Fighting IBD with Diet and Nutrition 

Nutritional treatment for IBD has several goals: reducing inflammation, managing symptoms, and healing the gut. Giving your body the proper nutrients to achieve these goals can help to improve your day-to-day IBD symptoms.

Reducing inflammation

The American Gastroenterology Association (AGA) says, “unless there is a contraindication, all patients with IBD should be advised to follow a Mediterranean diet rich in a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, monounsaturated fats, complex carbohydrates, and lean proteins...”  While it remains to be proven which type of diet is best for putting IBD into remission, the Mediterranean diet is the leading candidate because it includes plenty of prebiotics, limits added sugars and ultra processed foods, improves gut microbiota diversity and reduces intestinal inflammation. Not only that, but it also reduces your risk for other chronic diseases. 

In truth, most people need prescription medication to fight the degree of inflammation present in Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. However, following a specially-tailored diet may help your body get the most benefit from your prescription medication.

Managing symptoms

Food choices based on the Mediterranean diet are one thing, but how and when you eat makes a big difference in how you feel. During active flares, pay more attention to eating small, frequent meals. To manage symptoms and ease digestion, the texture of food can be modified during a flare by peeling and cooking fruits and vegetables. (Most people can eat more roughage again when they are in remission.)

Fatigue often improves with more regular meals and simply getting enough to eat—consuming enough calories, protein, and other nutrients. Some people with IBD need supplements, so talk to your dietitian or GI provider about whether you have any nutrient deficiencies and to make sure your diet is meeting all your needs. 

It’s worth noting that 30-40% of people with IBD report IBS-like symptoms, even when they are in remission from their disease. Some may benefit from reducing their intake of FODMAPs when bloating, distension, diarrhea, or constipation are problems. It’s not a bad idea to temporarily choose lactose-free milk products and cut back on intake of onions and garlic. Don’t use fruit juice or sweetened beverages, which are high in FODMAPs, to replace fluids when you have diarrhea. Water is usually the best choice. 

Healing from the inside out

With inflammation dampened on the right IBD medications and a healthy Mediterranean diet, let the healing begin! The goal of treatment is remission, on three distinct levels. The first level is called clinical remission. This means that your symptoms are under control—your bowel habits have normalized, you are not in pain, and your energy level has bounced back. The second level is endoscopic remission: when you have an upper endoscopy or colonoscopy, there are no ulcers or bleeding seen. The ultimate level of remission is called histologic remission. Biopsy specimens taken during your procedures look good under the microscope! 

The nutrients provided by regular meals and healthy foods are essential for healing. Protein is especially important, because it provides the building blocks for the new tissues your body must build to heal damage from IBD. Vitamins and minerals are involved at every step of wound healing as well.  

Sometimes during an IBD flare, it’s difficult to find the energy to plan and prepare the meals you need to reduce inflammation, feel better, and promote healing. Don’t let a vicious cycle develop between your illness and poor nutrition. If you’re having trouble getting enough to eat, or planning a Mediterranean diet for your IBD, ModifyHealth can help. 

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