Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a general term used to diagnose chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two most common forms are ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. IBD is generally much more acute and serious than irritable bowel syndrome, which affects the ability of the large intestine muscles to contract. In IBD, colitis usually blocks the complete digestion of food and stops the absorption of food nutrients. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, chronic pain and cramps in the abdominal muscles, fever, and rectal bleeding. While there is no cure for IBD (and you should always seek medical attention if you experience these symptoms), dietary changes can help. ease the pain.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Avoiding Trigger Foods
Step 1. Keep a food journal
Although IBD is not caused by diet, there are certain foods that can trigger painful inflammation of the intestines if you have the disease. You should know what foods cause symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.
- In a journal, note the date and what you ate each time symptoms occurred. Over time, you can figure out what foods cause symptoms and what don't.
- You may also experience symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, weight loss, or anemia (lack of red blood cells).
- Note that diet and IBD are very personal. Your doctor may have some general guidelines, but what works for one patient-or even an entire study sample of patients-may not work for you.
Step 2. Avoid dairy products
Many patients with IBD report that they experience diarrhea when consuming dairy products such as full-fat milk, cheese (especially high-fat soft cheese), yogurt, and ice cream.
- Lactose intolerance (or not being able to eat dairy products) is often a complication of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
- If you are lactose intolerant, consider taking a supplement such as Lactaid which can minimize irritation if you consume dairy products. You may also need to replace it with an alternative such as soy milk or almond milk.
Step 3. Be careful with the lint
While fiber is generally believed to help relieve digestive problems, many IBD patients report that a diet high in fiber can make their symptoms worse. Most fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, but there are a number of ways to include them in the IBD diet.
- Cook the vegetables until done. Cooked fruits and vegetables are easier to digest than when they are still raw.
- Peel the skin of fruits and vegetables. The skin contains insoluble fiber. So, before eating fruits and vegetables, peel the skin first.
- Avoid vegetables that can cause gas. These vegetables include broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. Gas will only further irritate the already inflamed intestine.
- If eating vegetables in their natural form is bothering you, consider using vegetable "broth". You can add this broth to rice or pasta for added flavor and nutrition. Vegetable broths usually contain the same nutritional value as whole vegetables, but are generally easier to digest.
- Avoid nuts. Nuts are very high in fiber and are very difficult to digest.
- Choose better cereals. If you experience IBD symptoms, avoid whole grains and whole wheat and rye breads. Processed cereals are easier to digest. Look for white bread or French bread.
Step 4. Avoid fatty foods
If you have IBD symptoms, fatty foods can make diarrhea and stomachaches worse. Avoid butter and margarine when you feel a bout of pain.
- Watch out for pastas with cream sauce, or baked goods with cream cheese or sour cream. Creams also add extra fat to the body's system.
- Fried foods (such as french fries, donuts, fried snacks, fried chicken, fried fish, or fried shrimp) should be avoided. Fried foods add extra fat into the gastrointestinal tract.
- Fatty foods should be increasingly avoided if you have inflammation in the small intestine area of the gastrointestinal tract.
Step 5. Avoid non-absorbable sugars
This type of sugar is usually contained in candies and chewing gums that use artificial sweeteners. These materials usually end with the syllable “ol”. The most common causes include:
- Sorbitol
- Mannitol
- Xylitol
- Maltitol
Step 6. Avoid FODMAPs
FODMAD stands for Fermentation, Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols, which are sugars found in several types of carbohydrates. FODMAPs include:
- Fructose (commonly found in honey and corn syrup)
- Certain fruits such as apples, apricots, pears, plums, and blackberries
- Sugars commonly found in packaged cereals and granola
- Lactose from dairy products
Step 7. Avoid carbonated drinks
Carbonated soft drinks also cause the entry of extra air into the digestive tract causing gas and irritation.
Also, avoid drinking through a straw as the straw can introduce air into the liquid when you drink
Part 2 of 3: Developing a Healthy Diet
Step 1. Meet the body's fluid needs
Because diarrhea often leads to dehydration, IBD patients must ensure that their fluid needs are met.
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day (or 2 liters). Consumption of foods that have a high water content (such as watermelon) can be calculated in this minimal figure.
- If you have severe diarrhea, you are likely to lose electrolytes. In this case, you'll need to take a drink like Pedialyte or Gatorade to restore lost electrolytes. If you consume sports drinks or fruit juices that are high in fiber, you will need to dilute them with water or look for low-sugar versions. Fill half the glass with juice and the rest with water.
- Reduce intake of caffeinated drinks such as coffee and tea and alcoholic beverages because these types of drinks can cause dehydration.
Step 2. Include protein in your diet
Protein is a great source of vitamins, zinc, iron, and other nutrients. If you are recovering from IBD, consuming protein is a great way to restore lost nutrients.
- Choose lean proteins such as poultry, lean pork chops, and fish, instead of fatty red meats, such as hamburgers or brisket.
- Smooth peanut butters like peanut butter and almonds are also a great way to get peanut protein without the irritation you feel when you eat them whole.
Step 3. Include probiotics in your diet
Probiotics are active microorganisms that support digestive health. Probiotics are generally found in foods such as yogurt. Talk to your doctor if you want to include probiotics in your diet as many IBD patients get mixed results.
Your doctor may recommend taking probiotics in supplement form if you want to avoid lactose products such as yogurt
Step 4. Eat smaller portions but more often
Since the digestive tract is sensitive to IBD, the best option is to eat four to five small meals a day instead of three large meals.
Have snacks and food ready to take with you, especially if you're traveling
Part 3 of 3: Complementing a Healthy Diet
Step 1. Add vitamins and other nutrients
Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can deplete the vital nutrients we normally get from food. Talk to your doctor about what types of vitamins you should focus on, both from food and supplements.
- You may need to avoid vitamin supplements in pill form because they are difficult to digest. Instead, try taking supplements in powder or liquid form.
- Check what ingredients are in the vitamins before you take them. Some vitamins contain non-absorbable sugars or other ingredients that can actually make symptoms worse.
- Do not take vitamins on an empty stomach. The best option is to take it with food.
- Many patients with IBD also have zinc, iron, calcium, and folic acid deficiencies. Talk to your doctor if you need extra supplements for this deficiency.
- Avoid excessive consumption of single vitamins or minerals such as vitamins A, D, or E. Single vitamins and minerals will be stored in the body and can cause toxicity.
Step 2. Don't forget exercise
Mild or moderate exercise has been shown to be beneficial for IBD patients. In addition to releasing positive mood-boosting endorphins, exercise can strengthen muscles and joints that are often weakened by IBD. 30-minute exercise sessions, 3-4 times a week, will be beneficial for the cardiovascular system and overall health.
- Moderate exercise includes walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, yoga, or gardening. If you're going on foot, plan a route that includes toilets.
- Know your limits. If you have IBD symptoms and can't eat, you should stop exercising until you've recovered and are able to eat again. IBD usually causes fatigue and joint pain. If you do, don't exercise, as exercise can make your symptoms worse.
Step 3. Watch for complications
IBD is a difficult and upsetting condition. Some patients experience depression as a result of pain and difficulty adhering to a diet for IBD. Make sure you talk to your doctor if you feel you are in a bad mood, are easily distracted, or cry a lot, feel helpless, and are unable to do activities you normally enjoy.
- Your doctor may refer you to a psychiatrist for treatment. You can have cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, or a combination of the two.
- Look for support groups online. Talking to other people who understand your condition can be very helpful.
