Best Diet Plan for Patients with Crohn’s Disease in USA

An estimated 3 million Americans suffer from Crohn’s Disease⁽¹⁾. Irrespective of gender, all are affected equally. Because of the westernized lifestyle and eating habits, many are prone to Crohn’s Disease. Ayurveda assesses that eating incompatible food that triggers the immune system is one of the reasons for Crohn’s Disease. So, today through this article we want to introduce you Best Diet Plan for Patients with Crohn’s Disease in the USA.

At IAFA®, we get many patients from the USA who have various kinds of lifestyle disorders and other allergies, they all get treated naturally by Dr. Sahil Gupta and many and not to forget, we also recommend a personalized diet for our patients as per Ayurveda and assist them to recover quickly. After receiving many requests from our patients from the US we have come up with a Crohn’s Disease Diet, especially for the patients from the US. Even if you are not from the US, still you can follow this, because Ayurveda is for everyone. In our other articles about Crohn’s Disease, we have covered gluten-free diets for Crohn’s disease.

Read: Crohn’s Disease Diet (Gluten-Free) – As Per Ayurveda

Okay, for now, let’s get started with the best diet for Crohn’s disease for patients in the USA.

Two types of diets are found to be beneficial for Crohn’s disease. You have to note down one point here, only diet can’t cure this disease but will surely help to get relief from symptoms.

1. Low FODMAP Diet
2. Gluten-Free Diet

Many research studies have suggested that these two diets have brought immense positive results in patients suffering from Crohn’s Disease. So, let’s get into the details of this Crohn’s Disease Diet.

1. Low FODMAP Diet – What is It? 

FODMAP foods are rich in carbohydrates, high fats, and sugars. A Low FODMAP diet is to reduce the intake of all the above-mentioned which are considered triggers for the gut. These foods worsen the GI symptoms. So, following a low FODMAP Diet will surely help get some relief from Crohn’s disease. 

What Should You Do? 

Consult Your Dietician and note down the foods that are rich in FODMAP and avoid them completely. Follow this diet for 2-6 weeks and swap them with other alternatives to prevent malnutrition. If you feel better or your flare-ups are reduced, it means you are sensitive to these foods, and following a low FODMAP diet will be your buddy in your Crohn’s Disease healing Journey.

How Can You Know, It Is for You?

Simple,

• If you are getting relief.
• If your GI symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea disappear.
• Reduced flare-ups.
• No stress when you eat any food.
• Reduced sores and ulcers in the stomach.

If you can tick off all these, then it is clear that you are sensitive to FODMAP foods, and avoiding them can lower the risk of Crohn’s disease. Include this in your Crohn’s Disease Diet Chart.

Foods to Swap With:- 

Consume These:- 

• Lettuce
• Carrots
• Potatoes
• Tomatoes
• Grapes
• Kiwis
• Cantaloupe
• Quinoa
• Rice
• Millet
• Cornmeal
• Lactose-free eatables
• Almond milk
• Brown sugar
• Stevia, a natural sweetener from plants
• Pure maple syrup 

Avoid These:- 

• Onion
• Garlic
• Cauliflower
• Asparagus
• Apples
• Cherries
• Watermelons
• Mangoes
• Pears
• Plums
• Canned fruits
• Bread
• Pasta
• Cereal
• Whole wheat
• Cheese
• Soymilk
• Beans
• Cashews
• Meats with high fats
• Red meat
• Honey
• High fructose corn syrup.

Also Read – 10 Foods to Avoid if You Have Crohn’s Disease

2. Gluten-Free Diet – What is It? 

A gluten-free diet includes foods that do not have gluten. Gluten is a protein that is present in foods like wheat, barley, and rye and causes gastrointestinal reactions. Following a gluten-free diet helps to reduce the worsening of diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and nausea. Include this in your Crohn’s Disease Diet Plan to see immense results.

Who Can Follow This Diet?

This diet is not for everyone. You should always watch out for the foods you eat and the reactions you get after eating those foods. If your flare-ups are worsening after consuming gluten, then it’s clear that you are sensitive to it and following a gluten-free diet will help you.

You Should Have It Only If You Have Celiac Disease?

This is a major myth among people that a Gluten-Free Diet only helps those with celiac and has nothing to do with Crohn’s disease. But the truth is avoiding gluten has proven to get good results in many patients with Crohn’s disease. A gluten-free diet is also low in FODMAP which we discussed before as a good diet to lower the risk of Crohn’s.

Also Read:- What is the Difference Between Crohn’s Disease and Celiac Disease?

Foods Rich in Gluten 

The following foods are rich in gluten and must be avoided. Please consult your physician or dietician before starting any diet. If you have any queries regarding a gluten-free diet, book an online consultation now and talk with Dr. Sahil Gupta who will help you in choosing a personalized diet that will immensely benefit you.

Foods Rich in Gluten Are:-

• Wheat
• Barely
• Rye
• Soya sauce
• Pasta
• Bread
• Beer
• Cakes
• Crackers
• Buns
• Bagels
• Semolina

What to Eat in Crohn’s Disease Instead?

• Buckwheat
• Corn
• Sorghum
• Millet
• Rice
• Quinoa
• Oats
• Amaranth
• Large lettuce leaves

Also Read:- Which Foods You Should Avoid When You Have Crohn’s Disease?

A Quick Wrap Up 

No single diet can cure Crohn’s disease, but following any one of the above diets can reduce the flares and can make your life less stressful. As per Ayurveda along with the above-mentioned diet, you should also focus on:-

• Lowering your stress levels.
• Maintaining proper body weight.
• Regular exercises.
• Frequent practice on the yoga asanas.
• Adapting an Ayurvedic way of lifestyle.
• Eating natural and compatible foods.

If you are still struggling to manage Crohn’s disease, book an online appointment and get consulted with our Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist – Dr. Sahil Gupta, who has treated a lot of patients at IAFA® with Gluten sensitivity and Crohn’s disease.