Definitive list of foods to avoid...

[Shamperz]

Is anyone aware of a definitive list of foods to avoid or at least to cut down on? There are a lot of threads on here with one or a few peoples experience of specific foods but is there anywhere I can get more comprehensive info?

My Crohns suffering girlfriend has recently moved in with me and as she's the 'bury your head in the sand and hope it will all go away' type o lass, im trying to be more aware of what affects her as I do the food shopping.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks

 

[shazamataz]

What a great boyfriend you are!

has she only recebtly been diagnosed and having trouble coming to terms with things?

The thing about Crohns is that it affects people very differently. So, there could be some foods that aggravate one person but another person may be fine with them.

Things with seeds or anything scratchy should be avoided as things are already delicate in the without being rubbed/scratched - definately NO popcorn!

If she has any narrowing/stricture (tho you may not know this) its best to take care to avoid high fibre foods which may cause a blockage.

Other people here will have more experience with this than me. I have a stricture so have to avoid scratchy things as well as hatd to digest stuff like vegetable/fruit skins and raw carrots etc.

Some people have problems with digesting fats.

Also, a lot of people seem to have good results with cutting down/out anything sugary or too starchy (like bread and the like).

You may notice she is on the loo more after certain foods that you could sneakily eliminate?

Good luck and good on you.

 

[beth]

I don't think there is a definitive list as such, as the disease itself manifests itself in different ways, which leads to different food 'intolerances'.

Having said that... there does seem to be some common items - according to the advice I was given when diagnosed.

Things to avoid:
High in fibre foods, wholewheat or wholegrain, pulses, veggie skins - so peel them. Cold potato.
Some veg are bad news, like onions, garlic, cabbage, lettuce, sweetcorn.
Meats are generally okay, but pork is high in some form of fatty acid so many not be tolerated well - this obviously includes ham and bacon.

Good things:
Chicken, fish, rice, pasta - if she isn't wheat intolerant, carrots, sweet peppers, broccoli - all those inoffensive things.

 

[lucedios]

I agree with the above posts. Personally, I can't tolerate anything too acidic, ie oranges, lemon, or strong spices as they agitate me. Best bet is to just ask her what upsets her. Otherwise cook a meal and make note of how she reacts afterwords or if she avoids certain parts of it as that is a good indicator of what causes the pain or discomfort.

 

[teeny5]

It differs for each of us. If she eats and feels miserable after (more so that usual if she is in pain all the time) then she ate a food that disagrees with her. Many of us have given up foods that we loved at one time because that food does not love us back. For example, I LOVE, I mean LOVE beef. Can't tolerate it anymore so I limit it to 2 times a month. If I feel bad one month I avoid it. I could keep eating it, but I would feel worse and worse so I limit it. She will feel better if she can figure out what bothers her. It is frustrating and you don't want to give into the disease, but you do want to feel better. Sometimes you just have to suck it up and do things you don't want to.

 

[Shamperz]

Thanks for all the advice guys. Its definately a huge minefield. There are a few obvious ones like most fish and seafoods, anything too spicey or hot and now beef (or rare beef at least).

Thing is she knows what will affect her but eats it never the less (not defiantly but she does love her steak ) ). My motives for helping arent completely unselfish. I cant stand watching her writh in pain and bent double because im completely helpless.
And shes vastly underweight because of lack of appetite.

Over the last year she has been tested so many ways and been given so many pills for this and that sympton that I think she thinks shes a lost cause. I suppose you cant help someone not completely willing to help themself.

I try not to come over too preachy too as I stopped smoking last year and have realised a real energy boost.

She aint there yet. (