Approximately 2.4 million Americans have a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes debilitating digestive conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. While these conditions pose challenges to your gut health, they’re treatable and the symptoms are manageable.
Here at GastroDoxs, Dr. Bharat Pothuri and the entire team are committed to the well-being of our patients. If you have IBD, we want to help you live as normal and healthy a life as possible and help you see how your dietary choices impact your condition.
Your foods and drinks don’t just include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as you want to grab food between meals to satiate you, too. We can help you find snacks that are not only delicious but also gentle on the digestive system.
Here are some IBD-friendly snacks you can enjoy without compromising your gut health.
Wraps filled with bananas and nut butter provide a blend of potassium, healthy fats, and some protein. Choose a smooth nut butter, such as almond or sunflower seed, to spread on a soft white tortilla. Add sliced bananas for a tasty and easy-to-digest treat.
Greek yogurt is a great source of probiotics and protein, both of which are essential for a healthy gut. Plus, yogurt also offers calcium, a mineral important to bone health. Even if you’re lactose intolerant, you may do OK with small servings of yogurt because the probiotics break down some of the lactose so it’s easier to digest.
Create a parfait by layering low-fat Greek yogurt with soft fruits like berries and sprinkle granola on top. Keep the granola to a minimum, however, to avoid getting too much fiber.
Swap traditional potato chips for a digestion-friendly alternative by making your own baked sweet potato chips. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and relatively easy on the digestive system, especially compared to processed chips. Slice them thinly, toss with a bit of olive oil, and bake until crispy for a satisfying and nutritious snack.
Rice cakes are a versatile gut-friendly snack. Top them with a few thin slices of ripe avocado and lean turkey for a high-protein option that’s crunchy, creamy, and filling .
Hard-cooked eggs are portable and satisfying. They’re a good source of protein, which you need more of due to your gut inflammation. Plus, cooked eggs are usually easy to digest.
Season cubed extra-firm tofu with soy sauce and a spritz of oil and then toss in the air fryer or bake in the over on a sheet pan. Snack on the cubes for a protein-rich, between-meal treat.
Ultimately, it’s important to remember that everyone with IBD reacts differently to certain foods. So, if the above options don’t work for you – that’s normal. You might also choose to snack on well-cooked vegetables, mashed potatoes, or clear soups.
If you find you need more personalized recommendations based on your food intolerances, please reach out to our team at GastroDoxs. We’re happy to provide more personalized dietary advice tailored to your specific needs and the stage of your condition.
Call us or use this website to schedule your first consultation at our office in Houston, Texas.
