Also, fortified refined grains contain added essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, so a person should look for fortified products.

Many breads, for example, are fortified with iodine and folate. Manufacturers also tend to fortify ready-to-eat cereals with:

• vitamins A, C, and D
• thiamine
• iron
• folate

2. Oatmeal

Oatmeal made from quick or rolled oats is a type of refined grain, with slightly less fiber than steel-cut oats. Manufacturers produce oats by removing the hulls. When experiencing a CD flare–up, it is best to avoid foods containing insoluble fiber, which can worsen symptoms of diarrhea. Oatmeal contains a soluble fiber called beta-glucan. It can help ease diarrhea by absorbing water in the intestines, forming a gel, slowing digestion, and adding bulk to stool.Try adding oats to smoothies that contain peeled, low-fiber fruits. Breaking down food in a blender makes digestion easier.

3. Low-fiber fruits

Low-fiber fruits are easy on the digestive system, and they can help control diarrhea.

Examples include:

• bananas
• honeydew melon
• watermelon
• cantaloupe
• peaches

The amount of fiber in a piece of fruit changes as it ripens. Ripe fruits generally have less fiber than unripe fruits. However, during a CD flare–up, it is always best to eat fruit in small servings.

4. Peeled or poached fruit

Removing the skin or peel from a piece of fruit can reduce the number of insoluble fibers, such as lignin and cellulose. Poaching and preserving fruit can also decrease the amount of fiber. Generally, the more processing fruit goes through, the easier it is for the body to digest. Canned and cooked fruits are often low in fiber, but they can contain high amounts of sugar, so eat them in moderation.

5. Cooked and peeled vegetables

Many vegetables are high in fiber, but as with fruit, peeling them removes a layer of insoluble fiber. Some vegetables do not need peeling, such as asparagus tips and mushrooms, but it can help to remove the skins of potatoes, carrots, and squash.Cooking vegetables also makes them easier to digest, and it can reduce the fiber contents.

However, avoid roasting or frying vegetables in oil or butter, because fats can irritate the digestive system and worsen symptoms of Crohn’s. Try boiling or steaming them instead.

6. Vegetable and fruit juices

Vegetable and fruit juices are low in fiber and high in some vitamins and minerals. Manufacturers also fortify some juices.It is best to avoid sugar during a CD flare-up, but a daily glass of diluted fruit juice that contains no added sugar can help boost a person’s nutrient intake.Vitamin C from fruit juice can also help the gut absorb iron.

7. Lean meat

Foods that are high in fat can worsen or prolong symptoms during a CD flare-up. However, protein and other nutrients from animal products can help prevent malnutrition. Skinless chicken and turkey are good examples of lean meats. If a person is purchasing red meat, such as pork, they should select the leanest cut available and trim any excess visible fat.

8. Oily fish

Oily fish contain healthful fats, including omega-3 fatty acids. These combat inflammation and may help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Health experts often recommend eating at least 2 servings of oily fish per week. These can include trout, salmon, mackerel, herring, tuna, and sardines. To keep fat levels as low as possible, grill the fish or bake them with small amounts of vegetable oil. It is best to cook the fish, for easy digestion.

9. Soy, eggs, and firm tofu

Soy, eggs, and tofu are great sources of lean protein. Also, egg yolks contain high amounts of vitamin D, and people with CD are often deficient in vitamin D and A. In addition to lean protein, soy and tofu contain bioactive peptides, and some research suggests that these have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help manage IBD.

10. Yogurt and other dairy products

Many yogurts contain probiotics, which are healthful bacteria that may help reduce inflammation in the gut. However, some studies suggest that highly concentrated probiotics can produce mixed results. Also, dairy products are rich in calcium, and manufacturers may fortify them with vitamins D and C. Many, however, contain lactose, a type of sugar, and some doctors recommend eliminating lactose from the diet. Supermarkets often stock lactose-free dairy products, including yogurts.

11. Green Tea

Drinking green tea may benefit people with CD. Results of a 2018 study indicate that a chemical in green tea, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, helps combat inflammation in laboratory-cultured human intestinal cells.