Crohn's Diet Foods

Crohn's is a chronic disease that causes inflammation of the entire digestive tract. While there is no cure for Crohn's, Centocor Ortho Biotech's Living with Crohn's Disease site notes that a proper diet is crucial to managing its symptoms. While good nutrition is essential for everyone, people with Crohn's face extra challenges because of discomfort and appetite loss. It is important to follow general food guidelines, create a personal food journal and consult a dietitian to help develop a specific nutrition plan.

Frequent Meals

Crohn's disease interferes with the body's ability to break down food and absorb nutrients, according to the Living with Crohn's Disease resource. Combat this problem by eating smaller meals more frequently. Staff members at MayoClinic.com recommend that patients with Crohn's eat five or six meals each day. Timothy Brantley, author of "The Cure: Heal Your Body, Save Your Life," suggests you avoid drinking fluids during meals, as he claims drinking may dilute digestive juices and pose even more challenges to the body's intestines. If you do drink a beverage with your meals, the St. John Physician Network recommends sipping the beverage, rather than gulping it.

Low-Residue Foods

Low-residue foods contain a small amount of fiber and indigestible material, according to MayoClinic.com. They give your digestive tract a break by limiting the amount of solid waste passing through your system. This diet should only be used briefly because low-residue foods do not provide significant nutrients. MayoClinic.com recommends looking for refined breads, crackers and pastas containing less than 1 gram of fiber. Also try white rice and pulp-free vegetable juices, milk, pudding and cream-based soups, tender meat, poultry, fish and eggs as part of a low-residue diet.

Fruits and Vegetables

Because a body affected by Crohn's disease has a diminished ability to absorb nutrients, it is important for patients to make wise choices when eating. Eating fruits and vegetables that are packed with nutrients is crucial to disease management. MayoClinic.com advises steaming or stewing vegetables such as carrots and squash to make them easier to digest. Nutrient-packed sweet potatoes are easy on the digestive system when they are baked or steamed. Incorporate soft fruits like applesauce and bananas.

Protein

Protein is an essential part of every well-balanced diet. Unfortunately, it is difficult for people affected by Crohn's to consume an adequate amount of protein. Their small intestines are unable to digest fat during periods of inflammation. For that reason, it is important for Crohn's patients to avoid fried meats, red meat and rich dairy products. Try low fat sources of protein such as baked chicken, pork or fish.

Liquids

Water is a wonderful way to promote healing for anyone. Hydration is a major concern for people with Crohn's because they often lose extra water through diarrhea. According to MayoClinic.com, water is definitely best way to rehydrate. Electrolyte-dense sports drinks may be helpful when symptoms are at their worst. Avoid caffeine, especially coffee, which causes the body to produce excess acid that can irritate inflammation.