Eat smaller portions regularly. Divide the daily intake into 5-6 smaller portions and eat every 2-3 hours. This is better than eating less frequently but larger portions. Smaller portions will help to reduce the load on the digestive tract, helping it to digest the food better
Reduce intake of fat. Fats can increase instestinal peristalsis and so crampy pains. Reducing oils, butters, hardened fats and margarines, cream but also desserts and filled biscuits can help to reduce fat intake
Reduce intake of simple sugars. These are found in honey, desserts, cakes and concentrated fruit juices. They may cause or increase the chance of diarrhoea
Reduce or avoid intake of milk and dairy products. Milk and dairy products (milk, cream and processed cheeses, less in yogurts both full-fat or low-fat) can aggravate symptoms of IBD. They should be avoided during flare-ups and then gradually re-included in the diet according to your personal tolerance for dairy products
Avoid preserved meals and semi-finished products
Avoid savoury and spicy meals
Avoid artificial sweeteners – in particular sorbitol – that may cause or increase the chance of diarrhoea
Avoid nuts and seeds
Avoid greasy and fried foods, which can cause gas and diarrhoea
Restrict foods high in fibre, such as fresh fruits and vegetables and wholegrains, as these can aggravate symptoms (especially when the intestines are inflamed). During a flare-up it is necessary to avoid oat flakes and corn flakes as well as legumes, vegetables and fruit with high fibre content (in particular cabbage, sprout, citrus fruit, plums, grapes and apricots). Served fruit and vegetables need to be peeled, cleared of seeds and heat-treated (e.g. stewed apples are suitable)
Cook high fibre foods before eating: Rather than eliminating these necessary foods from your diet, thoroughly cook fruits and vegetables, and avoid eating them raw
Avoid foods that can cause gas such as beans, cabbage, broccoli, caffeine, and carbonated drinks