“This condition is characterized by inflammation in the digestive system, similar to ulcerative colitis,” she says. “[Bloating] can be exacerbated by other issues with Crohn’s, such as … difficulty digesting specific foods and slower movement of food through the digestive system. Any and all of these may be factors for bloating when you have Crohn’s, because they can contribute to gas buildup.”
The good news is that some lifestyle changes and medications may offer relief. Here are five suggestions to consider if you’re dealing with Crohn’s-related bloating.
1. Eat Smaller Meals More Often
“Smaller meals spaced throughout the day are a helpful strategy for Crohn’s because it eases digestion,” she says.
2. Take a Walk After Eating
Also known as postprandial walking, a stroll after eating has been shown to be highly effective for improving digestion and reducing bloating in general.
3. Limit or Avoid Dairy Products
“Not everyone with Crohn’s will have to avoid dairy all the time, forever,” says Ashkan Farhadi, MD, a gastroenterologist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California.
“For some, reducing dairy when they’re in an active flare might work well to address symptoms, including bloating,” he says. “But for others, they may need to cut dairy completely. It just depends on each person and how their body reacts to these foods.”
4. Identify Problematic Foods
- Foods high in insoluble fiber, such as raw kale, sunflower seeds, and unpeeled apples
- High-fiber vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus
- Artificial sweeteners, including xylitol, aspartame, sorbitol, and saccharin
- High-fat foods like butter, fried foods, and cheese-laden dishes
- Sugary treats, such as cookies, pies, candy, and pastries
Through journaling — which you can also do via an app — you may discover, for example, that eating later in the evening negatively affects sleep, which then leads to a greater chance of diarrhea in the morning, he says. Or you might realize that you experience fatigue, bloating, and abdominal cramping whenever you have fried foods or sugary treats.
Jotting down the foods you ate and their effects within a few hours of eating can help you refine your dietary choices to minimize bloating and other symptoms.
5. Talk With Your Doctor About Medications
“In many cases, medication reduces inflammation in the gastrointestinal system,” she says. “That can help with bloating and may also address other Crohn’s symptoms that can be disruptive, such as bowel issues, abdominal pain, and fatigue.”
Even though products containing simethicone are available without a prescription, it’s still important to consult with your doctor before using any medication as part of your Crohn’s treatment plan, Dibba says.
The Takeaway
- Bloating can be an uncomfortable symptom of Crohn’s disease, which can sometimes be linked to inflammation caused by the illness.
- Reducing inflammation is helpful; you can also relieve symptoms by making dietary changes and sticking to a moderate exercise routine.
- Some medications may help, such as over-the-counter gas relievers containing simethicone; be sure to check with your doctor before you take these for Crohn’s-related bloating.
