DIET & NUTRITION IN IBD
Diet and nutrition are important aspects of IBD management. Maintaining proper nutrition when you have IBD is very important.
Benefits of Proper Nutrition:
- Medications work more effectively
- Improve healing, immunity, and energy levels
- Minimize gastrointestinal symptoms
“In IBD, Nutrition is not about eating less or more. It’s about eating right.”
Dietary tips in IBD
Eat a low fiber diet that will not cause blockage in the bowel
Take Calcium, Vitamin D and Vitamin B-12 supplements to help replenish nutrients
Eating small meals, low in fat & fiber helps with the symptoms of IBD
Drinking plenty of fluids help alleviate the symptoms of IBD
Diet tips when your disease is active (During flare-ups)
Bland, soft food
Plain cereals, white rice
Fully cooked vegetables, potatoes without skin
Banana, apple sauce
Nutritional supplements if you lose your appetite
Vitamins and mineral supplements if your health care provider approves
Protein if you have no problems when you eat them (lean meats, fish, soy)
Certain foods may trigger symptoms of IBD & should be avoided
Spicy foods
Sugary foods
Caffeine
Alcohol
Fatty, fried foods
Nuts, seeds & beans
High-fiber foods including raw fruits and vegetables
Elements of a well-balanced diet during remission
8 to 10 glasses of water each day
Carbohydrates with soluble fiber like oat bran, legumes, and barley
Proteins like lean meat, fish, eggs, nuts, poultry, and soy
Healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids, olive oil, and canola oil
Deeply colored (without skin and seeds) fruits and cooked vegetables
Vitamin and mineral supplements if your health care provider approves
Dairy/calcium (dairy substitute if you are lactose intolerant)