flare and fiber

I avoided any of that during a flare because it just made it worse. It really caused a lot of problems, and I've only been able to tolerate when I've been closer to remission than flaring. I've gone to the ER several times simply because I ate raw vegetables or fruits (or the like) when my Crohn's was not under control.

If you're flaring, I would suggest sticking with a soft diet. I know some people have taken metamucil, however, and it has helped. It just depends on you. Personally, I avoid stuff like that until I'm feeling better because it just causes too much trouble.

Octobergirl,

When in a flare, being kind to your intestinal tract (by eating easy to digest foods) is very important, as raw fruits and veggies can be hard to digest.

Once your flare has settled down or gone, then I would think that reintroducing raw fruits and veggies VERY slowly (& in small quantities) would be reasonable. But this is ONLY if you don't have any narrowing of the small intestine. In that case, you should avoid ALL raw fruits and veggies (as well as nuts & even cooked foods that are high in fiber) or they can cause a bowel obstruction.

I suggest checking with your GI doc about all this too.

Good luck, and hope your flare settles down soon.

Generally speaking, fiber is good for everyone. However, this is not advised if you have stricturing of the small intestine, even if it's a fiber supplement. Years ago, my GI doc was having me take a fiber supplement (Citrucel), but when it was apparent that I had stricturing, he told me to stop using it.

Always check with your GI doc first!

As for those who do NOT have stricturing, pb4's suggestions about introducing it slowly while your body gets used to it is good advice!

I am in remission currently but suffer with the stricturing type of Crohns. If you are flaring, I would highly suggest you stay with a more low residue type of diet, easy to chew, easy to digest and lay off the raw veggies until you get better. Good luck!