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Living with it

Food & Nutrition

How food affects a sensitive gut: fibre and resistant starch, low-FODMAP, choosing fats, supplements, and what to eat when symptoms are flaring.

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Articles 29
Last added October 2026
Food & Nutrition

Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance: Knowing the Difference Could Matter

Many people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) notice that certain foods seem to trigger bloating, pain, or looser stools, and it’s natural to wonder if this means an allergy. In reality, most food-related symptoms in IBD stem from intolerance rather than allergy, and confusing the two can lead to diets that are more restrictive than […]

Food & Nutrition

Soluble vs. Insoluble Fibre: Which One Is Right for Your IBS?

Bloating after a salad, or discomfort after a bowl of bran cereal, is familiar to many people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition affecting how the gut moves and senses food. People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, can have similar symptoms even when inflammation is under control, making […]

Food & Nutrition

The Low-FODMAP Diet Step by Step: Elimination, Reintroduction and Beyond

Many people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) reach a point where their bloods look calm, their scope results are reassuring, yet they still feel bloated, gassy or unpredictable after eating. This gap between inflammation and symptoms is common, and it is often where the low-FODMAP diet becomes relevant. Understanding how this approach works, and how […]

Food & Nutrition

Eating With a Stoma: Foods That Help and Foods to Approach With Care

Coming home after stoma surgery often brings a mix of relief and uncertainty, especially at mealtimes. Many people find themselves unsure whether a food that once caused no trouble might now lead to blockage, excess gas, or a sudden change in output. Understanding how a stoma changes digestion, and which foods tend to sit more […]

Food & Nutrition

Resistant Starch vs. Fibre: Key Differences and Benefits

Many people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are told to adjust their fibre intake, but the advice can feel confusing. Some types of fibre seem to help, whilst others trigger symptoms. Resistant starch is often mentioned alongside fibre, yet it behaves quite differently in the gut. Understanding how each one works can help you make […]

Food & Nutrition

Gut-Friendly Snacking: What to Reach for Between Meals

Snacking between meals is normal, but for people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), choosing the wrong snack can trigger symptoms or worsen bloating. The right snack helps maintain energy, supports gut barrier integrity, and avoids inflammatory triggers. Understanding gut-friendly snacking means looking beyond calories and considering how foods interact with a sensitive digestive system. What […]

Food & Nutrition

The Low-FODMAP Diet and IBD: Is It Right for You?

Many people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) experience bloating, cramping, and unpredictable bowel habits even when their disease is in remission. These symptoms can feel identical to an active flare, leading to confusion about whether inflammation has returned. The low-FODMAP diet has become popular for managing these persistent gut symptoms, but its role in IBD […]

Food & Nutrition

Choosing Fats Wisely When You Have IBD

The fats you eat do more than provide energy. They influence inflammatory signalling, affect gut barrier integrity, and can alter your gut microbiome composition. For people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), these effects matter. Understanding which fats support gut health and which may contribute to inflammatory load can help you make informed dietary decisions. […]

Food & Nutrition

Vitamins and Supplements for IBD: What You Might Be Deficient In

Living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often means managing more than just gut symptoms. Chronic inflammation, reduced nutrient absorption, and dietary restrictions can leave many people with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis running low on essential vitamins and minerals. Understanding which nutrients you may be lacking can help you work with your health team to […]

Food & Nutrition

The Mediterranean Diet and IBD: What the Research Actually Says

The Mediterranean diet is often recommended for cardiovascular health, but its relevance to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is less well understood. Patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis frequently ask whether this dietary pattern can help manage their condition. The research is promising but limited, and the mechanisms by which it may influence gut inflammation […]

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