Frequent Patient-reported Struggles with Their Diet & IBD


Knowing What to Eat, and, What to Avoid

  • There’s no single “IBD diet” that works for everyone.

  • Many patients are unsure which foods might cause symptoms.

  • There’s conflicting advice online and from different sources (e.g., low-FODMAP, specific carbohydrate diet, Mediterranean diet, exclusive enteral nutrition, etc).


Fear of Triggering Symptoms

  • Many people develop anxiety around food because certain foods have caused pain, diarrhea, bloating, or urgency in the past.

  • This fear can lead to overly restrictive eating, risking malnutrition.


Managing Symptoms vs. Maintaining Nutrition

  • During flares, patients may avoid fibre, fruit and vegetables, nuts, and dairy — but these restrictions can reduce vital nutrients.

  • Weight loss and deficiencies (e.g., iron, B12, vitamin D) are common concerns.


Coping with Changing Tolerances

  • Tolerance to certain foods can change over time or between flare and remission phases.

  • What works during remission may not work during a flare, and vice versa making eating challenging.


If you would like support with your IBD, we can help you.

We are a nutrition and dietetics clinic specialising providing exceptional care to improve the quality of life of people living with IBD. We bring clarity around food and IBD and remove uncertainty and fear around food.

Our IBD specialist Nutritionist (Clemmie) and specialist gastroenterology and IBD Dietician (Jess) both have IBD too so ‘get it’ and are so passionate about helping others with IBD.

If you would like support with your IBD, please book your first consultation or a free enquiry call using the button below. We look forward to working with you.

Disclaimer: All content found on the nalmclinic.com website, including: text, video, or other formats have been created for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor, consultant or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

We are all wonderfully unique and what works for one person may not work for another so please seek help and advice before changing your diet to work out the right way forward for you.

Clemmie Macpherson