Processed carbohydrates, such as potato chips, can be well tolerated in people with Crohn's disease. However, fried, fatty foods, which can include non-baked potato chips, should be avoided during a flare-up.
Greasy, fried foods
It's probably not a surprise that high-fat fried foods like fries, creamy sauces, and greasy cheeseburgers can be problematic. For those with Crohn's, this fat is not well absorbed and can lead to painful cramping and diarrhea.
Skittles, Doritos, Gatorade, Jell-O, Fruit Loops, and many other top-selling food products contain a synthetic dye called Allura Red AC that, consumed too frequently, may increase the likelihood of developing inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
The anti-inflammatory fix: For a satisfying crunch that's totally guilt-free, try snacking on superfood Kale chips. These kale chips are dehydrated, so they maintain their nutrients and are packed with anti-inflammatory goodness.
Snacking in moderation may allow you to keep potato chips in your regular rotation if they do not trigger an IBD flare. If you notice that snacks like potato chips upset your digestive tract, opt for more nutrient-rich or high-protein snacks.
A person should opt for baked potato chips over fried chips. Plain or salted popcorn is best for a regular snack.
You may also want to avoid the drive-thru: High-fat, greasy foods like bacon or fried potatoes may aggravate your stomach. The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation recommends keeping a food journal to document which foods you cannot tolerate during a flare-up.
Similar to fries, potato chips are a carb, loaded with sodium, and tend to be fried in an inflammatory vegetable oil (peanut, canola, etc.). All three of these factors make them likely to irritate bodily inflammation. Instead, opt for chips that are fried in avocado oil.
Do: White Bread. Toasted bread or a bagel made with refined white flour are good for breakfast or as a sandwich base. Look for brands with 2 grams of fiber or less per serving. Low-fiber grains are easier to digest when you have Crohn's.
Keep It Simple To Avoid Triggers
Simpler foods like white bread, bananas, white rice, and white meat like poultry can be easier to tolerate. 4 Consider sandwiches with lean meat like turkey and avocado instead of lettuce and tomato. Or, you might try well-cooked foods like mashed potatoes, rice, and veggies.
While doctors encourage most people to include plenty of high-fiber foods in their diet, the Crohn's sufferer should limit fiber intake to refined breads and pastas, low-fiber cereals, and fruits and vegetables that are easy to digest. This is especially true during a Crohn's flare up.
Potatoes. These starchy veggies can be a lifesaver during a Crohn's flare-up. Just be sure you avoid potato skins, as they are high in fiber and may cause digestive distress. Bake or roast white or sweet potatoes and scoop out the middle for a simple, delicious meal that won't leave you feeling under the weather.
Low-fat cheeses such as feta and goat cheese may be a better option, according to the BWH Crohn's & Colitis Center. A review published in January 2021 in Endocrinología, Diabetes y Nutrición reported that two weekly portions of aged cheeses that don't contain lactose can be helpful in an IBD diet.
However, deep fried foods are highly inflammatory. The usual suspects include French fries, chicken nuggets, fried chicken, and other fast food comfort meals.
Short answer: yes, if tolerated! Pizza is a food that can be categorized into the Western Diet, which research has linked to the increased prevalence of IBD.
Not even McDonald's fries are a low FODMAP fast food option since they contain wheat and milk derivatives (I know, I'm bummed too).
Fatty and fried foods
Eating fatty foods such as french fries and fast food may make IBS symptoms worse. Fat slows digestion, and that can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as bloating, nausea, acid reflux, and stomach pain. Minimize or avoid greasy foods like pizza, french fries, fried chicken, and fatty meats.
Avoid deep-fried or fatty foods, such as chips, battered fish or crumbed chicken. Alcohol may trigger IBS symptoms so limit intake if you choose to drink.
4. Probiotic foods like yogurt, kefir, aged cheeses, miso and real sourdough bread can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, something that is altered in Crohn's disease.
"Chips, like potato chips, are inflammatory because they are highly processed and so they increase insulin response very quickly, which can be inflammatory," continues Ellis Hunnes.
If you have a sweet tooth, you may be happy to know that eating dark chocolate is recommended for Crohn's disease. The active components of dark chocolate called flavonoids may be good for gut health and cardiovascular health.