Diet plays a crucial role in managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), as certain foods can either trigger symptoms or help reduce inflammation. While there is no one-size-fits-all diet for IBD patients, several specialized dietary approaches can help alleviate symptoms during flare-ups and promote overall gut health.
Some common IBD dietary strategies include:
- Anti-Inflammatory Diet (IBD-AID)
- Autoimmune Protocol Diet (AIP)
- Crohn’s Disease Exclusion Diet (CDED)
- CD-TREAT Diet
- Exclusive Enteral Nutrition (EEN)
- Low-FODMAP Diet
- Mediterranean Diet
- Specific Carbohydrate Diet™ (SCD)
- Semi-Vegetarian Diet
- Ulcerative Colitis Exclusion Diet (UCED)
The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation emphasizes that dietary needs vary from person to person, and patients should work closely with healthcare providers or dietitians to determine the most suitable eating plan for their specific condition and symptom severity.
By carefully managing diet, IBD patients can often reduce flare-ups, improve nutrient absorption, and enhance their quality of life.