Although there is no cure for Crohn’s disease (CD), its symptoms may be reduced or eliminated in a variety of ways. Certain dietary changes, stress reduction and lifestyle choices can help. For example, cigarette smoking can increase the occurrence and severity of symptoms, so choosing not to smoke can help prevent the symptoms of CD.

Dietary changes that may help prevent the symptoms of CD include:

• Avoid foods high in fat. Patients with CD in the small intestine may have difficulty digesting or absorbing fatty foods. This can make stool soft and greasy, causing diarrhea. Foods that may be particularly hard to digest include fried foods, red meat, chocolate, butter, margarine, cream, peanut butter, nuts and mayonnaise.
  
  
• Experiment with fiber. Foods high in fiber (e.g., bran, beans, fresh fruits, vegetables) are usually an important part of a balanced diet. Since fiber can worsen symptoms of CD, patients should experiment with the levels of fiber in their diet. For example, some patients may be able to tolerate fresh fruits and vegetables when they are steamed, baked or stewed. High-fiber foods that may be especially problematic for patients with CD include those in the cabbage family (e.g., broccoli, cauliflower) and very crunchy foods (e.g., raw apples and carrots).
  
  
• Avoid problem foods. Any other foods that aggravate or cause a flare-up of symptoms in patients with CD should be avoided. This may include spicy foods and popcorn.
  
  
• Eat smaller meals. Eating smaller amounts of food throughout the day can aid digestion in patients with CD and help prevent its symptoms.
  
  
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol and carbonated drinks. Alcohol and beverages that contain caffeine (e.g., soda, coffee, tea) stimulate digestion, causing diarrhea. Carbonated beverages can produce gas, which can aggravate the symptoms of CD.
  
  
• Limit dairy products. Patients with CD may also be lactose intolerant, unable to digest the sugar (lactose) found in most dairy products. If so, avoiding these products can help prevent the symptoms of CD.
  
  
• Drink plenty of fluids. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help a patient with CD remain hydrated and may lessen the severity of CD symptoms.
  
  
• Use supplements. Multivitamins can help maintain a healthy nutritional balance for patients with CD who may suffer from diet restrictions and malabsorption problems. Omega 3 fatty acid supplements and probiotics (dietary supplements that contain potentially beneficial bacteria, such as that found in yogurt) are commonly used to help prevent symptoms of CD. Calcium and vitamin D supplements may be used to treat low bone density and osteoporosis.

Stress does not cause CD, but may aggravate its symptoms. Normal digestion is disrupted when a person is under stress. Stress may speed up or slow down the movement of stool through the digestive tract. It can also further irritate intestinal tissue, leading to a worsening of symptoms in patients with CD.

Activities that can help reduce stress and may prevent the symptoms of CD include:

• Regular exercise
• Yoga
• Tai chi
• Massage
• Meditation
• Deep breathing
• Hypnosis
• Biofeedback
• Music or art therapy