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Food is one of the three pillars of life and therefore it is essential to know what to eat and what to avoid, especially when dealing with conditions like Crohn’s disease. This knowledge of dos and don’ts (Pathya and Apathya) is not only crucial for managing and alleviating symptoms (Lakshana) but also plays an important role in preventing flare-ups and complications of diseases. By understanding the impact of food choices, we can better control Crohn’s disease and, more importantly, reduce the risk of future flare-ups. Individuals with Crohn’s disease take proactive steps toward managing their health and improving their quality of life by knowing what should be avoided.
List of Foods to Avoid with Crohn’s Disease
Top 8 foods that should be avoided in Crohn’s disease as per Ayurveda:
- Barley
- Kidney beans
- Bathua (Lamb’s quarters)
- Garlic
- Honey
- Leafy vegetables
- Mango
- Malabar spinach
1. Barley
Barley (Hordeum vulgare) known as Jow or Yava is one the nutritional cereals included in the diet and is very famous for its cooling diuretic properties. But Barley should be avoided in the Crohn’s disease.
Why is Barley Considered A ‘No-Go’ Food For Individuals with Crohn’s Disease?
Barley is a rich source of soluble and insoluble fiber which adds bulk, irritates the intestinal lining, and increases the risk of bowel obstruction. It also contains FODMAPs which ferment in the gut and cause discomfort like bloating, gas, etc. in Crohn’s patients.
Alternatives of Barley that Can Be Included in the Diet
Quinoa (softly cooked), Oats (if tolerated, gluten-free). White rice, etc should be used as an alternative.
2. Kidney Beans
Kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) also known as Rajmasha are edible dry seeds and resemble the human kidney. Kidney beans should be avoided for the Crohn’s disease.
What Makes Kidney Beans A Challenging Food for Individuals with Crohn’s Disease?
Kidney beans contain a type of carbohydrate known as resistant starch, which resists digestion in the small intestine. It ferments in the colon, producing discomfort like gas and bloating in Crohn’s patients. It contains lectin protein which is difficult to digest and also kidney beans are rich in fiber and FODMAP content.
Alternatives of Kidney Beans that Can Be Included in the Diet
In moderation, Split Mung Beans (Vigna radiata) or well-cooked lentils, lean meat, fish, and tofu can be used as alternatives.
3. Lamb’s Quarters (Bathua)
Bathua scientifically known as Chenopodium album is a well-known nutritional vegetable that has various properties like diuretic, blood purifier, hepatoprotective, etc. but it should be avoided in Crohn’s disease.
How Does Consuming Lamb’s Quarter Influence Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease?
Lamb’s quarter contains certain phytochemicals, saponins, fibers, etc. which are difficult to digest by Crohn’s disease patients. Along with this Crohn’s disease patients are at high risk of kidney stones due to fat malabsorption and kidney beans contain a high number of oxalates, which contribute to the formation of kidney stones.
Alternatives of Lamb’s Quarter that Can Be Included in the Diet
In moderation cooked and blended low-fiber greens like spinach, and zucchini (well peeled and cooked) are easy to digest and can be included in the diet.
4. Garlic
Garlic (Rasona) well known as Allium sativum is a dietary supplement that supports a healthy heart and controls cholesterol levels but it should be avoided in Crohn’s disease.
What Specific Properties of Garlic Make it Unsuitable for Individuals with Crohn’s Disease?
Garlic irritates the intestinal lining as it contains sulfur-containing compounds and allicin. The active ingredients present in garlic trigger cramps, and increase motility in active Crohn’s disease people. Also, garlic contains fermentable oligosaccharides fructans which are difficult to digest by Crohn’s patients.
Alternatives of Garlic that Can Be Included in the Diet
If you are a garlic lover, then for flavor you can use garlic-infused oils which are low in FODMAPs. Fresh herbs like parsley, and Hing (asafoetida) can be taken as alternatives.
5. Honey
Honey (Madhu) is well known for its various properties like healing, purification, worm infestation, hiccups, etc. In Ayurveda, it is famous as a Drug delivery vehicle (Anupana). It is contraindicated in Crohn’s disease patients.
Why Should Honey Be Avoided in A Crohn’s Disease Diet?
It alters gut microbiota and is rich in glucose and fructose which as a result increases gut inflammation, exhibits an osmotic effect by pulling water in the intestine by high sugar content, and leads to diarrhea, bloating, gas, etc.
Alternatives of Honey that Can Be Included in the Diet
Low FODMAP sweeteners like monk fruit and stevia can be used. Along with these cooked apples, ripe bananas that contain limited natural sweetness can be used as alternatives.
6. Leafy Vegetables
Universally leafy vegetables are not harmful but individual tolerance for them is crucial. Leafy vegetables are not taken in Crohn’s disease, especially during flare-ups of Crohn’s disease.
Why Leafy Vegetables Should Be Avoided for Crohn’s Disease?
The bulky texture of green leafy vegetables increases the risk of intestinal obstruction, also due to its rich in fiber, undigested portion of leafy vegetables ferment in the gut leading to bloating and gas which worsen or flare up Crohn’s disease.
Alternatives of Honey that Can Be Included in the Diet
Well-steamed and blended leafy vegetables are easy to digest, so pureed or blended and well-cooked kale, lettuce, peeled cucumber, and zucchini can be included.
7. Mango
Mango (Mangifera indica) should be avoided in Crohn’s patients, especially during a flare-up.
How Does Mango Contribute to the Worsening of Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease?
Mango contains a compound named urushiol which may cause inflammatory responses or mild allergic reactions in some individuals which may exacerbate symptoms in Crohn’s patients. Unripe mangoes are acidic so they may worsen symptoms by gastric irritation. On the other hand, ripe mangoes are rich in fructose, which can lead to fermentation in the gut and is not well absorbed in Crohn’s patients. So, they should be avoided.
Alternatives of Mango that Can Be Included in the Diet
Fruits like ripe bananas, well-cooked apples, and ripe papaya which are easily digestible can be included in the diet.
8. Malabar Spinach
Malabar spinach (Basella alba or rubra) is very famous as it contains various essential Vitamins that fortify bone health and heart health. It decreases the risk of various cancers and treats various eye disorders but it is important to avoid Crohn’s disease patients.
What Makes Malabar Spinach A Problematic Food Choice for People with Crohn’s Disease?
Malabar spinach has a mucilaginous texture, high fiber content, and oxalate content which makes it a bad choice for Crohn’s patients.
Alternatives of Malabar Spinach that Can Be Included in the Diet
Well-cooked, strained vegetables in which fiber content is reduced can be used as an alternative.
Also Read:- Complete Dietary Guidance for Crohn’s Disease Patients
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Not to Eat with Crohn’s Disease?
Foods to avoid Crohn’s disease include barley, kidney beans, bathua (lamb’s quarters), garlic, honey, leafy vegetables, mango, and malabar spinach.
Can Dairy Products Trigger Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease?
Yes, research revealed that many individuals with Crohn’s disease experience lactose intolerance which leads to diarrhea, bloating, stomach cramps, etc. so it is recommended to either choose lactose-free options or avoid dairy products.
Can I Take Spicy Food When Suffering from Crohn’s Disease?
No, Spicy food exacerbates the symptoms of Crohn’s disease like stomach ache, diarrhea, etc. as it can irritate the gastrointestinal tract.
Can I Take Seeds And Nuts While Suffering from Crohn’s Disease?
A higher number of fibers and fats present in the seeds and nuts irritate the inflamed intestine as they are heavy to digest which leads to various symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, etc. So, it is better to avoid seeds and nuts while suffering from Crohn’s disease?
Can I Eat Chips with Crohn’s Disease?
Due to high-fat content, risk of digestive irritation, high sodium levels, and low nutritional values, Chips generally should be avoided or consumed in moderation by individuals.
Can You Eat Chinese Food with Crohn’s Disease?
Chinese food can be tricky for Crohn’s disease; avoid spicy, oily, and MSG-laden dishes for better digestion.
Can You Eat Raisins with Crohn’s Disease?
Raisins, being high in fiber and sugar, can cause bloating or discomfort for some with Crohn’s Disease.
Can Sugary Food Affect Crohn’s Disease Symptoms?
Sugary food contributes to inflammation and disrupts the gut microbiota, which may worsen Crohn’s disease. So, it is better to limit sugary snacks and drinks to avoid flare-ups of Crohn’s disease.
Reference
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3. Godala M, Gaszynska E, Durko L, Małecka-Wojciesko E. Dietary Behaviors and Beliefs in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. J Clin Med. 2023 May 14; 12 (10): 3455. doi: 10. 3390/ jcm- 12103- 455. PMID: 372- 40560; PMCID: PMC- 1021- 9397.
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