What can I eat when my tummy is playing up?

When you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), there might be days when your tummy feels unsettled, you're running to the toilet more often, or you just don't feel like eating. Foods you usually enjoy might suddenly feel harder to manage, and you might wonder what you can eat without making things worse.

The good news is that there are ways to make eating feel more comfortable when your symptoms are bothering you. There isn't one perfect list of foods for everyone with IBD, so the aim is to find options that work for your body while still getting the energy and nutrients you need.

🤔 Why might eating feel different?

When your IBD symptoms are acting up, inflammation and changes in how your digestive system works can make eating more difficult.

You might notice:

• Tummy pain or cramps after eating.

• Diarrhoea or needing the toilet more often.

• Bloating or wind.

• Feeling sick or getting full quickly.

• Having less appetite than usual.

Sometimes, certain foods can make these symptoms feel worse, even if they aren't increasing inflammation in your bowel. Everyone has different triggers, and what works for someone else might not work for you.

If your symptoms are new, getting worse or lasting longer than usual, tell your parent or carer and contact your IBD team.

🍚 Foods that might feel easier on your tummy

When your tummy is unsettled, you might find that softer, simpler foods are easier to manage. Some people also find lower-fibre options more comfortable during a flare-up.

Here are a few foods you could try if you tolerate them:

🍚 Rice, pasta and bread

White rice, plain pasta, toast and white bread can provide energy and may feel easier to digest than higher-fibre alternatives for some people.

🍌 Gentle fruit options

Bananas, applesauce and soft, peeled fruit may be easier to tolerate than some raw fruits with skins or lots of seeds.

🥕 Soft, cooked vegetables

Well-cooked carrots, peeled potatoes and pumpkin may feel more comfortable than raw or crunchy vegetables.

🥚 Eggs and other protein foods

Eggs, tender chicken, fish or tofu can help provide protein to support growth and repair. Choose preparations you find comfortable.

🥣 Soups and soft meals

A smooth soup or a soft meal might be easier to manage when you don't feel like eating much. Choose ingredients you tolerate and make sure you're getting enough nourishment.

These are suggestions, not rules. You don't need to switch to a bland diet if your usual foods are comfortable, and you shouldn't force yourself to eat something that makes you feel worse.

If you have a narrowing in your bowel, ask your IBD team which foods and textures are safe for you.

🍽️ Should I eat smaller meals?

You might find that eating smaller amounts more often feels easier than having three large meals.

For example, instead of eating one big lunch, you could have a small sandwich, then a snack a little later if you're hungry.

You could also try:

• Eating slowly and taking your time.

• Having snacks available for when you feel ready to eat.

• Choosing foods you know you tolerate well.

• Avoiding very large meals if they make you uncomfortable.

You still need enough energy and nutrients, especially while you're growing. If you're struggling to eat enough, your parent or carer and dietitian can help you work out what might make eating easier.

💧 What should I drink when my tummy is upset?

If you're having diarrhoea, your body can lose a lot of water and important salts. Drinking enough is particularly important when your symptoms are acting up.

Try to drink fluids regularly throughout the day. Water is a good option, and an oral rehydration solution may be recommended if you're losing a lot of fluid.

You might find that fizzy drinks, energy drinks or drinks containing lots of caffeine make bloating or diarrhoea worse.

Tell your parent or carer if you're struggling to drink, passing much less urine than usual or feeling dizzy. Seek urgent medical advice if you have signs of significant dehydration or can't keep fluids down.

🚫 What foods should I avoid?

There isn't a universal list of foods that everyone with IBD needs to avoid when their tummy is playing up.

Some people find that fatty or fried foods, spicy meals, fizzy drinks or certain dairy products make their symptoms worse. Others can eat these foods without any problems.

During a flare-up, some people also find high-fibre foods harder to tolerate. However, you shouldn't automatically cut out fruit, vegetables, wholegrains or dairy products without a good reason.

A food making your symptoms worse doesn't necessarily mean it's causing more inflammation. If you're noticing repeated problems after eating particular foods, your IBD team or dietitian can help you work out what might be happening.

💪 How can I make sure I'm still getting enough nutrients?

When your tummy is unsettled, you might eat less than usual. But your body still needs energy, protein, vitamins and minerals to grow, stay strong and recover.

If you're finding it difficult to eat full meals, you could try nourishing snacks between meals or choose foods that provide both energy and protein.

Your dietitian may also recommend nutritional drinks or other support if you're struggling to meet your needs through food alone.

Let your healthcare team know if you're losing weight without meaning to, feeling unusually tired or avoiding more and more foods.

🩺 When should I ask for help?

It's important to tell your parent or carer and contact your IBD team if:

• Your tummy pain or diarrhoea is getting worse.

• You're struggling to eat or drink enough.

• You're losing weight without meaning to.

• You're vomiting or having frequent diarrhoea.

• You're feeling weak, dizzy or unusually tired.

• Your symptoms aren't settling or feel different from your usual symptoms.

Severe or worsening abdominal pain, significant bleeding, repeated vomiting or signs of severe dehydration need urgent medical assessment.

Don't assume that every episode of tummy trouble is caused by food. Your IBD team can help you work out whether your symptoms might be related to inflammation or something else.

💚 Remember

When your tummy is playing up, it's okay to keep things simple and choose foods that feel comfortable for you.

Try smaller meals if they help, drink enough fluids and focus on getting the nutrition your body needs. You don't have to follow a strict diet or cut out lots of foods to manage your symptoms.

If your tummy keeps bothering you, you don't have to figure it out alone. Your IBD team can help you find a plan that works for you.

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Food tolerance and nutritional needs vary from person to person. Speak to your IBD team or a qualified dietitian before making significant dietary changes.