5 Ways to Cope with IBD this Holiday Season
The Holiday Season gives us a chance to spend time with those we love. And while gift exchanges and storytelling are a big part of the festivities, food often plays a significant role. Let’s learn to more than cope with IBD, but to really enjoy the holidays!
Overindulging is an issue for everyone, but for the more than 1.6 million Americans living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), food is a real concern.
However, with a little guidance and diligence, there is no reason why IBD should get in the way of enjoying the Holidays.
Tips to Fully Enjoy The Holidays
Everyone experiences IBD differently, and because of this, there is no definitive diet that all patients can follow.
However, there are a few tips that can help manage common symptoms of the disease, like cramping and diarrhea. Here we share five helpful tips to help cope with IBD over the holidays and beyond:
5. Eat Small Portions
While it’s never a good idea for anyone to overeat, IBD patients need to be mindful of the quantity of food they ingest.
You don’t have to deprive yourself of delicious food. Instead, try eating small portions more frequently. A good guideline is to use appetizer-sized plates, and limit the portions to fist size.
4. Reduce Your Intake of Fatty Foods
Foods that contain large amounts of butter, oil, cream, and pork can cause stomach discomfort and increase the likelihood of symptoms such as diarrhea and excessive gas as a result of fat malabsorption.
Simple modifications to traditional dishes can significantly reduce the amount of fat you ingest. If you are hosting this year, make some healthy choices for your holiday dinner. If you are a guest, volunteer to bring a few healthier dishes.
3. Limit High-Fiber Foods
High-fiber foods like nuts, leafy greens, seeds, and fruit and vegetable skins can cause cramping and other intestinal discomforts.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to choose cooked vegetables and fruits as cooking makes these foods easier to digest. Also, avoid desserts that contain nuts like a pecan pie or fruit cake. Instead, have a slice of apple pie.
2. Drink Alcohol in Moderation
Speak to your doctor before drinking alcohol this holiday season. In some individuals, even small amounts of alcohol can trigger IBD flares. Additionally, alcohol consumption can potentially cause adverse effects or complications when taken with certain medications.
1. Don’t Miss Your Infusion Treatment Appointment
Life can become a little more hectic during the holiday season, but you should always allocate time for your doctor appointments and biologic infusion treatments.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease is a chronic illness, but with proper management and doctor supervision patients can lead normal, fulfilling lives. Biologic infusion treatments can reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms, which can significantly improve the quality of life of patients.
Altus Infusion is the leader in in-office biologic management services. Together with specialty physicians, we are making biologic infusion treatments more accessible and affordable for patients with IBD across the country.
From our family to yours, we wish you a healthy and joyful holiday season!
