for vitamin A in food. They also 
pack a powerful punch with nutritious trace minerals. 

You can eat them year-round, and they provide a wealth of benefits including blood 
sugar management and they deliver a mega dose of antioxidants that support healthy 
aging and fight inflammation. They can, and probably should be included in your diet 
whether you are in a flare up or not, and are a perfect substitution for pumpkin and 
traditional potato-based recipes.  

Rice 

Refined rice like much of what is available at any store does not contain much of the 
nutrients that are contained in many of the foods that appear on this list, but 
refined/white rice is very easy on the digestive system. Pairing refined rice with any of 
the foods on this list will make it possible for you to create a balanced meal that is filling 
and easy for your intestines to process. 

Vegetable Soups

The major advantage of soups is that they won’t contain any hefty fiber to irritate the 
bowels. Even soups made from vegetables that you would normally avoid during flare 
ups 

can be ingested in soup form. Pureed vegetables like squash, carrots, and pumpkin are 
great for soups, as they have a creamy, soft texture to them. You can add celery, a 
potent anti-inflammatory vegetable to nearly any soup, and it adds an amazing flavor to 
the broth.

 

