In Crohn's disease, inflammation of the cells that line your digestive tract causes painful cramping, diarrhea and possibly malnutrition. Scientists used to believe that a poor diet and stress brought on Crohn's disease, but now they believe an immune system malfunction acting on genetic risk factors contributes to the condition. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse says no diet has been proven to treat or prevent Crohn's disease, but certain foods may make your episodes worse.
Fatty Foods
In over 80 percent of people with Crohn's disease, the small intestine is affected, according to the Merck Manual. Unlike most other dietary components, the digestion of fatty foods does not begin until the foods reach the small intestine and interact with the pancreatic enzyme lipase. If you have Crohn's, because of your malfunctioning small intestine, you may often have trouble adequately digesting fatty foods such as fried foods, cream sauces and foods containing a lot of butter or margarine. The undigested fat passes into your large intestine and exacerbates diarrhea.
Dairy Foods
The cells lining your small intestine normally produce an enzyme called lactase that catalyzes the breakdown of the complex milk sugar, lactose. If you have Crohn's disease, you often fail to make normal levels of lactase, and consequently you likely suffer from lactose intolerance -- a condition in which dairy products cause gas and abdominal bloating. MayoClinic.com recommends that you either carefully limit the amount of dairy foods you eat, or you use an over-the-counter lactase enzyme supplement to help digest lactose.
High-Fiber Foods
Although very healthful for the digestive tract in other respects, high-fiber foods often cause gas, add to abdominal pain and worsen diarrhea if you have Crohn's disease. Whole grains, fruits and vegetables -- especially legumes, such as beans and peas, and members of the cabbage family, such as cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli -- are high in fiber and likely to cause excess gas. Cooking fruits and vegetables may decrease their gas-causing power and make them tolerable. Other high-fiber foods to limit include nuts, seeds and popcorn.
Caffeinated and Spicy Foods
Foods and beverages that contain high levels of caffeine stimulate the smooth muscles of the intestines and may set off cramping and diarrhea. Chocolate, tea and coffee are prime culprits. If you have Crohn's disease, you may not be able to tolerate spicy foods. In addition to avoiding foods that worsen symptoms, you should avoid eating large meals. MayoClinic.com says that some patients feel better if they spread their daily food intake out over five to six small meals per day instead of three larger meals.
