5 Foods to Ease Crohn’s Disease Symptoms

Gut flare-ups are no fun, especially when they occur while you’re out and about, at a family gathering, or in the middle of an exercise. But here’s the good news. While symptoms of Crohn’s disease, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and bloating can disrupt daily life, they don’t have to. If you’re struggling with an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or just general gut trouble, don’t get dismayed.

Although no universal cure exists, incorporating certain healthy, gentle foods can make a massive difference in your disease management.

Let’s cover five standout options that deserve a spot on your plate…

1. Bananas

Bananas are famous for being a mild, easy-to-digest fruit, and for good reason. Loaded with potassium and low in fiber, this yellow fruit gives your body the soft, stomach-friendly option it deserves!

Not to get graphic, but during a Crohn’s flare, diarrhea can really reduce the necessary electrolytes in your system. When your body is depleted of these, especially potassium, this can lead to weakness and cramping. Fortunately, bananas help replenish these losses while giving you a mild energy boost as well.

Just make sure they’re ripe! You want ones with smooth, yellow skin, not green ones. And it doesn’t take much. Just a small serving, like half a banana mashed into a smoothie or eaten plain, can ease your stomach.

They go particularly well with a protein source like yogurt, helping to stabilize absorption while providing the simple nourishment you need.

2. Oatmeal

Are you big on breakfast? Are you not big on breakfast and like to keep it light or even skip it? No matter your preference, some oatmeal can go a long way in keeping your worst Crohn’s flare-ups at bay.

Unlike high-fiber foods that further hurt an inflamed bowel, oats have critical soluble fiber, helping your system absorb water to form a gel-like consistency in the gut. When this happens, your body can firm up loose stools, which is a common problem during flare-ups. Not only will oats reduce irritation, but they’re also chock full of B vitamins and antioxidants, which are always good for overall energy and gut healing.

Just make sure you’re preparing your oats the right way. Plain, rolled oats cooked with water or a low-fat milk alternative are the most gentle options for your gut. Try to stay away from instant varieties, as these are often filled with artificial ingredients and plenty of sugar.

And don’t overdo it. You don’t need much. A modest bowl, roughly a half-cooked cup is enough without taxing your digestive system. If you’re lacking some flavor, drizzle on some local honey or toss in a few slices of banana.

Bon appétit!

RELATED: Perfect Steel Cut Oatmeal

3. Salmon

Salmon is basically an anti-inflammatory powerhouse.

One of the best foods for people with Crohn’s, salmon is extremely rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to ease all forms of inflammation. Because chronic inflammation is the major driver of Crohn’s disease symptoms, this is a must.

Studies indicate that omega-3s also even help ease pain and swelling in the gut. Not to mention the high levels of quality protein you’ll get from salmon. Overall, this beloved fish is crucial for repairing tissues and maintaining strength.

If you’re not sure how to prepare it, keep things simple. Your number one goal should be to preserve the vital nutrients of the fish. You can do this typically by baking or steaming. Get a nice three to four-ounce portion, season it lightly if you can tolerate herbs, and you’ll have all the gentle, filling meals you could want!

If you’re not a fan of fishy flavor, you can always pair your salmon with something bland, like white rice. This can help you balance out any strong taste, while also ensuring you get the maximum absorption of salmon’s goodies.

For a smart long-term addition to any diet, you can’t go wrong with salmon.

4. White Rice

We just briefly mentioned white rice, but this food item deserves some further praise!

While white rice by itself might not win any culinary awards, its simplicity is what makes it great for people with stomach issues. Lacking the fiber-heavy bran typical of its brown counterpart, white rice is easily digested in your gut. A starch, it’s also good for a quick energy burst, which is important for when fatigue sets in.

Another good thing to know is that white rice helps bulk up your stools, which can offset the unwelcome impacts of diarrhea. A neutral food, it’s also a sound base for incorporating other healthy foods your gut can handle.

In fact, the recipe ideas are very versatile. To begin, make sure you keep the white rice well-cooked and plain, staying away from any sort of fried or heavily seasoned ingredients. When choosing the serving size, try to stick to no more than a cup. This can help anchor the meal without taxing your digestive tract too much.

And again, you can easily pair rice with many other great food options. A lean protein like salmon or a soft veggie like cooked carrots are top complements, to start. Because white rice is so versatile, it should become a staple in your anti-inflammatory diet.

5. Cooked Carrots

Speaking of carrots, not only does this orange veggie provide a nice splash of color, but also a nice dose of nutrition. All you have to do is steam or boil them until they’re soft. This will help reduce the insoluble fiber load, which then makes carrots much easier to digest.

Keep it to a small handful, mashed or pureed, and toss in some rice for a nice pairing. Limit or avoid butter altogether, and especially stay away from the heavy seasoning. A pinch of salt can go a long way, especially if you’re blending your carrots into a smooth soup with a broth.

Generally speaking, if you’re managing Crohn’s disease symptoms, the best thing you can do is cook your vegetables. Eating raw veggies is often difficult because the cellulose-loaded cell walls of these vegetables are hard to break down. They sit in the stomach and intestines longer, leading to discomfort.

Then you have many cruciferous veggies, like broccoli or cauliflower, that may actually increase your gut motility, thereby speeding up digestion and causing diarrhea.

So be mindful. Taken together, these five foods—bananas, oatmeal, salmon, white rice, and cooked carrots—represent a critical starting point. But remember, Crohn’s varies widely depending on the individual. Some foods may absolutely wreck you while they’re tolerable by others.

Listen to your body, speak to your doctor, and chart the nutritious, delicious diet right for you!