February 19, 2019 |  written by IVX Health

Diets for Colitis and Crohn’s — How Do They Measure Up?


Humans are always on the hunt for diets that provide results. People with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease are no different, especially if you’re dealing with repeated flare-ups, even with treatments like Remicade or Tysabri. There are several popular diets for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s that claim to offer relief and prevention. But how do they measure up?

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Diets

Conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis affect the bowels by causing inflammation. Many people with these conditions may experience a period of exacerbated symptoms, called a flare-up. Since Crohn’s and colitis both affect the bowels, many people with these conditions experience flare-ups triggered by particular foods.

What Causes UC/Crohn’s Flare-Ups?

Flare-ups happen when your gastrointestinal (GI) tract becomes inflamed. The most common reasons for flare-ups include:

  • skipping your medication
  • taking the wrong medication
  • antibiotics
  • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • smoking
  • stress
  • GI-irritating foods

Even if you’ve eliminated most of these trigger factors from your day-to-day life, food can still be a leading trigger for flare-ups. Because of this, it might be ideal to search for a diet that works for both you and your condition.

Popular Diets for UC/Crohn’s

Different diets work for different people. Many of the popular diets of the day don’t have the clinical research available to support a true endorsement. As always, the best way to figure out what diet works for you is to keep a food journal and to discuss your patterns and findings with your healthcare provider. With that in mind, some people have found success by following the below regimes for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Paleo Diet

The Paleo diet tries to mimic the diet our hunter-gatherer ancestors may have eaten. It restricts dairy, grains, legumes, refined sugars, and encourages people to eat natural foods as often as possible. The body derives energy from lean proteins and fats rather than excessive carbohydrates. Emphasis is placed on eating plenty of vegetables and a moderate amount of fruits. Proponents believe the diet reduces inflammation within the body. Opponents believe the diet is more restrictive than necessary, and that it could cause nutrient deficiencies, excessive weight loss, or problems with cholesterol, blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. The Paleo diet is something that may work for some people, but not for others.

Keto Diet

The Keto or Ketogenic diet is in some ways an offshoot of the Paleo diet. The main difference with the Keto diet is that it reduces carbohydrates at a higher level. Most versions of the Keto diet recommend reducing net carbs (or total carbs minus fiber) to 20 or fewer grams per day. It is also a high-fat diet, with low to moderate amounts of protein. Proponents believe the diet reduces inflammation in the body and improves the gut’s microbiome. Opponents have the same concerns as they do with the Paleo diet, especially given the emphasis on eating large amounts of fat. Some research supports the ketogenic diet for indications such as epilepsy, cancer and obesity, but more research is needed to determine effectiveness for other conditions.

Low FODMAP Diet

A gastroenterologist and registered dietitian teamed up to create the low FODMAP diet. Clinical studies showed improvement of symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, and Crohn’s or colitis, which gives it more credibility within the traditional healthcare industry. The acronym FODMAP stands for the following:

  • Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides And Polyols

These are all types of short-chain carbohydrates that can cause gas, bloating, diarrhea and/or constipation. FODMAPs to avoid include:

  • some grains, including wheat, rye and barley
  • dairy (specifically lactose)
  • some fruits, like bananas, apples figs, mangoes and blackberries
  • sweeteners, including honey, agave and low- or zero-calorie sweeteners
  • certain vegetables, like cauliflower, garlic, onions, mushrooms, peas

If your flare-ups tend to include symptoms above, the low FODMAP Diet might be a good one to try. However, this diet doesn’t reduce inflammation, so make sure to keep up with your prescribed medications and treatment program.

The Specific Carbohydrate Diet

The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) was originally developed to treat celiac disease. Celiac patients cannot tolerate any gluten, a mixture of two proteins found in wheat. SCD limits all carbohydrates except for simple carbs (called monosaccharides), because they’re easier for the intestines to absorb than complex carbs. There is some evidence to support the effectiveness of SCD for Crohn’s and colitis when used in combination with other therapies.

Treatment for Crohn’s and colitis at IVX Health

If your treatment regimen includes biologic infusion or injection therapies such as Remicade or Ocrevus, consider IVX Health for your care.  We offer appointments that fit your schedule (days, evenings and weekends) in comfortable private suites so you can enjoy your time while receiving treatment. If you’re ready to experience how we are redefining care for patients with chronic conditions, contact us to schedule an appointment at one of our many convenient locations.

Treatment at IVX Health

If biologics like Remicade, Actemra or Orencia  are a part of your chronic illness treatment plan, then consider choosing IVX Health for your ongoing care needs. IVX Health makes it possible to receive your therapy in a comfortable, convenient, and private environment.

With a private suite for every patient, you can watch your favorite Netflix show or movie on the big screen TV in each room, use a laptop or other mobile device to surf the web, or simply hang out with family and friends. We always have chairs for guests, and each center has a family room that is spacious and private if you need to bring your kids to your treatment. We also offer flexible appointment scheduling – including evenings and Saturdays – at any of our convenient locations.

At IVX Health, we truly are invested in helping you live your best life. If you’re ready to experience a new kind of infusion clinic, click here to learn how to move your infusion or injection therapy to IVX Health.