Bloodwork, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Supplements

Managing IBD Naturally: An Integrative Approach for a Healthier Gut

If you’re living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), you know first hand the challenges of managing chronic inflammation and digestive discomfort. As your Blood Buddy, we’re here to provide you with an in-depth understanding of IBD and explore an integrative approach that combines nutrition, lifestyle changes, and supplements to help you manage your condition and improve your quality of life.

Understanding Inflammation and IBD

Inflammation is one of the body’s natural ways of protecting itself, which is why it is important. Unfortunately, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. A number of medical conditions are linked to too much inflammation in the body.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD causes inflammation and injury to the lining of the intestine. Over time, these conditions can cause further harm.

What is an Integrative Approach to Treating IBD?

The good news is that IBD can be controlled. A combination of good nutrition, healthy lifestyle choices, supplements/herbals, and prescription medication can help you feel better. It can also help prevent further health problems.

Dietary Strategies for IBD Management

  • Eat a diet that is LOW in saturated fat, refined sugar, and animal protein, and HIGH in fruits and vegetables (7-9 servings/day), fish, fiber (at least 25 grams per day), and omega-3 fatty acids.

  • For mild to moderate ulcerative colitis, eat 60 grams per day of oat bran

  • Instead of vegetable oil, use flax seed oil, olive oil, or coconut oil (1-2 tablespoons per day)

Actionable Dietary Strategies for IBD

Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD): This diet removes food that may make your symptoms worse. It includes carbohydrates that your body can more easily digest.

Low Sulfur Diet: If your ulcerative colitis is in remission (i.e., if you have few or no symptoms), your risk for relapse is increased if you eat more protein (especially meat), and food containing sulfur and sulfates.

Elimination Diet: Eliminate foods that are likely to cause symptoms.
It is crucial that you also seek doctor help if you plan on doing an elimination diet.

Blood Buddy encourages tracking of your diet, with nutrition logs to keep up with food.

Lifestyle Changes for IBD Management

*Exercise: Exercise can help you reduce stress and stay healthy.

*Reduce Stress: Reduce stress to reduce inflammation.

Consider these techniques:

  • Yoga

  • Tai Chi

  • Hypnosis

  • Psychotherapy or counseling

Supplements for IBD Management

Consider adding the nutritional supplements listed on the following page if they are LOW in your diet or found to be LOW by your physician.

Here is a list for consideration:

  • Zinc

  • Folic acid

  • Vitamin B

  • Selenium

Key Takeaways:

  • IBD causes harm to the digestive system through inflammation.

  • Both nutrition and supplements have been shown to assist with relief from IBD.

  • It is important to seek doctor’s help.

Please note we cannot endorse medical advice that is not followed with a doctor.