Dietary Factors That Can Worsen Crohn's Disease Symptoms

July. 16,2025

Discover dietary triggers that can worsen Crohn’s disease symptoms. Learn which foods, such as nuts, raw produce, fried foods, whole grains, and cured meats, may cause flare-ups. Understanding these can help manage symptoms better through dietary adjustments. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice on Crohn's disease management.

Dietary Factors That Can Worsen Crohn's Disease Symptoms

Dietary Factors That Can Worsen Crohn's Disease Symptoms

People living with Crohn’s disease often experience symptom flare-ups triggered by certain foods. While some foods may worsen symptoms in one individual, others might tolerate them well. Monitoring your diet and body response is crucial, especially during frequent flare-ups. Certain foods are known to exacerbate symptoms, including:

Nuts: Although nutritious, nuts can be difficult to digest if not chewed thoroughly, potentially irritating the digestive tract.

Dietary Factors Affecting Crohn's Flare-ups
This puts extra strain on the gut, leading to discomfort.

Raw foods: Consuming raw fruits and vegetables can be problematic because cooking softens them, making digestion easier. Skinless fruits like apples or cucumbers are preferable, as skins can be rough and harder for the gut to process.

Fried foods: Greasy, fried foods pose challenges due to their high fat content and difficulty to digest.

Whole grains: Hard-to-digest whole grains, such as popcorn and corn on the cob, can irritate the intestinal lining because of their dense outer layers.

Cured meats: Crohn’s patients should limit processed, fatty meats like bacon. Instead, opting for lean meats, fish, soy, or smooth nut butters can help reduce flare-ups.