If you have Crohn's or Colitis, and are in a flare, you should stop eating these foods immediately! They could exaggerate your symptoms and may cause damage to your gut.
1. Sugar and High Fructose Corn Syrup
Bad gut bacteria can feed on sugar allowing the bad bacteria to flourish throughout the gut. If you starve the bad bacteria by not eating sugar and carbs it will eventually die off, leaving you with a much healthier gut flora.
2. Wheat
Wheat causes issues for many people. Not just the gluten in wheat, but the fact that it is so high in carbohydrates. Carbs can cause those with IBD to feel bloated, can increase gas, and can cause IBD systems to become worse. Stop eating all carbs immediately! Carbs include things like bread, cereal, and rice. Refer to my post on What is a Grain for more detailed info.
3. Soy
Soy is in A LOT of foods and can wreak havoc on the gut. There are a couple of reasons to avoid soy. First, the manufacturing of soy products increases the presence of artificial chemicals. Second, it interferes with the absorption of critical minerals. Lastly, it has also been linked to health issues related to hormones, the thyroid, and fertility.
4. Oats
Oats are generally health for most of the population. They are not good for those of us that have Inflammatory Bowel Disease. They are considered a grain and anything that is a grain can cause inflammation in the gut.
5. Corn
Corn is also considered a grain and is very touch on the microbiome of the gut. It is massed produced and is found as a filler in many products. Be sure to read the label of products you purchase.
6. Dairy
Dairy is very hard on the gut and is not really meant to be consumed by humans after infancy. Humans are the only mammal that continue to drink milk after infancy. And we don’t even drink human milk - we drink cow milk!
7. Soda and Juice
This goes hand and hand with the item above, sugar. Most soda contains a high amount of sugar, high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners. I suggest switching to sparking water if you are looking for something carbonated. Be sure to check the label on the sparkling water you choose to ensure there is not sugar added.
Due to the high concentration of sugar in juice it is best to avoid drinking it. It will cause exaggerated symptoms. You may be able to add 100% Juice items back into your diet when your gut calms down a bit.
8. Potatoes
Due to their high carbohydrate content you should avoid these if you have IBD. They may cause bloating and gas and will not help your gut get healthy. All root vegtables, in general, should be avoided.
9. Coffee
While black coffee is okay to drink, if you are in a "flare" or are experiencing an increase of symptom, you should avoid it as it can be hard on the intestines. Try replacing it with plain black tea. Use honey as sweetener if needed.
10. Deli Meat
Processed meats should be avoided due to the amount of additives they contain. Often times deli meats contain modified corn starch, sugars, and sodium nitrates - all bad things that can do a number on your gut and health!
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