Can a Vegan Diet Help Crohn’s Disease? We Asked the Experts

Crohn's disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease, affects over 500,000 Americans, causing symptoms such as severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fatigue. While the exact cause of Crohn's is unknown, lifestyle changes and treatments like quitting smoking and medication can help manage the symptoms. A plant-based diet, specifically a whole food, plant-based diet, may also help manage Crohn's symptoms by reducing inflammation.

Research suggests that foods high in inflammation may increase the risk of developing Crohn's disease. A study found that those with the highest inflammatory diet scores had a 51% higher risk of developing the disease. While a vegan diet is not a cure for Crohn's, it may help manage symptoms by reducing inflammation. Some dietitians recommend foods like leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and nuts to help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life for individuals with Crohn's disease.