Alicia Romano, RD, a clinical registered dietitian at the Frances Stern Nutrition Center at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, says it’s important to know that nutrition for Crohn’s disease can be quite individualized. “There are different recommendations for both a flare of symptoms and for maintenance,” she explains. “On top of that, there are many stages of Crohn’s disease that may require different suggestions.” Overall, she advises everyone to work with a registered dietitian to optimize their nutritional intake. Here are a few simple tips and tricks that can help you enjoy summer gatherings if you have Crohn’s:
1. Choose Grilled Instead of Fried
For many people with Crohn’s, greasy foods will upset the digestive tract, so stay away from fatty cuts of meat like rib eye, pulled pork, beef brisket, fatty burgers, pork sausage, hot dogs, and bacon. Anything grilled, baked, or broiled is a great bet. Leaner cuts of meat and fish include these options:
Grilled chicken breasts and thighs (skin removed)Lean cuts of steak (flank steak, skirt steak, or filet), lean burgers, and pork loinTurkey burgersChicken or turkey sausageTuna, salmon, and other fish, which can be easier to digest than other types of protein
2. Plan Ahead and Seek Guidance From a Nutritionist
Giving your host a call to let them know about your dietary restrictions or concerns can make it much easier and less stressful to attend a summer BBQ. “Ask ahead what will be on the menu so you know how to prepare, and then offer to bring a dish that you know you can tolerate,” says Romano. Consider making Roasted Thyme Summer Vegetables or Salmon Burgers with Miso Tahini Sauce. She also recommends working with a registered dietitian who specializes in digestive conditions. They can be your partner in figuring out the best way to plan for and enjoy the beautiful (and delicious) summer months ahead. High-fiber foods at a BBQ — such as baked beans and fruits with seeds, like strawberries — may be bothersome during a flare. Instead, opt for low-fiber foods like white bread or canned vegetables, which you can heat up on the grill. For fruits, stick with honeydew and cantaloupe melon or other peeled fruits.
4. Be Careful with Alcohol
For those with stable and controlled Crohn’s, a glass of wine or beer may be fine, but it’s best to check with your doctor before imbibing. If you’re going through a flare of symptoms, Romano advises limiting or avoiding alcohol and maybe choosing another beverage. Seltzer water with a splash of cranberry juice and lime, decaf iced tea, or lightly sweetened lemonade are options to consider. “If you do choose to drink alcohol, try to keep it to one drink per sitting and be sure to hydrate in between,” she says.
5. Stay Hydrated and Get Extra Electrolytes When Necessary
Speaking of hydration, drinking water is always essential, especially when you’re out in the heat. Fruits like watermelon that are high in water and low in fiber are also great ways to quench your thirst. Just don’t eat the seeds! And if you’re at a BBQ and you have active diarrhea, you’ll need to replace electrolytes, the minerals in your blood and other body fluids that carry an electric charge. Sources of electrolytes may include sports drinks like Gatorade or Powerade. But opt for low-sugar sports drinks, so you don’t irritate your GI tract. Although everyone’s body is different, caffeinated drinks like iced tea, cold-brew coffee, and many kinds of soda can bother some people with Crohn’s. You may want to skip these drinks just to be safe.
6. Eat Before You Go and Pack a Snack
If you can’t control what type of food will be served, it might be a good idea to eat before you go and pack a snack. By doing so, you’ll be less nervous about your food options and better able to enjoy the social aspects of being at a BBQ, like catching up with friends and playing games. Because Crohn’s disease can lower your energy level, it’s important that you don’t go longer than three hours without eating. Eating small meals more often will help keep you nourished without putting too much stress on your digestive system. Additional reporting by Linda Thrasybule
