When you have Crohn’s disease, you do everything you can to feel better. You read all the blogs, listen to all the experts, and try to follow every piece of advice that promises relief. But what if some of those so-called “healthy” habits are actually making things worse? Yep, sometimes the things we do in the name of wellness can secretly backfire, leaving our guts more irritated than ever.
Take fiber, for example. It’s drilled into our heads that fiber is essential for digestive health, and for most people, it is. But when your gut is inflamed from Crohn’s, loading up on raw veggies, whole grains, and fiber-packed smoothies can be like throwing fuel on the fire. That high-fiber goodness that works wonders for the average person can be way too rough for an inflamed digestive tract, leading to bloating, cramping, and some seriously unpleasant bathroom trips.
Then there’s the push for intense workouts. Exercise is great for your overall health, and staying active can help with stress and inflammation. But if you’re in the middle of a flare and forcing yourself through grueling high-intensity workouts, you might be doing more harm than good. Your body is already fighting a battle, and over-exercising can drain your energy, increase stress hormones, and make your symptoms even worse. Sometimes, gentle movement—like stretching, walking, or yoga—is exactly what your gut needs.
And let’s talk about hydration. Of course, drinking enough water is important, but did you know that chugging water too quickly or drinking it with meals can actually make digestion harder? Gulping down large amounts of water at once can lead to bloating and discomfort, and drinking too much during meals can dilute stomach acid, making it harder for your body to break down food properly. Sipping throughout the day and paying attention to what works for your body can make all the difference.
Another sneaky “healthy” habit? Cutting out all fat. We’ve been told for years that fat is bad, but the truth is, your body needs it—especially if you have Crohn’s. Healthy fats like avocado, olive oil, and nut butters can help reduce inflammation and support nutrient absorption. Going too low-fat can actually leave you feeling worse, not better.
And let’s not forget stress management. Meditation, deep breathing, and self-care are all amazing tools, but if you’re stressing yourself out about doing stress relief the right way, it kind of defeats the purpose. If sitting still and meditating makes you more anxious, maybe journaling, walking in nature, or listening to music is a better fit. Managing stress should feel good, not like another thing on your to-do list.
At the end of the day, what works for one person might not work for you. Listening to your body is key. Sometimes, even the “healthiest” habits need a little tweaking when you have Crohn’s. So, if you’ve been doing everything right but still feeling wrong, it might be time to rethink what “healthy” really means for you.
