For people living with Crohn’s disease, managing symptoms often comes down to diet. When flares hit, simply eating becomes a strategic challenge. Alexa Federico, a certified nutritional therapy practitioner and Crohn’s sufferer herself, has developed an approach that prioritizes gut healing through carefully chosen foods. Her core principle? Reduce digestive stress at all costs.
Why Diet Matters During a Flare
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). During a flare-up, the gut lining becomes inflamed, making it harder to digest food. The key is to give the digestive system a break. This isn’t about long-term deprivation; it’s about temporary relief and supporting recovery.
The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation recommends a nutrient-rich diet during remission. But flares demand a different strategy: simplifying intake to minimize irritation.
The Flare-Up Food Plan
Federico’s flare-up diet isn’t restrictive, just focused. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Fewer Fibrous Vegetables: High-fiber foods (like broccoli or cauliflower) can be tough on an inflamed gut. She shifts to softer, easier-to-digest options: peeled carrots, cooked sweet potatoes, pureed squash, or steamed asparagus tips.
- Warm Liquids: Bone broth is a central element. It’s nourishing, hydrating, and gentle on the stomach. Soups (modified to be smooth and easy to digest) can also provide hydration and nutrients. Herbal teas (peppermint, ginger, chamomile) can soothe digestive discomfort.
- Animal Proteins: Meat provides essential nutrients without the fiber that can exacerbate symptoms. Ground or slow-cooked options are preferred, as they are easier to digest. The European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism suggests increasing protein intake to 1.2–1.5g per kg of body weight during active inflammation.
- Simple Starches: White rice and cooked sweet potato offer easily digestible carbohydrates for energy.
Why This Works: The Gut’s Perspective
The goal is to reduce the workload on the gut. Liquids require less effort to digest than solids. Smooth textures minimize irritation. Animal proteins provide building blocks for tissue repair without adding bulk.
During a flare, the body prioritizes healing. Every unnecessary digestive process (like breaking down tough fiber) drains energy from that process.
Long-Term Considerations
This isn’t a permanent diet. When symptoms subside, reintroducing fiber-rich foods is essential for gut health. But during a flare, simplicity is key. The point is to provide the gut with the least resistance possible while still ensuring adequate nutrition.
Reducing stress on the digestive system during a flare allows the body to focus on healing. This approach isn’t about deprivation, but about strategic support for a compromised gut.
