✓ What to Eat
✓ Cooked, peeled vegetables
Easier to digest than raw, reduces fibre irritation during flares
✓ Lean proteins (chicken, fish, eggs)
Supports healing without taxing digestion
✓ White rice & refined grains
Lower fibre content reduces bowel irritation
✓ Bananas & ripe fruit
Gentle on the gut, provides potassium often lost during flares
✗ What to Avoid
✗ Raw vegetables & skins
High insoluble fibre can worsen inflammation and cramping
✗ Nuts & seeds
Hard to digest and can physically irritate inflamed bowel
✗ Spicy foods
Can trigger or worsen abdominal pain
✗ High-fat fried foods
Harder to digest, can worsen diarrhoea
Practical Tips
💡 Eat smaller, frequent meals
Five to six small meals reduce the digestive burden compared to three large ones
💡 Track trigger foods
Keep a symptom journal — triggers vary significantly between individuals
💡 Stay hydrated
Diarrhoea during flares can cause dehydration — aim for 2L+ water daily
💡 Consider low-residue during flares
Reducing fibre temporarily can give the bowel a rest