Can you eat oatmeal with Crohn's disease?

Is oatmeal safe for Crohn’s disease?

Yes, oatmeal is a safe food for most people with Crohn’s disease in remission, during a flare, and with active disease. Oats and oatmeal are a great source of soluble fiber making them well tolerated by most people with Crohn’s disease. 

Certain types of soluble fibers, such as the fiber in oatmeal, can help form stool into a gel and regulate stool consistency.^ This means that oatmeal could help improve the consistency of your stool so you have fewer loose bowel movements or make it easier to pass bowel movements if you typically have more constipation.

The soluble fiber in oatmeal can also provide other health benefits such as lowering cholesterol and improving blood sugar levels.^

Oats are also quite filling and very versatile as a base for a number of different meal and snack ideas. Oats typically have a very mild flavor so you can easily incorporate them into both sweet and savory dishes. 

Best oatmeal recipe for Crohn’s disease

If you're looking for a tasty and simple oatmeal recipe, look no further. Not only is this particular recipe packed with soluble fiber, it also contains vitamins, minerals and nutrients including protein which can help keep you more full for longer. In this recipe, half of your bowl will contain fruits and vegetables that are typically well tolerated by people with Crohn’s disease. 

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup gluten free rolled oats
• 1/4 of a zucchini, shredded ( grate it through a cheese grater or  food process it)
• 1 cup milk of choice (we love oat milk)
• 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt (swap for plain nonfat lactose free Greek yogurt or  a dairy-free alternative if you can’t tolerate dairy)
• 4 tablespoons almond flour
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 banana, sliced
• Handful of fresh raspberries 

Optional Toppings:

• 1-2 tablespoons of smooth all natural nut or seed butter
• 1-2 tablespoons of seed meals

Directions:‍

1. Rinse the zucchini then cut the ends off both sides. Using a cheese grater, shred 1/4 of a zucchini (no need to remove the skin) into a bowl.
2. Add all ingredients except for the yogurt, banana, and raspberries into a microwavable bowl and mix until combined.
3. Microwave for about 1.5-2 minutes.
4. Add the remaining ingredients, mix, and enjoy!

Nutrition Support

Not sure what foods or ingredients trigger your symptoms? Want to know which foods or ingredients increase your risk for inflammation? We can help!

‍Reach out to learn how our IBD nutrition counseling programs can help you find your personal trigger foods and swap out inflammatory foods so that you can sustainably reduce your symptoms.

We'll help you feel confident in knowing that you're doing absolutely everything you can to decrease your risk for flares, get into symptom remission, and stay there for the long haul.

No matter what type of IBD you have or if you're in a flare or in remission, it's possible to eat a broad and enjoyable diet without triggering your symptoms. Find out how today.