Discover 5 suggestions to help manage and relieve the common and uncomfortable symptom of bloating associated with Crohn’s disease.
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Although Crohn's disease can cause a wide range of symptoms, bloating is among the most common. It can be a source of significant discomfort, says Pratima Dibba, MD, a gastroenterologist in private practice at the Medical Offices of Manhattan in New York City.
"This condition is characterized by inflammation in the digestive system, similar to ulcerative colitis," she says. "[Bloating] can be exacerbated by other issues with Crohn's, such as … difficulty digesting specific foods and slower movement of food through the digestive system. Any and all of these may be factors for bloating when you have Crohn's, because they can contribute to gas buildup."
The good news is that some lifestyle changes and medications may offer relief. Here are five suggestions to consider if you're dealing with Crohn's-related bloating.
1. Eat Smaller Meals More Often
A simple step that might make a big difference is to change how much and how often you eat, says Dr. Dibba. Larger meals take longer to digest, and as food is broken down in your gut, gas is produced.
"Smaller meals spaced throughout the day are a helpful strategy for Crohn's because it eases digestion," she says.
2. Take a Walk After Eating
Also known as postprandial walking, a stroll after eating has been shown to be highly effective for improving digestion and reducing bloating in general.
For example, one small study with 94 participants found that a 10- to 15-minute walk after meals was associated with significant improvements in bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort, and belching.
When it comes to Crohn’s disease, a regular, moderate exercise routine involving low-impact activities like walking can be helpful in managing symptoms. Research on those with Crohn's has found that most regular physical activity reduces inflammation and improves gut health, mental health, and overall quality of life.
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3. Limit or Avoid Dairy Products
About half of people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have lactose intolerance, and those with Crohn's are particularly affected. For those with an intolerance, dairy products can lead to diarrhea and bloating.
“Not everyone with Crohn’s will have to avoid dairy all the time, forever,” says Ashkan Farhadi, MD, a gastroenterologist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California.
“For some, reducing dairy when they’re in an active flare might work well to address symptoms, including bloating,” he says. “But for others, they may need to cut dairy completely. It just depends on each person and how their body reacts to these foods.”
4. Identify Problematic Foods
In addition to dairy products, there may be other dietary choices that lead to bloating and gas when you have Crohn's. They often vary from person to person, but some possible culprits might be:
Foods high in insoluble fiber, such as raw kale, sunflower seeds, and unpeeled apples
High-fiber vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus
Artificial sweeteners, including xylitol, aspartame, sorbitol, and saccharin
High-fat foods like butter, fried foods, and cheese-laden dishes
Sugary treats, such as cookies, pies, candy, and pastries
To narrow down what’s affecting you most, it can be useful to keep a food diary, Dr. Farhadi suggests. "Not only can this give you insight into which foods may be making bloating worse, but it can also track other Crohn's symptoms and show you patterns that are helpful for better management of the condition," he says.
Through journaling — which you can also do via an app — you may discover, for example, that eating later in the evening negatively affects sleep, which then leads to a greater chance of diarrhea in the morning, he says. Or you might realize that you experience fatigue, bloating, and abdominal cramping whenever you have fried foods or sugary treats.
Jotting down the foods you ate and their effects within a few hours of eating can help you refine your dietary choices to minimize bloating and other symptoms.
5. Talk With Your Doctor About Medications
If lifestyle measures like increasing your physical activity and making dietary changes aren't helping, it can be useful to talk with your doctor about your medication options, says Dibba. You may need to consider adjusting or switching your usual medications to better treat inflammation. Options include short-term corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and biologic medications, among other types.
"In many cases, medication reduces inflammation in the gastrointestinal system," she says. "That can help with bloating and may also address other Crohn's symptoms that can be disruptive, such as bowel issues, abdominal pain, and fatigue."
Another medication that might help for some people with bloating is simethicone (sometimes called simeticone), which works by gathering small gas bubbles together to form larger bubbles, allowing them to pass through the gut more easily. Over-the-counter options include Gas-X, Alka-Seltzer Heartburn+Gas ReliefChews, and several products from Mylanta.
Even though products containing simethicone are available without a prescription, it's still important to consult with your doctor before using any medication as part of your Crohn's treatment plan, Dibba says.
The Takeaway
Bloating can be an uncomfortable symptom of Crohn's disease, which can sometimes be linked to inflammation caused by the illness.
Reducing inflammation is helpful; you can also relieve symptoms by making dietary changes and sticking to a moderate exercise routine.
Some medications may help, such as over-the-counter gas relievers containing simethicone; be sure to check with your doctor before you take these for Crohn's-related bloating.
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.
How to Keep Your Digestive System Healthy as You Age. UCLA Health. September 30, 2024.
Hosseini-Asl MK et al. The Effect of a Short-Term Physical Activity After Meals on Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Individuals With Functional Abdominal Bloating: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Gastroenterology and Hepatology From Bed to Bench. Winter 2021.
Al-Beltagi M et al. Exploring the Gut-Exercise Link: A Systematic Review of Gastrointestinal Disorders in Physical Activity. World Journal of Gastroenterology. June 14, 2025.
Yuying Luo, MD, is an assistant professor of medicine at Mount Sinai West and Morningside in New York City. She aims to deliver evidence-based, patient-centered, and holistic care for her patients.
Her clinical and research focus includes patients with disorders of gut-brain interaction such as irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia; patients with lower gastrointestinal motility (constipation) disorders and defecatory and anorectal disorders (such as dyssynergic defecation); and women’s gastrointestinal health.
She graduated from Harvard with a bachelor's degree in molecular and cellular biology and received her MD from the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. She completed her residency in internal medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where she was also chief resident. She completed her gastroenterology fellowship at Mount Sinai Hospital and was also chief fellow.
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.
