Dietary Strategies: What Foods Can Help Manage Your Child’s IBD?

General Dietary Recommendations

• Balanced Diet:• Include lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and appropriate grains when IBD is well-managed.

• Identify Trigger Foods:• Keep a food and symptom journal.
• Common triggers: high-fiber foods, greasy/fried foods, sweets, and dairy (for some children).

• Small, Frequent Meals:• Eat smaller meals every 3–4 hours instead of large meals.

• Hydration:• Encourage plenty of water intake, especially during flares to prevent dehydration.

Dietary Modifications During Flares

• Low-Fiber Diet:• Choose: White bread, plain bagels, English muffins, corn/flour tortillas, cooked cereals (Cream of Rice), white rice.
• Avoid: Raw fruits/vegetables, whole grains.

• Cooked Fruits and Vegetables:• Choose: Cooked carrots, zucchini, peeled apples, ripe bananas, cantaloupe.
• Preparation: Steam, boil, or can for easier digestion.

• Lean Protein:• Choose: Plain chicken, white fish.
• Preparation: Tender, well-cooked meats without added fat.

• Limit Fats and Sweets:• Reduce greasy/fried foods, sweets, sweetened beverages, and desserts.

• Lactose-Free Options:• Use lactose-free products or fortified milk substitutes if dairy worsens symptoms.

Foods to Include

• Protein:• Sources: Meat, soy, nuts, seeds, beans.
• Note: Low iron can cause tiredness and concentration issues.

• Dairy:• Provides protein, calcium, and vitamin D for strong bones.

• Healthy Fats:• Sources: Fish, plant-based foods, avocado, fish oils, nuts (if tolerated).
• Helps meet caloric needs and absorb fat-soluble vitamins.

• Iron Sources:• Include cereal bars, cream of wheat, oatmeal, iron-rich cereals.

• Calcium & Vitamin D:• Essential for strong bones and teeth.
• Sources: Dairy, fortified plant-based milks, supplements if needed.

Specific Dietary Approaches

• Exclusive Enteral Nutrition (EEN):• Liquid-only diet to induce remission (especially in Crohn’s disease).

• Crohn’s Disease Exclusion Diet (CDED):• Excludes certain foods to reduce inflammation.

• Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD):• Excludes grains, fiber, and certain sugars.

• Low-FODMAP Diet:• Limits foods high in fermentable carbohydrates (oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, polyols).

Examples of Meal and Snack Ideas

• Breakfast:• Cooked oatmeal with lactose-free milk + cooked, peeled apple slices.

• Lunch:• White rice with plain chicken + steamed carrots.

• Dinner:• Baked potato (no skin) with lean ground turkey + cooked green beans.

• Snacks:• Hard-boiled eggs.
• Nut butter on white toast (if tolerated).
• Banana with yogurt (or non-dairy alternative).

The Importance of Professional Guidance

• Registered Dietitian:• Helps tailor diet to minimize symptoms and maximize nutrition.

• Pediatric Gastroenterologist:• Provides personalized medical advice and treatment plans.

Conclusion

• Managing a child’s IBD through diet requires a personalized approach.
• Collaboration with healthcare professionals ensures improved comfort, nutritional status, and overall quality of life.