Community Forum

Have a question, or want to share your own tips and experiences? Join the discussion in the community forum. You must be registered to participate. Our forums are moderated by Crohn's & Colitis Foundation staff to facilitate a safe environment.

Sugar & Crohn's Disease


Fri, April 17, 2009 12:00 AM

Hi everyone. I was just recently diagnosed with Crohn's (but think I have had it for years) and I have a pretty good list of what my trigger foods are.  One thing I've never thought/heard about is sugar....

I keep seeing bits and pieces of info about avoiding sugar?  Can someone enlighten me on that?  Sugar is one my main food groups :)

FPO tulip
Joined Apr 16, 2009

Sat, May 09, 2009 2:40 PM

 Reply posted for tulip.

Pick up a copy of Breaking the Vicious Cycle, by Elaine Gotschall (sp?)...it will give an excellent explanation for why sugar is a problem for those with IBD (actually, a problem for all)...

FPO beagle
Joined Nov 10, 2008

Sat, April 18, 2009 12:00 AM

 Reply posted for tulip.

Not only that it feed bacteria- but it is also  acidic- that is why it eats holes in your teeth.  I didn't realize how bad that can be until I was cutting my sons birthday cake and I had a small scrape on my hand- the frosting oozed over onto my hand and it stung BIG TIME!  and I thought- wow if I had ulcers in my intestines imagine what this stuff would do to that.  

FPO asohn
Joined Dec 22, 2008

Fri, April 17, 2009 12:00 AM

 Reply posted for tulip.

Why is the sugar bad for people with Crohn's?  Is it something to do with bacteria overgrowth?

My doctor didn't mention anything about it, so I hadn't even thought about it being something that could bother me.

FPO tulip
Joined Apr 16, 2009

Fri, April 17, 2009 12:00 AM

 Reply posted for tulip.

Yes sugar is considered a no-no by alot of the diets I look at.  I too love sweets.  Acording to the SCD diet Honey is okay -so I eat honey where I can.  I can always tell when I have eaten too much sugar because I can feel it -so I try to cut back.  You might try to cut out as much as you can- supplement with honey where you can.  I make a honey - banana bread to kind of help my sweet tooth.  Also for some reason creamy peanut butter doesn't bother me so i eat the natural stuff (you get used to the flavor).  However I do treat myself to 1 small piece of super dark chcolate a day (a super no no!) but it is enought of a taste to keep me sane!!!!!!

FPO asohn
Joined Dec 22, 2008

Related Topics

IBD and trauma
Author Image Janeliza
Joined Apr 13, 2022

Hi all! I've had Crohn's since 2014 with m....

read more

Life Insurance?
Author Image Aperson1
Joined Dec 2, 2022

40 y.o. male looking to get life insurance.  ....

read more

IBD and exercise/sport
Author Image JS25
Joined Aug 14, 2023

This is my first post. I am 28 and I was diagnosed....

read more