Crohn’s disease is a digestive disorder that involves the chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract. Symptoms of the disease include watery diarrhea, chronic blood stools, fever, abdominal pain, fatigue, and nausea. While there is currently no cure for the disorder, you can control the symptoms through your diet and medication. John R. Loughrey, a medical doctor practicing gastroenterology in Cincinnati, OH, has provided some nutritional tips to avoid pain or discomfort from Crohn’s disease.

5 Foods Your Medical Doctor Wants You to Avoid if You Have Crohn’s Disease

1. Nuts

While raw nuts feature healthy fats and are high in protein, they don’t help those with Crohn’s disease. They’re not easy to digest, so they can irritate the lining of your gut, worsening the symptoms of the disease.

2. Fruit With Skin

The skin featured on many fruits and vegetables cause major digestive problems for those suffering from Crohn’s disease. Many with the disease can digest fruits and vegetables if the skin has been stripped off. To ensure they won’t cause problems with the disease, cooked or canned fruits and vegetables is a good alternative.

3. Popcorn

Technically a whole grain, popcorn can be difficult to digest for those with Crohn’s disease. It doesn’t help that it’s one of the most difficult grains to digest. As with anything else that’s hard to digest, popcorn can worsen symptoms of Crohn’s disease and delay the healing process.

4. Fried Food

Whether it’s chicken, fish, or some other type of healthy food, deep frying it immediately eliminates the health benefits. Due to its greasiness, these foods are even less healthy for those suffering from Crohn’s disease.

5. Cured Meat

Those with Crohn’s disease need to get enough protein, which should make up about 25% of their daily calorie intake. However, fatty or cured meats, such as bacon, will have a negative effect for them due to high fat. A better choice for those with Crohn’s disease would be leaner foods with high-quality proteins, such as fish, soy, and smooth nut butters.

As it’s an intestinal disorder, the foods you eat can have a major impact on the symptoms of Crohn’s disease. Avoiding these foods will allow you to continue living a healthy life and limit the negative effects. For more information about Crohn’s disease, contact John R. Loughrey, a trusted medical doctor in the Cincinnati area, by calling (513) 681-8800 or visiting his website.