Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can cause uncomfortable and painful symptoms that can interfere with your daily life.

Among the factors that can cause or trigger these diseases are certain types of food.

Since there is no one-size-fits-all diet for IBD, it is important to identify the specific foods that can aggravate your symptoms. Here are some foods that people with IBD should avoid or limit:.

1. Dairy products

People with IBD may have difficulty digesting lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. When lactose intolerant people consume these products, it can cause cramps, bloating, and diarrhea.

Additionally, some people may have an allergy or sensitivity to dairy products, which can also worsen IBD symptoms.

2. Fatty foods

Foods that are high in fat can be a problem for people with IBD because they slow down the digestive process. This can lead to discomfort, bloating, gas, and diarrhoea.

Avoid fried and greasy foods, and opt for low-fat versions of your favourite foods if possible.

3. Spicy foods

Spices like chili pepper and cayenne contain capsaicin which can irritate the lining of the intestine, leading to inflammation in some people. Spicy food may also cause some people to experience abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhoea.

4. High-fiber foods

While fiber is generally a healthy part of a balanced diet, it can be problematic for those with IBD. This is because insoluble fiber doesn’t dissolve in water and can be difficult for the large intestine to digest.

Foods with high fiber content like beans, whole grains, and raw fruits and vegetables can cause symptoms like cramps, bloating, and gas. Limiting the amount of fiber in your diet can help alleviate these symptoms.

5. Alcohol

Alcohol consumption can cause irritation in the digestive system, leading to inflammation that can worsen IBD symptoms. Additionally, alcohol can affect the liver and intestinal lining, causing damage or further inflammation.

6. Caffeine

Caffeine can also stimulate the digestive system, causing it to produce more acid and speeding up the passage of food through the digestive tract. This can cause diarrhoea, cramping, and discomfort in people with IBD.

7. Carbonated Beverages

Bubble-spewing drinks like soda, sparkling water, and seltzers can create more gas in the digestive tract that can result in bloating and cramping, especially in individuals trying to treat inflammation in the large intestine.

8. Corn

Corn is high in insoluble fiber, which can be difficult to digest for those with IBD. Corn kernels can remain undigested in the bowel, causing bloating, gas, and discomfort. Corn may also contain additives and preservatives that can trigger inflammation.

9. Raw Vegetables And Fruits

Raw fruits and vegetables contain a tough fiber that can be difficult to digest for those with IBD.

This can produce intestinal bloating, flatulence, and abdominal pain, specifically during the digestive system’s struggle to distribute undigested food through the colon.

10. Nuts and Seeds

Although they can offer nutritional benefits, nuts and seeds are a high-fiber food that may be hard to digest for those with IBD. If you have trouble digesting nuts and seeds, try nut butters (without added sugar, salt, or oil) instead.

Avoiding these foods and incorporating an anti-inflammatory diet (fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, healthy fats containing oils, etc.) can decrease the inflammation and resulting symptoms in people with IBD.