People with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, can experience symptoms such as rectal bleeding, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and muscle loss. IBDs cause inflammation in the colon, rectum, upper gastrointestinal tract, and other critical areas in the digestive and excretory systems. Certain foods can trigger such inflammation and aggravate IBD symptoms. So, the following foods should be avoided when dealing with an IBD.

Foods to avoid
One should make changes to their meal plans when dealing with digestive or gastrointestinal issues like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, malabsorption, short bowel syndrome, and intestinal ischemia. Here are foods to avoid for IBD:

Coffee
Caffeine-based drinks like coffee can aggravate inflammation associated with an IBD, especially Crohn’s disease. Regular and excessive coffee intake can cause diarrhea, flare-ups, and discomfort in people dealing with bowel issues, making coffee one of the key foods to avoid for IBD.

Walnuts
Nuts and seeds of all kinds are difficult for the body to digest and absorb, worsening symptoms of IBD. Healthcare experts and nutritionists advise people with the condition to avoid nuts like walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, cashews, almonds, peanuts, and seeds like sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, wild rice, and pumpkin seeds. Limiting these foods can help one avoid flare-ups, gas, diarrhea, and bloating.

Broccoli
High-fiber foods can dramatically increase the frequency of flare-ups in IBD patients. Broccoli and beans are among the most fiber-heavy foods. While fiber is a key component in boosting digestive health, it can trigger constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain with excessive intake. So, to avoid such complications, people with inflammatory bowel diseases should limit such foods. Instead, they can opt for low-fiber foods such as eggs, tofu, and shellfish.

Fried chicken
Fried and processed foods cannot be fully absorbed in the small intestines. This aggravates IBD symptoms, loose stools, and cramping. So, fried chicken is one of the key foods to avoid for IBD symptom management.

Further, certain prescription-based treatment options, such as STELARA® (ustekinumab), can help in treating inflammatory conditions such as ulcerative colitis. So, people affected by this IBD can opt for STELARA® after consulting a healthcare expert.

Heartburn is a sign of digestive problems and can be brought on by IBDs, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), or overeating. However, it can be easily managed by better food choices and treatment options. One can opt for oral treatments like Alka-Seltzer® for quick relief. Alka-Seltzer® neutralizes the acid in the stomach and helps ease heartburn and indigestion.