Most of these are restrictive, by nature, and patients often look for ways to expand the variety of foods they can eat while still following doctors’ orders. In some cases, a little out-of-the-box thinking can add more variety to the types of foods that can be safely eaten.
Here are four of the specific diets that are most often prescribed to IBD patients. However, none of these diets are meant to be followed long-term. At some point, a doctor should give the go-ahead to begin adding more foods to the diet.
If the doctor doesn’t bring it up, be sure to ask, because the goal of treatment should be to get back on a regular diet that includes various forms of protein, fruits, and vegetables.
Cutting foods or food groups out of the diet for long periods of time could result in vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Always consult a physician before starting or stopping any diet.
When a patient does well on the clear liquid diet, her diet might be advanced further. After a clear liquid diet, the full liquid diet might be next, followed by soft foods or bland foods.
Patients are usually moved through these diets slowly in order to give the digestive system plenty of time to adjust. It might not be recommended to go right from a liquid diet into a diet of regular solid foods. Some foods included in a clear liquid diet:
TeaCoffeeGinger aleGummy bearsBrothPopsiclesGelatin
For those who are lactose intolerant, this can be especially tricky, as foods containing cow’s milk will need to be substituted with non-milk alternatives (such as soy, almond, or coconut). Some foods included on a full liquid diet:
All foods on the clear liquid dietMilk (cow, soy, almond)HoneyCreamed soupsIce creamSorbetFrozen yogurt
In addition, it is a common condition. That’s why many physicians recommend that patients with IBD or other digestive problems try avoiding milk products for a time, to see if any symptoms resolve.
There are many ways to get calcium and vitamin D in the diet without cow’s milk, and a nutritionist or dietician can help formulate an eating plan that doesn’t sacrifice vitamins and minerals.
Fiber is an important part of the diet, and a low-fiber diet isn’t recommended long-term. Many people with IBD have problems with very fibrous foods. However, the goal of a treatment plan is to get back to an unrestricted diet that includes foods that contain fiber.
