8 foods people with inflammatory bowel disease should cut down on

Coffee, alcohol, milk, and fried foods often make inflammatory bowel disease symptoms worse, especially during flare-ups.

According to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, foods containing milk, fat, or high fiber are not good for people with Crohn's disease (inflammation of the intestines). To avoid aggravating symptoms, patients should limit the following 8 foods.

Red meat

Some people with inflammatory bowel disease are allergic to certain compounds in pork and beef. Red meat is also harder to digest and break down, causing inflammation. Therefore, patients should choose other proteins such as fish and chicken instead.

If you want to eat red meat, you should choose lean meat and less saturated fat to help supplement protein and prevent inflammation caused by saturated fat.

Fried food

Fried foods and meals high in saturated fats (cream, butter, oil) can increase inflammatory bowel disease symptoms, causing abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhea. This is because the fats in these foods are not fully absorbed in the small intestine.

People with diabetes should choose healthier fats such as monounsaturated fats found in olive oil, canola oil, peanut butter, and almond butter. Polyunsaturated fats from fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), soy milk, and tofu are also good for health. Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon, walnuts, and ground flaxseed also help reduce inflammation.

Fried foods are not good for people with inflammatory bowel disease. Photo: Freepik — Fried foods are not good for people with inflammatory bowel disease. Photo: *Freepik*

Spicy food

According to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, some people with IBD may experience irritation from spicy foods. During flare-ups, people should avoid or consume them in small, mild amounts.

Foods rich in fiber

Eating foods high in fiber can be difficult for people with IBD to digest. Foods high in insoluble fiber can make symptoms of bloating and abdominal pain worse, especially during flare-ups or in people with intestinal strictures.

Avoid eating fruit peels and seeds; raw products, especially cruciferous vegetables and whole grains. Instead, choose low-fiber fruits such as bananas and melons (seedless). Cooked vegetables should not be eaten raw, but should be pureed or processed into smoothies to reduce irritation.

Foods high in sugar

Cutting down on refined sugar can help improve symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. Because sugary, processed foods often lead to inflammation.

Alternatives include pure fruit syrup, fruit puree, honey. Do not consume more than the recommended daily allowance (6 teaspoons for women, 9 teaspoons for men) even though it is a healthy source of sugar.

Milk

According to a 2023 review from the University of Ioannina in Greece, based on 113 studies, inflammation in the gut can damage some of the cells that produce lactase, the enzyme that helps digest the sugar found in milk and dairy products. This makes people intolerant to milk, which can lead to calcium and vitamin D deficiencies.

Alternative sources of calcium and vitamin D include soy milk, almonds, rice milk, tofu, sardines, and vegetables such as turnips, kale, and collard greens.

Caffeine and alcohol

Drinking caffeine (green tea, black tea, coffee, soft drinks) and alcohol can also aggravate IBD symptoms. For example, wine contains sulfites - food preservatives that people with IBD are sensitive to or allergic to.

People with IBD should keep alcohol consumption to a minimum, about one 175 ml drink for women and 350 ml for men per day. Cut down on caffeine, replacing it with herbal tea or diluted, unsweetened flavored water.

Mai Cat (According to Everyday Health )

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