The Missing Piece in Your IBD Care
If you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, you’re likely familiar with the focus on medications to manage your symptoms. But what if one of the most powerful tools for reducing symptoms, staying in remission, and feeling your best isn’t a prescription—it’s the food you eat?
This is why every IBD patient needs a dietitian. A registered dietitian who specializes in IBD can help you get the right nutrients, avoid trigger foods, and make eating easier—even during a flare-up.
Here’s why seeing a dietitian should be a key part of your IBD care plan.
Your Body Needs More Than Just Medication
Maximize Your Nutrients and Reduce Malnutrition Risk
When IBD is active, inflammation in the intestines can make it hard for your body to absorb nutrients properly. This puts you at risk for malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, and low energy levels.
A trained dietitian can:
- Assess your nutrition levels and identify deficiencies.
- Recommend the right foods and supplements to keep your body strong.
- Help you avoid unneeded food restrictions that can lead to poor nutrition.
Did You Know? Up to 85% of IBD patients experience malnutrition during a flare-up. Working with a dietitian can help prevent this.
Not All Diets Work for IBD—Find What Works for You
IBD Is Unique—So Your Diet Should Be Too
There is no single “IBD diet.” The foods that work for someone else may not work for you. Certain foods might trigger symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, or pain—but these triggers aren’t the same for everyone.
A dietitian will help you:
- Identify foods that help vs. foods that harm—without unnecessary restrictions.
- Modify your eating plan to improve digestion and reduce flare-ups.
- Find the right balance between symptom control and good nutrition.
Fact Check: Some diets promoted online aren’t backed by science and could make IBD worse. A dietitian ensures you get evidence-based advice tailored to you.
Nutrition Support for Every Stage of IBD
Flare or Remission—Your Diet Still Matters
Seeing a dietitian isn’t just for when you’re struggling—it’s also key to staying in remission.
- During a flare-up: A dietitian will recommend gentle, gut-friendly foods that provide nutrients without worsening symptoms.
- In remission: They’ll help you build a long-term nutrition plan to support gut healing and keep symptoms from returning.
Expert-Backed Advice: Clinical guidelines recommend that every IBD patient sees a dietitian regularly. Many insurance plans cover dietitian visits, making it easier to get the support you need.
Not All Dietitians Are the Same—Find an IBD Specialist
Work With a Dietitian Who Knows Crohn’s & Colitis
IBD is complex, and general nutrition advice isn’t enough. A dietitian who specializes in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can:
- Customize recommendations based on your disease type and symptoms.
- Provide science-backed guidance to support remission and gut healing.
- Work with your doctor to create a well-rounded care plan.
The Bottom Line: The right dietitian can help you feel better, faster—and keep you feeling your best for the long term.
Ready to Take Control of Your IBD with Nutrition?
If you haven’t worked with a specialized IBD dietitian yet, now is the time. Making small, science-backed nutrition changes can transform how you feel.
