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Foods to Eat and Avoid for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

​​Best Foods for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Food Description
Oatmeal Oats are generally better for soothing the stomach as they are easy to assimilate and have a soluble type of fibre that facilitates the movement of bowels and reduces discomfort. A hot cereal that is cooked with water without adding sugar is preferable.
Bone Broth This nutrient-rich soup is also easy on the stomach while serving as hydration and providing necessary minerals. It has no irritation on the lines of the intestine. Presumably, it is the best food for inflammation and reduces pain. 
Bananas Ripened and soft-matured bananas are low in fibre and can be easily digested. They are essential for soothing the stomach lining and avoiding irritation. Additionally, they supply vital elements such as potassium.
Cooked Carrots Soft, cooked carrots give no danger of irritation and supply critical vitamins and minerals. Casseroles are particularly beneficial since they have a smooth consistency, which helps alleviate abdominal discomfort, and they are soft and cooked. 

Food Description
Low-Residue Foods These include those who have more or less undigested food to prevent the excretion of excess liquid in the faeces, i.e., diarrhoea. Options such as white rice, refined pasta, and bread help alleviate the bowel load.
Fermented Foods Some IBD patients may benefit from probiotics through foods like yoghurt, kefir, or even miso. However, if not moderated, these may be dangerous for the digestive system because they may provide extra heat to the colon.
Soluble Fibre Foods Soluble fibre is present in foods like applesauce, bananas, and oats, provided it is tolerated. These foods absorb surplus water in the colon, which helps decrease the intensity and frequency of bloody diarrhoea.
Omega-3 Rich Foods If possible, add salmon and mackerel, which are fattier fish for omega-3s and have an anti-inflammatory effect. These can, therefore, assist in decreasing inflammation in the gut and aiding in healing.

Food Items to Avoid if You Have Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Factors to Consider While Choosing a Diet for IBD

What are the Causes of Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

Causes Description
Genetics A genetic predisposition to the disease is significant concerning IBD. It is observed that individuals with a family history of IBD have a higher chance of developing the disease. Some gene mutations increase the chances of IBD.
Immune System Dysfunction IBD is believed to be caused by an autoimmune process in which the immune system targets the gut. Hence, the immune response contributes to the presence of IBD, leading to inflammation and structural changes.
Gut Microbiota Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been observed to occur from abnormalities in gut microbiota residents. Changes in the composition normalcy of gut flora may initiate a cascade of inflammation that leads to disease.
Autoimmune Factors There are scholars who hold the view that inflammatory bowel disease may involve autoimmune factors and that the body's defence system systematically destroys the healthy cells in the gastrointestinal tract.
Smoking It is common knowledge that smoking is a risk factor for Crohn's disease. However, its influence on the risk of UC is not clear. Smoking can increase symptoms and the likelihood of flare-ups as well.

How to Treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

The management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) predominantly focuses on minimising Inflammation, controlling the signs and symptoms of the disease, and increasing the quality of life as a whole. Below are some ways to treat IBD:

Treatment Description
Medications Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids, can eliminate inflammation. Immunosuppressive agents, like azathioprine, suppress the immune response. Antibiotic treatment may be instituted for any superinfection or infection.
Dietary Changes When irritation bothers you, try cutting down on fibre. Identify trigger foods, if any, that worsen the symptoms, and do not consume them. Follow a mild diet plan during the active episode and a nutrient-rich diet to manage malnutrition.
Lifestyle Modifications Incorporate strategies to combat stress, like floor exercises, meditation, or yoga. Encourage physical activity to maintain health at all times. Avoid smoking, which may aggravate symptoms, especially in those suffering from Crohn's disease.
Surgery In some cases, surgery may be necessary when alternative therapies and changes are not working. Resection is a process where the inner affected parts of the bowel are removed. Colectomy means reserving complete excision of the bowel.
Nutritional Support Dietary supplements may sometimes be necessary to treat related deficiencies. Supportive care like enteral nutrition, which may involve a liquid diet, helps rest the bowel but ensures an adequate intake of nutrients.
Regular Monitoring More frequent visits to the gastroenterologist should be made to monitor any changes in the disease and assist in modifying treatment if necessary. An endoscopy might be performed to evaluate the lesion and heal it.

What are Some Key Points to Remember?

FAQs about Inflammatory Bowel Disease Diet