When a person is suffering from Inflammatory Bowel Disease, along with medications a healthy lifestyle in terms of diet and nutrition can help one manage the disease well. There are common trigger foods that every patient must be careful of but at the same time one must notice what suits him or her the best. As each individual is different from the other, the trigger foods will also vary i.e. what may cause an aggravation in one patient may not cause so in another patient.
Here is an overview of the points to be kept in mind for patients suffering from Inflammatory Bowel Disease:
DO’s
o Always peel fruits and vegetables before eating whence suffering from IBD .
o Well Cooked Vegetables and Fruits are preferred. For instance stewed apple is preferred over raw apple.
o Pureed vegetables which are cooked and can be had in the form of soups which are easier to digest.
o Drink plenty of water especially when suffering from an acute attack, to prevent dehydration. Gluten free diets may help.
DONT’S
o Do not eat raw foods, as they can trigger bloating, gases, abdominal pain.
o Avoid Nuts and Seeds and Oily Greasy Foods as they are very difficult to digest.
o Also avoid whole foods especially when the intestines are inflamed as the fibre can aggravate the symptoms . For instance avoid Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Grapes, Plums , Fruits, Sprouts which can cause gases, bloating and will further deteriorate the condition.
o Avoid dairy and dairy products such as ghee, butter, cream, cheese, curds as it can aggravate the symptoms of IBD.
o Avoid processed food, packet foods, carbonated drinks, caffeine, oily and spicy foods.
Last but not the least do take help of a dietician who can chart a diet as per your individuality, keeping in mind the foods that may trigger or aggravate symptoms and accordingly provide you with a variety of food options which can meet your body’s nutritional requirement.
Collated by Dr. Komal Gandhi, Consultant Nutritionist at the other song Clinic - Care Beyond Compare
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