Crohn's Disease diagnosis: How do you handle foods?

I honestly believe my switch to mostly plant-based diet (as vegan as I can) has put my Chrohn's in remission along with finally finding the right medications (Stelara). I feel SO much better and I recover much quicker from a flare. I also have PSC and GERD. I am the only one in my family who eats this way though so I'm not 100% but I try to be. No red meat, no dairy, sometimes chicken or fish. The other thing I think that is big is now I only get eggs or chicken from a local butcher so no more grocery store/factory farmed meats which contain so much bad stuff. I try to keep my food as whole as possible too and although there are some tasty meat alternatives out there I like mushrooms or other whole food substitutes. I love beans and grains – so many fun ones and these do not bother me although I understand that might not be the case for everyone. I do avoid foods like pastas, crackers and sugary stuff instead honestly preferring fruit with the occasional indulgence. There are some fantastic sites too with people making yummy recipes (Minimalist Baker) and as an avid cook it has been super fun to try. I also love America's Test Kitchen The Complete Plant-based Cookbook. It has encouraged me to try ingredients I haven't tried before that I now love. I miss nothing about my previous diet – I'm eating this way for the rest of my life. I feel like since going this way a whole new world of tastes has opened up and the bonus is I feel so much better. Chrohn's is a funny thing cause what works for one person might not work for another and food has been a minefield for me and in some ways still is but eating this way has been my biggest victory over this disease. Hope that helps!

I've had "sub-clinical" (meaning very few symptoms) Crohn's for about 20 years, but recently mine has progressed to more symptoms to the point to where I have to start Remicade soon. A few years ago my wife and I started the Weight Watchers (WW) plan and I do think it has helped to some degree, especially with weight loss. I eat very little meat, and when I do it is white meat poultry only, or fish and seafood. I stay away from red meat altogether, and that has helped tremendously. I also have to avoid a lot of lentils and I avoid raw vegetables because they seem to make my GI system work harder. And alcohol of course is a big no-no as well. Hope this helps.

Thanks you for your information. Will for sure be checking out the Minimalist Baker and cookbook.

Thanks for your reply. So strange how it affects everyone differently.

I've had Crohn's for over 40 years, and as you have mentioned, it affects everyone differently. Generally, if he tolerates foods, he can eat them.

Most of the time I eat a something similar to the Mediterranean diet. But there have been times where all I have been able to tolerate is white bread and chicken. There have been times where I have had a hard time eating enough calories, and other times when that has not been a problem at all.

Talking to a dietician can help, but there isn't any "one size fits all" for CD.

Susan, thank you for your reply. We just need to figure out the best food for him, so he doesn't have another bowel blockage.

Could Chrones be the reason why I find that I have pooped a bit in my bed while sleeping? Or, is it something else? I don't feel a thing when it's happening. Sometimes, I will sit on my bed to change into my jeans, and lo and behold, I pooped on the bed a bit. What the heck is happening to me?

I'm sorry you that is happening to you. I don't know if that's a part of Crohn's or not.

@trec55, you may also be interested in this related discussion:
- Crohn's Disease isn't on the ease: What treatments work?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/chrons-disease-that-isnt-on-the-ease/

I sure wish a special diet could help me, but no such luck. I was on a strict keto diet for over a year, and felt great until the Stelara stopped working. Then all h*** broke loose. In my case, it doesn't matter what I eat; severe symptoms persist without effective biologics.
Good luck, I hope food selection helps you!