Managing IBD During the Holidays: A Survival Guide

The holiday season can be joyful, but for people suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), it can also feel like a minefield. You never know what to expect or how what is on the table will impact how you feel.

Whether it is Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, knowing what to expect makes all the difference. 

Our experts at Carolina Digestive Health Associates share with you some of the ways you can reduce your risk for a flare-up during the holiday season.

Understanding and managing IBD during the holidays

IBD is a term for chronic conditions that cause inflammation of your digestive tract. That includes Crohn’s disease, which can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, and ulcerative colitis, which is limited to the colon and rectum. 

The exact cause of IBD is unknown, but researchers believe a combination of genetic predispositions, along with a trigger that makes the immune system behave abnormally, causes the inflammation. Other factors may include microbial imbalances in the gut, exposure to antibiotics, and a breakdown of the gut barrier.

Diet also plays a role by impacting the microbiome and the immune system, but it is only one part of the puzzle. 

Eat a snack before the big holiday meals

A gut-friendly snack, such as a banana, a small portion of rice, or lean protein, can kickstart digestion without putting too much pressure on your gut. Arriving at a holiday meal overly hungry often leads to eating quickly or choosing richer foods first.

Frequent, small meals also prevent gastrointestinal sensitivity. Going long periods without food, followed by a feast, may be harder on your digestive system.

Build your plate around foods you know you tolerate

With IBD, a food journal can often be of help. Food is not the only trigger, but it is one of the most common ones, alongside stress. A food journal should not lead to perfection or complete restriction of certain food groups, but to prioritization. 

For example, focusing on anchoring your plate with foods that rarely trigger symptoms, followed by a few holiday favorites, allows you to participate fully without overwhelming your digestive system.

Have a plan for managing early symptoms

Flares rarely start suddenly; the body usually gives subtle warnings such as more cramping, urgency, bloating, or fatigue. If you notice early signs, switch back to simple foods for the rest of the day, stay hydrated, and keep alcohol consumption low. If you travel, make sure you bring your medications so your medication schedule remains the same.

Learn more about managing your IBD with us

While diet does play a role, and certain diets, such as the Mediterranean diet, are associated with fewer flare-ups in studies, the foods you eat are only one component of IBD management. Your stress levels, your microbiome, and your immune system also play a role. To avoid complications and increase quality of life, many patients use both lifestyle changes and medications to manage their symptoms. 

If you experience persistent symptoms or simply want guidance on personalized nutrition and treatment options, contact us to schedule an appointment in one of our offices located in Belmont and Charlotte, North Carolina.