Crohn’s Disease and Protein: How Much Do You Need?
Digestive HealthCrohn's Disease

Crohn’s Disease and Protein: How Much You Need, and 5 Top Sources

Crohn’s Disease and Protein: How Much You Need, and 5 Top Sources
iStock (2); Adobe Stock
By
Published on November 13, 2025
by
As an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease can cause inflammation in any part of your gastrointestinal tract.

 Although there are several ways to decrease inflammation, mainly though treatment with medications, another strategy is to add more your protein to your diet, says Nayana George, MD, a gastroenterologist at Orlando Health Digestive Health Institute in Florida.
“As a macronutrient, protein helps the body heal, and that includes your gastrointestinal system, particularly the lining of the bowels,” Dr. George says. “Because of that, those with IBD conditions like Crohn’s often need more protein, because their bodies use it up quickly as a resource for healing.”

Here’s a look at what protein can do for those with Crohn’s, along with top protein choices that can complement other anti-inflammatory treatments.

Why Protein Is Important for Crohn’s Disease

Protein is essential for gut-lining repair because it contains amino acids, says George. These organic compounds, which are the building blocks of protein, help to regenerate cells in the gut’s mucosal barrier more effectively.

 This process can lead not only to repairing damage, but also to maintaining the structural integrity of the gut lining.

That means protein may help minimize symptoms and also play a role in reducing the frequency and intensity of flares, she says. Another key benefit of a stronger gut lining is better nutrient absorption.

“Frequent diarrhea, which is common with Crohn’s, shortens the time that foods are processed in the body. So, getting enough nutrients is already a concern with this condition,” says George. “If there’s inflammation in the digestive tract, that can worsen the situation.”

Reports of malnutrition in IBD vary. Some research says 20 percent of people with an IBD lack important nutrients to some degree. Other research places the prevalence as high as 85 percent.

 Protein on its own won’t wipe out inflammation, but it can go a long way toward making Crohn’s treatment work better, George says.

How Much Protein Do You Need for Crohn’s Disease?

Adults with active IBD such as Crohn’s should aim to take in 1.2 to 1.5 grams (g) of protein per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day, or about 1 g per kg when in remission, according to the European Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism.

 One kg equals 2.2 pounds (lbs).
But the amounts of protein may need to be adjusted based on your Crohn’s symptoms, says Adiana Castro, RDN, who specializes in gut health and is the owner of Compass Nutrition in New York City. If you’re in an active flare, for example, your body needs more protein to support gut healing.

“Those going through surgery need even more protein,” she says. “Because there’s such a higher need for wound healing in that case, the protein goal would be 1.6 to 1.8 g per kg of body weight daily.”

5 Top Sources of Protein for Crohn’s Disease

When choosing protein sources, it’s helpful to pick options that are known to be gentle on the gastrointestinal (GI) system, says Castro. This is especially important during a flare, when soft and well-cooked proteins are less likely to cause issues, she says. Here’s a handful of choices to consider.

1. Edamame

Soybeans that are harvested before they ripen, edamame are often found in the frozen vegetable section. They’re very versatile. For instance, you can steam them and then add them to soups, salads, or stews. You can also saute them as part of a stir fry or an egg scramble.

“Although they look like other types of legumes, and can be used in a similar way, edamame [are] easier on the digestive system because they tend to produce less gas,” says Castro.

 According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), one cup of cooked edamame has 18.4 g of protein.

2. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is processed by draining excess liquid whey, which is what tends to give it a thicker consistency. That also boosts the protein amount while retaining yogurt’s probiotics, says George.

 If you have issues with lactose in dairy products, try to find a lactose-free Greek yogurt instead, she says.
The amount of protein will vary by brand, but in general, a serving that’s three-fourths of a cup contains between 14.9 to 17.3 g of protein, according to the USDA.



3. Nut and Seed Butters

Although raw nuts and seeds can be hard to digest with Crohn’s, the butters made from these are often well-tolerated, says George. That means you can get the health benefits and flavor without the digestive challenges.

There’s a variety of choices when it comes to nut and seed butters, such as sunflower seed, peanut, almond, cashew, and mixed nuts. A 2-tablespoon (tbsp) serving of creamy peanut butter provides 7.1 g of protein, while the same amount of creamy almond butter contains about 6.7 g of protein, according to the USDA.

4. Fish

Fish such as salmon, anchovies, and sardines are excellent sources of protein, and they’re well-tolerated by many people with Crohn’s, says Castro. A 3-ounce (oz) serving of salmon has 17.3 g of protein, while a 1-oz serving of sardines canned in oil contains about 7 g of protein, according to the USDA.

Fish is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your immune system and gut health, George says.

 Research on using omega-3s for Crohn’s hasn’t been conclusive, though, and more research is needed. Some studies have shown these fatty acids to have anti-inflammatory effects, but others have suggested that omega-3s have little to no effect on IBD treatment.

5. Chicken or Turkey

Versatile and widely available, poultry is often a staple protein source for those with Crohn’s because it’s well-tolerated by the digestive system, says George.

Unlike red meat, which has been linked with a higher risk of inflammation, chicken and turkey are high-protein options that can be prepared in ways that are less likely to trigger inflammation. According to research, avoiding high-heat cooking methods like grilling, broiling, smoking, roasting, and frying means you’ll take on less risk. Try baking, boiling, or using other lower-heat methods of cooking instead.

According to the USDA, a 3-oz serving of boneless, skinless chicken breast contains about 19.1 g of protein, while the same serving size of skinless turkey breast provides about 20.1 g of protein.

If you don’t already have your own registered dietitian who specializes in gut health and chronic (long-term) health conditions, think about asking your doctor’s office if they have one on staff, or look for someone yourself, says Castro. Just like having a medication regimen, following a nutritional approach that’s tailored specifically to your needs and preferences can go a long way toward easing Crohn’s symptoms, she says. A registered dietitian can also help you find ways to meet your protein targets when it’s hard to eat, like when you’re having a flare or recovering from surgery.

The Takeaway

  • The inflammation linked with Crohn's disease can lead to damage in the gut lining; getting enough dietary protein is important, as it may promote healing.
  • The best protein sources for Crohn’s are those that are soft and well-cooked, so they’re easier on your digestive system.
  • Protein requirements will vary depending on whether you’re having active Crohn's symptoms, have just had surgery, or are in remission.

Resources We Trust

EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Crohn's Disease. Mayo Clinic. October 29, 2024.
  2. Antoniussen CS et al. Reducing Disease Activity of Inflammatory Bowel Disease by Consumption of Plant-Based Foods and Nutrients. Frontiers in Nutrition. December 8, 2021.
  3. Chi F et al. Dietary Cysteine Enhances Intestinal Stemness via CD8+ T Cell-Derived IL-22. Nature. October 1, 2025.
  4. Ulluwishewa D et al. A Bioactive Bovine Whey Protein Extract Improves Intestinal Barrier Function in Vitro. JDS Communications. September 29, 2022.
  5. How Nutrition Can Support Gut Health and the Immune System. Canadian Digestive Health Foundation. April 18, 2023.
  6. Malnutrition and IBD. Crohn's & Colitis Foundation.
  7. Balestrieri P et al. Nutritional Aspects in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Nutrients. January 31, 2020.
  8. Edamame: Harvest and Storage. South Dakota State University Extension. March 30, 2023.
  9. Low FODMAP Diet for Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome. University Hospitals.
  10. Edamame, Frozen, Prepared. U.S. Department of Agriculture. April 1, 2019.
  11. Yogurt Application Monograph. U.S. Dairy Export Council. 2023.
  12. Moineau-Jean A et al. Effect of Greek-Style Yoghurt Manufacturing Processes on Starter and Probiotic Bacteria Populations During Storage. International Dairy Journal. March 13, 2019.
  13. Yogurt, Greek, Plain, Whole Milk. U.S. Department of Agriculture. April 1, 2019.
  14. Yogurt, Greek, Plain, Nonfat. U.S. Department of Agriculture. April 1, 2019.
  15. Peanut Butter, Smooth Style, Without Salt. U.S. Department of Agriculture. April 2019.
  16. Almond Butter, Creamy. U.S. Department of Agriculture. April 28, 2022.
  17. Fish, Salmon, Atlantic, Farmed, Raw. U.S. Department of Agriculture. April 1, 2019.
  18. Fish, Sardine, Atlantic, Canned in Oil, Drained Solids With Bone. U.S. Department of Agriculture. April 1, 2019.
  19. Fu Y et al. Associations Among Dietary Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, the Gut Microbiota, and Intestinal Immunity. Mediators of Inflammation. January 4, 2021.
  20. Deleu S et al. The Key Nutrients in the Mediterranean Diet and Their Effects in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Narrative Review. Nutrients. December 5, 2024.
  21. What Should I Eat with IBD? Crohn's & Colitis Foundation.
  22. Connolly G et al. Poultry Consumption and Human Cardiometabolic Health-Related Outcomes: A Narrative Review. Nutrients. August 11, 2023.
  23. Chicken, Broiler or Fryers, Breast, Skinless, Boneless, Meat Only, Raw. U.S. Department of Agriculture. April 1, 2019.
  24. Turkey, Whole, Breast, Meat Only, Raw. U.S. Department of Agriculture. April 1, 2019.
Meet Our Experts
See Our Editorial PolicyMeet Our Health Expert Network
ira-daniel-breite-bio

Ira Daniel Breite, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Ira Daniel Breite, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He is an associate professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where he also sees patients and helps run an ambulatory surgery center.

Dr. Breite divides his time between technical procedures, reading about new topics, and helping patients with some of their most intimate problems. He finds the deepest fulfillment in the long-term relationships he develops and is thrilled when a patient with irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease improves on the regimen he worked with them to create.

Breite went to Albert Einstein College of Medicine for medical school, followed by a residency at NYU and Bellevue Hospital and a gastroenterology fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Working in city hospitals helped him become resourceful and taught him how to interact with people from different backgrounds.

See full bio
elizabeth-millard-bio

Elizabeth Millard

Author

Elizabeth Millard is a Minnesota-based freelance health writer. Her work has appeared in national outlets and medical institutions including Time, Women‘s Health, Self, Runner‘s World, Prevention, and more. She is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and a Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher, and is trained in obesity management.

See full bio
See Our Editorial PolicyMeet Our Health Expert Network