Please help, what can I eat right now?

[skipmj89]

Hi there,
My boyfriend had a bit of a flare up yesterday, were not sure what caused it but he spent the day in bed and didn't eat anything. The piece of toast he did try he couldnt keep down.

Feeling much better today, but desperatley hungry (not good for his crohns in anycase)
However he is very apprehensive about all food after a flare up, which is understandable.

Just wondering if anyone can give us some advice;

hotdogs (in brine) with a small bread bun?
OR
heinz cream of chicken soup (considering watering it down maybe)?

 

[scottsma]

Hi,I would try the chicken soup and see how it goes (no pun intended) A lot of people on the forum use the BRAT diet.Thats Bananas,Rice,Applesauce and Toast.I've heard good reports about it,but haven't had to use it myself.

 

[skipmj89]

Excellent, thankyou so much. I will let him know. Really appreciate you getting back to me.
He does eat a lot of rice and applesauce anyway. I've tried getting him to eat bananas, but he just wont (yet). But I thought toast wasnt a good idea? Correct me if I'm wrong please, but I thought it was too much fibre and rough on the digestive tract?

 

[CrohnsChicago]

none of those options are going to do anyone any good if you want my honest opinion. might as well bring on the pain and discomfort depending on the severity of the flare.

I agree BRAT diet would be best. However if hes in a lot of pain, make sure to stick to soft, bland foods (think mashed potatoes) But if he can't hold down toast, then try liquid supplements like Boost, Ensure and things like that to make sure he is at least drinking his nutrients. Smoothies and veggie juice might work as well.

Good luck!

 

[skipmj89]

Thanks for your reply also. I will let him know. Really appreciate your advice.
Making a smoothie as we speak, might even make myself one too !

 

[UnXmas]

Excellent, thankyou so much. I will let him know. Really appreciate you getting back to me.
He does eat a lot of rice and applesauce anyway. I've tried getting him to eat bananas, but he just wont (yet). But I thought toast wasnt a good idea? Correct me if I'm wrong please, but I thought it was too much fibre and rough on the digestive tract?

I can't say it will work for your boyfriend as everyone responds differently to different foods, but toast goes down easy for me as long as it's white and not whole grain (the fibre makes it harder to digest).

I also would look at the supplements recommended above as they are generally easy to eat and will contain all the nutrients he needs. Chicken soup and things like that are also easy to eat but might not provide enough energy and nutrients if he's not able to eat much variety for any length of time.

 

[mnsun]

I would go for things like sweet potatoes or butternut squash, personally. However, clearing the system, or fasting, for a day isn't so bad an idea. Other than that I would maybe go for Naked/Bolthouse juice, or some other 100% juice with veges. I usually go for the vege mix (like a V8 sorta), or the greens mix or the 100% carrot.

 

[DanHerefordshire]

Has he taken any medication?

 

[skipmj89]

Hi, Yeah he was diagnosed years ago, his crohns is controlled with daily medication. Its usually fine but every now and then something 'disagrees'. He was just looking for a bit of advice from other people who may have been in the same position. He's been fine today though thanks for all your help!
And 'mnsun' thanks for the advice with butternut squash and sweet potato! Two of his favourite foods (weird favourite foods I know- he's unique ) but neither of us have ever thought of them for after a flare up. Will definatley be sure to try those in future! Thanks!

 

[kiik]

Often an all-liquid diet for a day or two helps me when I'm flaring. You could try Ensure or Boost (keep in mind they have quite a bit of sugar), or other things like Orgain, Absorb Plus, juices, smoothies, etc.

 

[skipmj89]

Thanks!

 

[bangarang]

If your flaring eating a hot dog is probably one of the worse foods you can eat.
Stick to more liquid meals, whether its soup, smoothies, or fresh juices.

 

[skipmj89]

A smoothie did the trick, then chicken soup later in the day thankyou. We did decide a hotdog wouldnt be the best idea in the end. Thanks for all your advice. Really appreciate it all!