Managing IBD Through the Holidays: 5 Expert Tips to Avoid Symptom Flares

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to conditions characterized by chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Two prevalent forms of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Certain foods cause symptom flares, especially the rich and indulgent meals over the holiday season – but you don’t have to suffer after a rich meal.

Dr. Ilyas Memon and the Texas Digestive Disease Consultants team offer expert care and treatment for a range of gastrointestinal disorders. He’s experienced many inflammatory conditions, including Crohn’s disease, colitis, and IBS.

The holidays and IBD

The holidays are approaching quickly, which means family gatherings, parties, and numerous indulgent meals. For most people, that’s the exciting part of the season – unless you’re living with IBD.

IBD conditions are chronic medical issues that lead to inflammation in the gut and intestines. The result is periods of abdominal pain, fevers, frequent diarrhea, and nausea or vomiting.

The holidays only amplify these symptoms if you’re not careful and prepared. The following are ways the holiday season leads to flares in people with IBD:

Stress

The holiday season is enjoyable, but it’s also a time of stress due to busy schedules and the planning of parties. Stress isn’t great for anyone, but it’s especially detrimental to people living with IBD.

Any emotional stress can lead to flares from hormone fluctuations. These hormones cause inflammation in the GI tract, causing painful symptoms.

Dehydration

Alcohol is often plentiful during the holidays, which is inflammatory and also causes dehydration. Without drinking enough water, dehydration can lead to IBD flares, especially with alcohol consumption.

Certain foods

Gluten, dairy, and spicy foods are all common IBD triggers – but they are plentiful during the holiday season. Eating even a little bit of trigger foods can lead to hours or days of an IBD flare.

Lack of sleep

Most people are go-go-go during the holiday season, which can lead to a lack of sleep. Not getting enough sleep stresses the body, which can lead to flares in people with IBD.

Tips to avoid painful flares

Preparing for the upcoming season is essential if you have IBD. Avoiding flares is necessary to enjoy time with family and friends over the next few months. We help you get ready by offering the following helpful tips to prevent painful flares:

1. Maintain a routine

Living with IBD means sticking to a routine at all times of the year. The holidays can be stressful, and a lot is going on, but sticking to a routine is the best way to avoid painful flares.

Please stick to your routine, especially when it comes to managing stress, eating mindfully, and staying hydrated.

2. Plan ahead

Holiday parties and gatherings usually mean a lot of indulgent foods, which can spell disaster for IBD patients. Be sure to plan so you know what to expect and aren’t surprised. Bring medications, IBD-friendly foods, and anything else you need to be comfortable and avoid painful inflammation.

3. Listen to your body

Listening to your body is crucial during the holidays, especially if you have IBD. If you’re not feeling well, don’t force yourself to go to functions or gatherings. Rest when you need to, and take it one day at a time to avoid a flare.

4. Take your medications

If you’re on medications for IBD, it’s crucial to continue taking them during the busy season. Forgetting to take them can cause uncomfortable symptoms and flares that can leave you missing out on holiday fun.

5. Pack IBD-friendly meals

If you know what triggers your symptoms, plan by packing meals or snacks that you know are IBD-friendly. Although you may not get to indulge in all the holiday foods, you can rest assured that you won’t have to deal with a flare-up.

It’s also essential to pack and bring an emergency kit, just in case you experience a painful flare. Bring cleansing wipes, a change of clothing, and emergency medications to help with abdominal pain, nausea, or diarrhea.

To learn more about our IBD treatments, call one of our conveniently located offices in Texas or request a consultation on our website.