What to Eat During a Crohn's Flare: Is White Rice Good for Crohn's?

1. Yogurt

If you tolerate dairy at all, one of the best foods to eat for a Crohn’s flare is nonfat, plain yogurt. The probiotics help aid digestion and the calcium is wonderful to reduce stress in the body, especially the GI tract. The potassium in yogurt can also restore essential electrolytes to the body that may be lost through diarrhea, along with fight stress and inflammation. Plain, nonfat yogurt, especially Greek, is also high in protein, which is important to eat to maintain muscle mass and it helps increase satiety. However, if you suffer from lactose intolerance, yogurt may make things worse, so always pay attention to how you react. Choose your dairy sources smart and avoid cheese and milk if you have Crohn’s, since these can exacerbate symptoms rather than help them.

2. Fish

Fish high in healthy fats, like salmon, are wonderful for Crohn’s patients to eat during a flare. The omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce inflammation in the GI tract and have been proven to be very beneficial to various intestinal disorders. According to the Mayo Clinic, managing inflammation is critical for long-term health with IBD. Fish is also seamless to digest, making it much easier to process than most meats. Definitely avoid red meat if you suffer from Crohn’s, as it is often the hardest animal protein for your body to digest.

3. Winter Vegetables

Winter veggies like pumpkin, cooked carrots, squash, and sweet potatoes are all wonderful to eat during a Crohn’s flare. They’re high in soluble fiber and potassium and will not cause gas and bloating like broccoli, beans, cauliflower, and legumes often do. Eat more of these and leafy greens instead of gas-producing veggies if you have a flare. Anytime you eat veggies, be sure to cook them very well, as it reduces pain and bloating by breaking down tough fibers.

4. Bananas, Papaya and Berries

Most people who have Crohn's tolerate bananas, papaya, and berries quite well. Some people are extremely sensitive to fruit and might not be able to tolerate even these GI-friendly foods, but if you can, they are great for Crohn’s flare-ups. Both are rich in soluble fiber and potassium, which are two of the best nutrients for a flare. Avoid apples and pears, which are known to cause gas and bloating very quickly.

5. Oatmeal

Many people with Crohn's find that oatmeal and Crohn's disease management go hand-in-hand. While some find they don't tolerate gluten or grains, oatmeal is often a top choice during a flare if you tolerate them. They’re incredibly high in soluble fiber and easy on the GI tract. Just be sure to avoid the instant varieties that have added sugar, as they’re also a wonderful healthy food to eat anyway.

6. More Liquid Meals

If you enjoy smoothies and pureed soups, now’s the time to have them! As long as they have ingredients that don’t cause symptoms for you, most smoothies made with yogurt, a few berries, and perhaps some spinach and almond milk would work well. Liquid meals can be much easier on the GI tract and can help reduce pain and indigestion during a flare. You might also find these healthy smoothie recipes helpful for more inspiration.

7. Brown Rice

A common question is: is white rice good for Crohn's disease? While white rice is easy to digest, it is often void of essential nutrients. Brown rice, though it is a whole grain, is actually relatively low in fiber, high in nutrients, and easy to digest. If you tolerate wild rice, that’s an even healthier choice since it has many more antioxidants. For more specialized information on dietary management, you can visit the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation.

Supporting your body with the right diet can make a significant difference in managing Crohn's symptoms. Remember that stress and lifestyle also play a role, so prioritize self-care and moderate exercise to help control inflammation. If you have Crohn’s, what foods have you found most helpful during a flare?