May is Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Month. This year’s theme, “Shatter the IBD Silence”, invites us to raise awareness about the invisible challenges faced by the millions of people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Too often, people with IBD stay silent about their struggles with food and nutrition. Let’s explore these silences and how we can shatter them.
People with IBD often turn to restrictive diets to manage symptoms. However, everyone’s symptoms are different, and so should nutrition strategies. For example, during flares, some may benefit from a low-fibre or low-residue diet, while others may need exclusive enteral nutrition. In remission, some individuals may find a plant-based diet helpful for symptom management, whereas others might react to certain plant foods. Therefore, it is important to speak with your IBD team before making any dietary changes. There is no single IBD diet, only what works for you.
Many people with IBD experience a range of complications, such as fatigue, reduced bone density, and eye problems. However, these complications often go unnoticed as they can be nonspecific and normalised by both patients and clinicians. If left untreated, these issues can lead to long-term health concerns. Importantly, nutrient deficiencies including iron, vitamin D, B12, and zinc can contribute to these complications. Therefore, make sure to request blood tests to check your nutrient levels. Targeted nutrition strategies are crucial to prevent and treat nutrient imbalances.
Beyond painful gastrointestinal symptoms, many people with IBD experience shame, isolation, and anxiety especially around food. Concerningly, people who have had severe reactions to food are more likely to develop fear around eating, which may impair quality of life and lead to avoidant eating behaviours. Dietitians do more than offer nutrition advice, we help rebuild a healthy relationship with food by supporting balanced, sustainable eating habits.
If you are living with Crohn’s or colitis and feeling unsure about what to eat, you are not alone. You don’t have to stay silent. Our dietitians are here to help, listen, and empower you to take control of your health.