Many people with IBD don’t know what food to eat when theCrohn’s diseaseorulcerative colitisis flaring.

Many people with IBDrestrict foodswhen in a flare-up, butmorecalories are needed to prevent losing too much weight.

A physician can help you understand weight loss and how much is too much.

Hard-boiled egg on wood

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To Eat: Protein

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One important part of an IBD flare-up diet is protein.

Sources of protein to eat during an IBD flare-up include lean meats, fish, and eggs.

Avoid fattier cuts of meat, as well as meats that are low-quality or are heavily spiced.

Papaya half on a colorful plate

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Eggs should be cooked without adding fats (not fried).

This includes foods like a glass of milk, cheeses, ice cream, pudding, and yogurt.

The problem is that fried foods are usually fatty.

Natural Sun dried linden flowers in white mugs.

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It’s not realistic to avoid all fried foods forever.

Adding vegetables back into the diet slowly should be a goal.

A Word From Verywell

Every person’s flare-up diet is going to be unique.

Mason Jar of Kombucha on Restaurant Table

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The goal should be to stick to whole, unprocessed foods as much as possible.

During a flare-up, nutrient-dense foods are vital, as is drinking plenty of water and other fluids.

2015;11(8):511-520.

cup of coffee and a pile of coffee beans

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Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.Finding an IBD-focused dietitian.

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.What should I eat?

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.Diet, Nutrition, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Bottles of milk and wedges of cheese

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Nutrition inPatients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Narrative Review.Nutrients.

2022;14(4):751.

Published 2022 Feb 10. doi:10.3390/nu14040751

McGill University.Why does coffee make you poop?

Fibrous Food

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2020;12(1).

American Heart Association.Dietary fats.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Only 1 in 10 adults get enough fruits or vegetables.

Glazed spicy chicken wings with sesame seeds served in cast iron skillets

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Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.What should I eat?

Fresh green broccoli on wood table

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