For a person with Crohn’s disease, eating a healthy diet isn’t as simple as it may seem. If you’re experiencing chronic diarrhea, you may have nutritional deficiencies to overcome, and this is especially true for children with Crohn’s disease that affects the small bowel. On top of this, certain foods — even foods that are considered nutritious, such as raw fruits and vegetables — can trigger a Crohn’s flare or worsen symptoms. “Foods differ for each person, and people often choose to avoid them," says Ryan S. Carvalho, MD, attending physician in the division of gastroenterology and nutrition at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. "However, caution is necessary to prevent excessive calorie, protein, and nutrient deprivation.” It’s easy to see why eating a good diet with Crohn's is so important.
Even children notice when certain foods trigger their Crohn’s symptoms, says Dr. Carvalho. Because foods that may act as triggers vary so widely, he suggests using a food diary to establish your diet for Crohn’s disease. “Maintaining a diary will also help you calculate your average calorie, protein, nutrient, and vitamin intake with the help of a dietitian," Carvalho says. The following foods are considered common triggers for a Crohn’s flare — be particularly aware of your reaction when you eat them and jot down all the details in your food diary.