Managing Crohn’s

Every body is different, so there’s no one way to manage Crohn’s. However, there are steps you can take to help manage your symptoms and navigate life with Crohn’s disease (CD). Partner with your care team to come up with a plan that works for you.

Living with Crohn’s

Living with a chronic disease has its challenges. Every day is different, but learning to prioritize your health and wellness can help keep your journey on the right path. That can mean continuing towards your goals, but remembering to go easy on yourself and give yourself a break when you need it.

Hypothetical HCP and patient Hypothetical HCP and patient

Partnering with your healthcare team

Setting goals

When it comes to goals, your healthcare provider may share their perspective from a medical standpoint, but only you know what truly matters for your day-to-day life. Think about your individual goals so you can confidently bring them up with your healthcare provider and find a treatment plan that works best for you.

Shared decision-making

Work with your care team to understand the potential benefits and risks of different options when it comes to your Crohn’s care and treatment. Ask questions and share your preferences and values with them. This is called shared decision-making. It can help you feel more confident in your plan—and help you stick to it.

Salmon and rice dinner plate

Eating the right foods

There’s no perfect diet or nutritional cure for Crohn’s. But there are things you can do to help manage your symptoms.

  • Avoid foods that worsen your symptoms.
  • Watch out for dairy and drinks that have caffeine, carbonation, or alcohol.
  • Try eating 5–6 small meals throughout the day rather than a few large ones.
  • Be sure to drink plenty of water.
  • Pay close attention to your body. Keep a food diary that tracks what you eat and how you feel after.
  • Consider talking to a dietitian.

Make sure you talk to your care team before changing your diet or if you experience changes in appetite.

Yoga class

Exercising with Crohn’s

Regular physical activity is essential for a healthy adult lifestyle.

Keep in mind, the kind of exercise you can (or should) do may vary. This might depend on whether you’re in remission (a mild disease state) or having a flare. Generally speaking, low-impact, moderate exercises are recommended for people with Crohn’s. Examples of these include:

  • Walking
  • Biking
  • Swimming
  • Yoga
  • Elliptical
  • Rowing

Be sure to check with your care team before starting any exercise regimen. They can help you choose an exercise routine that’s right for you.

Hypothetical Crohn’s patient talking with peer

Minding your mental health

Crohn’s can take an emotional toll.

Along with managing the physical symptoms of Crohn’s, you could also experience stress, anxiety, and depression. Living with a chronic disease can impact your mental health. But there are ways to find help.

  • Getting educated about your condition can help you cope with it.
  • Support groups can help you talk through your experiences.
Hypothetical Crohn’s patient with family member

Staying connected with friends and family

Crohn’s can make it challenging for you to be there for the big, and small, events in life—especially if you’re actively flaring.

Friends and family may not understand when you’re not feeling up to going somewhere, and you may not want to tell them why.

Consider being as open as you can comfortably be with friends and family about what you’re going through and how they can support you. You can also connect with people in the IBD community who get it, because they live with it too.

Through life’s changes

Transitioning to adulthood

For young adults living with Crohn’s, it’s important to plan the transition from child-centered care to adult-centered care.

  • Learn to talk about your Crohn’s with your family, friends, and healthcare team.
  • Learn to manage your own medical care, including taking any medications.
  • Talk to your doctor about alcohol use, and either don’t start or get help to stop smoking.
  • Talk to your healthcare team about your general health, such as vaccinations and oral health.

Family planning

If you’re considering starting a family, Crohn’s can mean a higher risk of complications during pregnancy. But you should know that women with Crohn’s can have healthy pregnancies and babies. Many resources exist to help you prepare and discuss important topics with your healthcare team during this time in life.

  • Check out IBDMoms, a safe space for mothers with IBD to share their experiences with each other.
  • To explore detailed guides and personal stories on ostomies and pregnancy, visit the United Ostomy Associations of America.
Lizzy, living with CD Lizzy, living with CD

Lizzy Living with Crohn’s

I can’t always be physically prepared for flare-ups because they can seemingly happen overnight. But now I know how to be mentally prepared. See her story

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