Key takeaways
- While people with Crohn’s disease were previously advised to avoid fiber, current research suggests that fiber can be beneficial for maintaining remission, unless intestinal stenosis is present.
- Soluble fibers can aid in reducing diarrhea by absorbing water in the gut and slowing digestion, whereas insoluble fibers may worsen symptoms.
- Keeping a food diary can help individuals with Crohn’s disease identify specific foods that trigger their symptoms, enabling them to make informed dietary choices in consultation with their healthcare provider.
Although dietary factors cannot cure or cause Crohn’s disease, they can affect its symptoms, especially during a flare.
Doctors recommend that people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) follow a diet with a reduced fiber intake. However, it is important to consider that some types of fiber may benefit people with IBD.
This article explores the different types of dietary fiber and their effects on Crohn’s disease.
Crohn’s disease is a form of IBD. It is a long-term condition that causes irritation and inflammation of the digestive tract. It affects about
The disease commonly affects the lower part of the small intestines (ileum) and the beginning of the colon. However, it can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus.
The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown, but experts believe that the condition results from an abnormal immune response.
Diet and nutrition play a significant role in controlling IBD symptoms, yet there is no single diet that works for everyone.
Fiber is a substance that remains undigested as it passes through the small intestine. It is present primarily in plant foods, such as fruits, nuts, grains, and vegetables.
Different types of dietary fiber affect digestion in different ways. There are two main types of dietary fiber: soluble and insoluble.
Soluble fibers
These fibers dissolve in water, which helps absorb the water in the gut. This slows the transit time of food through the gut. Soluble fiber takes on a gel-like consistency during digestion, which helps reduce diarrhea and delays the emptying of the intestine, especially during flares.
Insoluble fibers
These types of fibers do not dissolve in water but pool it into the gut. As a result, they move more quickly through the gut and are more difficult for the body to digest.
They may aggravate symptoms and cause diarrhea, pain, and bloating. Insoluble fiber can also block the intestinal tract when there is severe inflammation or narrowing of the intestines, known as strictures, during flares.
People with Crohn’s disease should not avoid fiber in their diet. However, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation notes that high fiber foods or foods high in insoluble fiber may be a trigger food for some people with Crohn’s disease.
According to a 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis, fiber is recommended to all people with IBD, as long as they do not have intestinal stenosis. Including fiber in the diet can also help maintain remission for those with Crohn’s disease.
Authors of a 2024 article suggest that there is increasing evidence that dietary fiber can be helpful and well-tolerated by those with IBD in remission.
However, they suggest that more research is necessary to understand how fiber can help those with active symptoms and digestive discomfort. Until then, healthcare professionals can help people gradually increase their fiber intake to best suit their needs.
Most foods contain both types of dietary fiber. Conventionally, doctors advise people experiencing a flare to avoid foods that are high in fiber or insoluble fiber.
Below are some examples of high fiber foods under different categories of food type:
Grains and seeds
Beans
Vegetables
Fruits
The same foods do not trigger symptoms in all people with Crohn’s disease. A person may wish to explore which foods are safe for them and which ones trigger symptoms.
Keeping a food journal or diary and tracking their symptoms can help people determine which foods are causing problems.
This information can be useful when a person wishes to discuss their treatment options with a doctor or dietitian.
Those with Crohn’s disease do not need to eliminate fiber from their diet. For some people, dietary fiber can help to maintain remission.
It is important to note that all dietary factors can affect individuals with Crohn’s disease differently. Keeping a food journal to track food intake and symptoms can help a person work out what dietary factors exacerbate their condition.