Diet Recommendations for Crohn's Disease Flare

• Low residue diet to relieve abdominal pain and diarrhea. If there are strictures, it is especially important to avoid nuts, seeds, beans and kernels.

• Avoid foods that may increase stool output such as fresh fruits & vegetables, caffeinated beverages. Cold foods may help reduce diarrhea.

• If lactose intolerant, a lactose-free diet must be followed. Lactose intolerance causes gas, bloating, cramping and diarrhea 30 to 90 minutes after eating milk, ice cream or large amounts of dairy. A breath hydrogen test can diagnose lactose intolerance.

• Oily and foul-smelling stools are a result of fat malabsorption. A low fat diet may be needed in confirmed cases

• Smaller, more frequent meals are better tolerated and can maximize nutritional intake.

• Nutritional supplements if appetite is poor and solid foods are not tolerated well