Large meals may lead to uncomfortable abdominal bloating, which is undesirable at any time, least of all during an IBD flare-up. Aim for small, frequent meals instead. Even when your IBD isn’t flaring, smaller meals have many benefits, such as keeping blood glucose steady throughout the day, which in turn, keeps your energy level up.
While you need to drink plenty of fluids during the day, drinking can also make you feel full, leaving little room for food. If you find that drinks make you feel overly full, try eating first, and then sipping fluids. Fruit juice and smoothies can also provide calories and extra nutrients.
Since alcohol is inflammatory, you may want to avoid it. You may also want to limit beverages and sugary treats that may cause diarrhea, such as caffeinated beverages, juices, sodas and candy.
Gas, bloating, cramping and diarrhea can interfere with anyone’s appetite. If you experience these after eating dairy products, like milk or ice cream, you may have lactose intolerance, which is very common in people with IBD, especially those with Crohn’s disease. If you choose to avoid dairy products, speak to your doctor or dietitian about a calcium supplement that could work for you.
After a flare, you may want to introduce foods that are easy to digest such as applesauce, canned fruit, plain chicken, turkey or fish, cooked eggs, mashed potatoes, rice or pasta and white or sourdough bread. Try introducing one or two items every few days and avoid any foods that have caused symptoms in the past.
Eating your favorite foods can help you take in more calories. Of course, food should be healthful and nutritious, but it should also be something that you want to eat. So, try incorporating your favorite foods that you can tolerate.