Crohn's disease causes inflammation of the intestinal tract and may occur anywhere in the intestine. The University of Maryland Medical Center estimates this disease affects from two to seven people out of every 100,000 people in the United States. Symptoms of Crohn's disease include bloody or loose diarrhea, fever, anorexia and abdominal pain. Symptoms may flare suddenly or go into remission for long periods of time. Though food does not cause this disease, certain foods may trigger symptoms of the disease or make a flare of Crohn's disease worse.
Dairy Products
Intestinal inflammation due to Crohn's disease may inhibit the absorption of dairy products. Enzymes found in dairy may trigger an increase in symptoms such as abdominal pain and gas. Using a dairy enzyme product to help break down lactose found in dairy products may help, especially if you are also lactose intolerant or unable to digest sugars found in milk. Choosing low-lactose or lactose-free dairy products may also be suitable. You may find that removing dairy completely from your diet is the best option. If so, MedlinePlus suggests that you meet with a dietitian to ensure you're getting enough calcium in your diet through other foods.
High-Fat Foods
Crohn's disease may cause ulcers, inflammation or other damage to the small intestine, which makes the absorption of fats from food difficult. Fat passes through the intestine instead of being absorbed, according to MayoClinic.com, which may aggravate intestines and make diarrhea worse. Avoiding foods high in fat, such as fast food, margarine and fried foods, may help prevent worsening of Crohn's-related symptoms.
High-Fiber Foods
A diet rich in fiber may affect some people with Crohn's disease positively; however, for others with the disease, it may have negative effects. You may have to experiment with the amount of fiber in your diet to see how it affects your Crohn's symptoms. Bulky fiber passing through the intestine may trigger an increase in symptoms, such as diarrhea, gas and abdominal pain. Preparing raw fruits and vegetables by baking, steaming or stewing may help break up fiber content and make these types of foods easier to digest, states the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Other Foods
Additional foods that may aggravate inflammation inside the intestine include beans, cabbage, broccoli and citrus fruits. Nuts, seeds and popcorn may not move well through the intestine and could trigger symptoms, according to MayoClinic.com. Spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol may cause spasms in the intestine or irritate your intestinal lining.
