Dietary Treatment of Crohn's Disease

Inclusion Criteria: Documented ileocolonic or colonic CD based on classical history and classical endoscopic or surgical findings and histology compatible with CD; Induction of remission with medical therapy within 9 months of the study; Inactive CD for at least 2 weeks with CDAI score less than 150; No change in IBD medication doses for 3 months; No change in smoking habits a month prior to enrollment (because smoking may exacerbate CD) and acceptance of not-changing smoking habits during the term of the study). Exclusion Criteria: Patients with history of bowel obstruction and/or known strictures (as the high fiber content may precipitate obstruction); Patients with extensive colonic or ileocolonic resection; Patients with ileostomies or colostomies with diverted fecal stream; Patients with isolated perianal/anorectal disease; Patients with surgically induced remission; Concomitant infection (e.g., C. difficile colitis); Use of antibiotics within 4 weeks, or steroids, herbal remedies or diet therapies within 2 weeks of the onset of the trial or during the study; Use of potential IBD exacerbators such as NSAIDs within 1 wk of the study; Acute illness requiring immediate hospitalization for CD or other reasons; Presence of symptomatic organic GI disease other than CD, hemorrhoids, hiatal hernia; GERD; Pre-existent organ failure or severe comorbidities as these may change Gl flora: Liver disease (cirrhosis or persistently abnormal AST or ALT that are 2X> normal); Kidney disease (creatinine>2.0 mg/dL); Uncontrolled psychiatric illness; Clinically important lung disease or heart failure; HIV disease; Alcoholism; Transplant recipients; Patients receiving other immunosuppressant medications for comorbidities (e.g. Enbrel for rheumatoid arthritis); Presence of short bowel syndrome or severe malnutrition with ideal body weight less than or equal to 90% or predicted; Estimated survival <1 year and Karnofsky performance status <50%; Desire to become pregnant during study or current pregnancy or nursing; Desire to change smoking-status during the study; Daily use of anticoagulation and antiplatelet medications; Complicated IBD with anticipation of imminent surgical intervention during the term of the study; Inability to have a regular follow-up and comply with study requirements.