An exact IBD diet does not actually exist, since no specific diet has been shown to improve or worsen bowel inflammation. However, eating a diet sufficient in energy and balanced in macronutrients and essential micronutrients is important to avoid malnutrition and weight loss. Foods that worsen diarrhea should also be avoided. People who have blockage of the intestines may need to avoid raw fruits and vegetables. Those who have difficulty digesting lactose (lactose intolerance) also need to avoid milk products. The following guidelines, upon approval by the treating physician or a registered dietician, can help prevent malnutrition and extreme weight loss:
-  Drinking plenty of fluids (8–10 servings daily) helps to keep body hydrated and prevent constipation.
- Â A daily multivitamin and mineral supplement may be indicated to replace lost nutrients.
- Â Eating a high fiber diet can help when IBD is under control. High fiber foods include grains (whole grain breads, buns, bagels, muffins, bran cereals, Corn bran, shredded whole wheat, 100% bran and fiber cereal, cooked cereal such as oat bran, whole-wheat pastas, whole grains such as barley, popcorn, corn and brown rice), fruits (dried fruits such as apricots, dates, prunes and raisins, berries such as blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries, oranges, apple with skin, avocado, kiwi, mango and pear), vegetables (broccoli, spinach, green peas and other dark green leafy vegetables, dried peas and beans such as kidney beans, lima beans, black-eyed beans, chick peas and lentils), and nuts and seeds (almonds, whole flaxseed and soynuts).
Important Thing to Remember And Foods to Avoid During IBD Attack
During an IBD attack, however, a low residue diet may help give the bowel a rest and minimize symptoms. A low residue diet includes grains that are not whole (enriched refined white bread, buns, bagels, english muffins, plain cereals such as Cornflakes, cream of wheat, Rice Krispies, or Special K, arrowroot cookies, tea biscuits, soda crackers, plain melba toast, white rice, refined pasta and noodles), fruits, peeled when necessary (fruit juices except prune juice, applesauce, apricots, cantaloupe, canned fruit cocktail, grapes, melon, peaches), but avoiding raw and dried fruits, raisins and berries. As for vegetables, they may include vegetable juices, potatoes (without skin), well-cooked vegetables such as alfalfa sprouts, beets, green or yellow beans, carrots, celery, cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, mushrooms, green or red peppers, squash, zucchini, while avoiding vegetables from the cabbage family such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and kale. Meats should be well-cooked, and tender, fish and eggs fresh. Beans, lentils, all nuts and seeds, as well as foods that may contain seeds (such as yogurt) should be avoided.
- Â Lactose-containing foods such as dairy products should be avoided if lactose intolerance is present. Calcium-fortified soy milk can be substituted.
- Â During flare-ups, small frequent meals may be preferable. A high protein diet with lean meats, fish and eggs, may also help relieve symptoms.
- Â Caffeine, alcohol and sorbitol should be restricted, as these may exacerbate IBD symptoms. Sorbitol is an artificial sweetener present in many brands of chocolate, snacks and candy.
- Â Gas-producing foods such as cabbage-family vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and brussels sprouts), dried peas and lentils, onions and chives, hot or chilli peppers and carbonated drinks should be restricted.
- Â Fat intake should be reduced if part of the intestine has been surgically removed, because high fat foods usually cause diarrhea and gas for such patients.
Some studies suggest that fish oil and flax seed oil may be helpful in managing IBD. Recent studies also suggest a role in the healing process for probiotics and prebiotics such as psyllium, a soluble fiber that comes from a plant called Plantago afra. These may also be helpful in helping the recovery of the intestines.
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