What Is Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s disease is a long-term autoimmune condition that affects the digestive system. It causes inflammation in the intestines and leads to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, mouth ulcers, fatigue, fever, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss.
There is no cure, but treatments like medicines, surgery, supplements, and diet changes help reduce symptoms.

How a Fasting-Mimicking Diet May Help

A new study suggests that following a fasting-mimicking diet (a very low-calorie plan) for a few days each month may improve symptoms in people with mild-to-moderate Crohn’s disease.

This diet copies the effects of fasting while still allowing small amounts of food. The researchers found that short periods of calorie restriction may help lower inflammation and ease digestive symptoms.

What the Study Found

Researchers studied 97 people with mild-to-moderate Crohn’s disease for 3 months.

• 65 participants followed the fasting-mimicking diet.

• 32 participants continued their usual diet.

Those in the fasting-mimicking group ate 700–1,100 calories per day, plant-based, for 5 days each month, and ate their normal diet for the rest of the month.

Researchers measured progress using the Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (CDAI). A positive result meant a drop of at least 70 points or a score of 150 or lower.

Key Results

• 69.2% of the fasting-mimicking group saw major symptom improvement.

• 43.8% of the control group showed similar improvement.

• 64.6% of the fasting-mimicking group achieved clinical remission.

• 37.5% in the control group achieved remission.

• A 22% drop in fecal calprotectin (a marker of intestinal inflammation) was seen in the fasting-mimicking group.

• Many participants had their inflammatory markers cut in half.

• The control group showed no reduction in inflammation.

Experts say this study is valuable because it combines symptom reports with biological markers, giving stronger evidence that the improvements are real and not due to normal fluctuation.

How the Diet May Work

Short-term calorie restriction may help the body move away from a pro-inflammatory state. Possible benefits include:

• Lower production of inflammatory molecules

• Changes in immune cell behavior

• Reduction in gut inflammation

• A temporary “reset” for the immune system

• Improvement in the gut microbiome, which supports immune and digestive health

In simple terms, the diet may calm the immune system, reduce constant inflammation in the gut, and give the intestines time to recover.

Is This Diet Suitable for Everyone?

Experts note that more research is needed, especially for people with different body types or Crohn’s subtypes. They also stress that this diet should only be followed under medical guidance.
However, early results are promising and may help doctors offer diet-based support for Crohn’s patients in the future.