Why you might eat differently during a flare-up

When you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), you might notice that your eating habits change when you're having a flare. You may feel less hungry, get full more quickly, feel sick after eating, or find that foods you usually enjoy suddenly upset your tummy.

If this happens to you, you're not alone. A flare can affect how your digestive system works, making eating feel different from when your IBD is under control.

The important thing to remember is that your body still needs energy and nutrients, even when you're having a difficult time eating. There are ways to make eating more manageable while looking after your health.

🔥 What happens to your body during a flare?

A flare happens when inflammation in your digestive system becomes more active.

Depending on whether you have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, you might experience symptoms such as:

• Tummy pain or cramps.

• Diarrhoea or needing to use the toilet more often.

• Feeling sick or being sick.

• Bloating and wind.

• Feeling tired or having less energy.

• Losing your appetite.

• Feeling full after eating only a small amount.

These symptoms can make eating more difficult. You might worry that food will make your tummy hurt, or you might simply not feel like eating.

Everyone experiences flares differently. You might have trouble eating certain foods, while someone else with IBD might experience completely different symptoms.

🍽️ Why might you eat differently during a flare?

There are several reasons why your eating habits might change when your IBD symptoms get worse.

Your appetite might decrease. Inflammation, pain, nausea and feeling generally unwell can make you less interested in food.

You might feel full more quickly. You may find that you can't finish your usual meals or that eating a large amount feels uncomfortable.

Some foods might be harder to tolerate. Foods that usually agree with you might cause more bloating, wind or diarrhoea during a flare.

You might feel worried about eating. If you've experienced pain or urgently needed the toilet after a meal, you might start feeling nervous about eating again.

Your body might need extra nutrition. Inflammation can increase your body's nutritional needs, while diarrhoea and reduced food intake can make it harder to get enough energy, protein, vitamins and minerals.

These changes don't mean you've done anything wrong. They are reasons to give your body extra care and ask for help when you need it.

🥣 What foods might feel easier to eat?

During a flare, you might find that certain foods feel more comfortable than others. There isn't one diet that works for everyone with IBD, so the best choices depend on your symptoms and individual needs.

Some foods you might find easier to manage include:

• White rice, white pasta or white bread.

• Potatoes without the skin.

• Bananas or other fruit you tolerate well.

• Cooked, peeled vegetables.

• Eggs.

• Chicken, fish or tofu.

• Yoghurt or lactose-free alternatives, if tolerated.

• Soups and other soft foods.

You might also find that smaller meals are easier than eating a large meal all at once.

These are examples, not a list of foods you must eat. You don't need to switch to a low-fibre diet or avoid your usual foods unless your healthcare team recommends it. If you have a narrowing in your bowel, your team may give you specific advice about food textures and fibre.

💧 Why is drinking enough important?

Diarrhoea and vomiting can cause your body to lose water and important salts called electrolytes. This means you might need to pay extra attention to staying hydrated during a flare.

Try to drink fluids regularly throughout the day. Water is a good choice, and your healthcare team may recommend an oral rehydration solution if you're losing a lot of fluid.

Signs of dehydration can include:

• Feeling very thirsty.

• Having a dry mouth.

• Passing less urine than usual.

• Having dark-coloured urine.

• Feeling dizzy or unusually weak.

Tell your parent or carer if you're struggling to drink, and seek medical advice if you have signs of dehydration. Severe dehydration, fainting or being unable to keep fluids down needs urgent medical assessment.

💪 How can you get enough nutrients when eating is difficult?

When you're having a flare, eating your usual meals might feel impossible. However, your body still needs energy and nutrients to grow, repair tissues and recover.

Here are some ideas that might help.

Try smaller, more frequent meals.

Instead of eating three large meals, you might find it easier to have smaller meals and snacks throughout the day.

Choose foods that give you energy.

If you can only manage small amounts, foods that provide energy and protein can help you get more nutrition from what you eat.

Keep easy options nearby.

Having foods you know you tolerate well available can make eating less stressful when you're tired or feeling unwell.

Don't force yourself to eat a large meal.

Try smaller amounts more often, but let your parent or carer and healthcare team know if you're struggling to eat enough.

Ask about extra nutritional support.

Your dietitian may recommend nutritional drinks, supplements or other support if you're unable to get enough nutrients from food.

If you're losing weight, feeling increasingly weak or struggling to eat for more than a short time, contact your IBD team rather than trying to manage it on your own.

🚫 Should you stop eating certain foods during a flare?

Not necessarily. You might need to make temporary changes to what you eat, but cutting out lots of foods can make it harder to get the nutrients you need.

For example, some people find that high-fibre foods increase discomfort during a flare. Others can continue eating them without problems.

It's also important to understand that a food making your symptoms worse doesn't automatically mean it's increasing inflammation in your bowel.

If you're thinking about removing a food group, following a special diet or making major changes to your meals, speak to your IBD team or dietitian first.

They can help you find options that suit your symptoms while making sure you're getting enough nutrition.

🧠 What if you're scared to eat because of your symptoms?

It's understandable to feel worried about eating when you don't know how your tummy will react.

You might avoid food before school, worry about eating with friends or feel frustrated when you can't enjoy your favourite meals.

If this happens, try to remember that you don't have to work everything out by yourself.

You could:

• Tell a parent or carer how you're feeling.

• Talk to your IBD nurse or dietitian about foods that feel manageable.

• Plan meals and snacks around school or activities when possible.

• Ask for help if you're avoiding food because you're afraid of pain or needing the toilet.

If fear of symptoms is stopping you from eating enough, your healthcare team can help you find ways to feel more comfortable and supported.

🩺 When should you ask for help?

Contact your IBD team if:

• Your symptoms are getting worse.

• You're struggling to eat or drink enough.

• You're losing weight without meaning to.

• You're feeling unusually tired or weak.

• You're vomiting or having frequent diarrhoea.

• You're worried about your nutrition or growth.

Seek urgent medical attention for severe or worsening tummy pain, significant bleeding, repeated vomiting, signs of severe dehydration or other symptoms that feel serious.

You don't have to wait until things become unbearable before asking for help.

💚 Remember

It's normal for your eating habits to change during an IBD flare. You might need smaller meals, different food textures or extra nutritional support until your symptoms improve.

Try to focus on what you can manage rather than worrying about eating perfectly. Your needs may change as your symptoms change, and that's okay.

Your body still deserves nourishment during a flare, and you deserve support to make eating as comfortable as possible.

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Everyone with IBD has different nutritional needs, especially during a flare. Speak to your IBD team or a qualified dietitian before making significant dietary changes.