Living with IBD: Foods

By javedkhan

Last updated: January 2021

Hi everyone.

Everybody thinks that people with IBD don't live a normal life, which is not true.

A normal life is possible

Telling you about myself, I came to know that I had IBD back in Sep'14 and today I am writing this story more than 6 years later. And the good thing is I am living a very normal and healthy life.

Medication and a different diet can work

Well, medication is important to have that I cannot get rid of even though I'd love to. I am taking it religiously on a daily basis. Also, I am eating my meals on a regular basis with no problems during these years. So, let me disclose my eating habits that may help you as well.

I am eating more often vegetarian food. In general avoiding red meat, like beef.

If I eat non-veg then I am inclined more towards fish or chicken. When I woke up in the morning first thing I have is 2-3 almonds. After that, I drink tea along with toast.

Sometimes in the morning, I eat an apple as well. I found that an apple is one of the best fruits for bowel movements.

During lunch, I eat rice and fish/chicken with curry.

Similar food during dinner as well. In the evening I also have some light food or fruit like a banana. I avoid drinking milk or soft-drinks because the very moment I drink it, I feel the need to go to the toilet.

Alcohol and oil impacts bowel movements

Also, alcohol is not good for me, it gives me bad bowel movements. I avoid eating foods with too much oil as well.

I hope this could help you as well.

Stay healthy!

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RHall Admin
Hi Javed! That is so great to hear that you're seeing significant changes by changing your diet. It's not always easy to find what works for you and it sounds like you're doing great. Very happy to hear that! Did you have any challenges in adopting this new food strategy? Sometimes changing eating habits is difficult for people. If you have any insight into your thought process of how you have made these changes stick - that would be interesting to know, too. Thank you for sharing! Take care, Reggie - (IBD.net Team)
1. javedkhan
 Hi Reggie, I think most important thing is observing what is working well for one. Like I find out that eating Red meat is not working well for me. Also, just after having certain foods or drinks, if I felt the urge for going to toilet, then next time I reduce the intake of it. The one problem with IBD that I felt during my initial days that it increased my visit to the Toilet for around 3-4 times a day. But that got reduces to 2-3 times when I started controlling on my diet like avoiding soft-drinks or vey oily foods. Dairy products except Curd also doesn't work for me as well, that's why instead of drinking milk I started having tea in the morning. Stay Healthy.
2. RHall Admin
 That makes a lot of sense. It sounds like you are really focusing on how each food impacts you and making slight adjustments based on your observations. Thanks for sharing! -Reggie (IBD.net Team Member)
thedancingcrohnie Moderator
<inline-mention user-id="2248730" username="javedkhan"/> , Thank you so much for sharing with the community what has brought you relief. We are all so different but that is why it is so important to share. In my opinion food plays a larger role in CD than I think is given credit. I am glad that you have been so diligent in figuring out what foods work for you. I hope you are continuing to feel well and enjoying the rest of the Holidays. Big hugs, Elizabeth (team member)
1. javedkhan
 Thank you: I hope everybody lives a confident and healthy life. It would be great if this sharing will help people.
Matt Nagin Moderator
Hi, I like your diet tips. Most of the things you suggest are things I do as well and similarly work best for me. Things like avoiding alcohol, red meat, too much oil etc. Also, trying to drink a lot of tea. It is great you are being proactive about your health! Be Well, Matt (Team Member)
Sahara Fleetwood-Beresford Moderator
Very pleased you have found what works for you <inline-mention user-id="2248730" username="javedkhan"/> ! That's what it's all about, in my humble opinion. Everyone with IBD is different; the symptoms and triggers can vary greatly from person to person. Thanks for sharing what helps you 😀 - Sahara (team member)