Eating Well During the Holidays With GERD, IBD and IBS

12/6/2018

Smart planning and healthy eating strategies this holiday season can help reduce symptoms of common gastrointestinal conditions.

A gastrointestinal (GI) disorder can make holiday buffets and dinners seem like an arsenal of potential stomach problems. Avoiding these food triggers can help you eat, drink and be merry.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
To help keep the burning sensation of GERD from spoiling your celebration, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) recommends savoring these seasonal favorites in small amounts:

• chocolate and peppermint
• citrus fruits and other acidic items such as tomatoes
• greasy, fried and fatty foods

These foods can exacerbate GERD by causing the muscle at the top of the stomach to relax, which makes it easier for stomach acids to travel back up the esophagus, according to the NIDDK.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
To help avoid an attack brought on by IBS and common forms of IBD, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis:

• Avoid gluten. Some people with IBS find that gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley, makes symptoms worse, according to the NIDDK. This may be hard, when pies, cookies and cakes are abundant, so bring a dessert you can share, or remind yourself that the abdominal cramping and other side effects of IBS aren’t worth the few moments of pleasure a cookie can provide.
• Trim the fat. Fatty foods can lead to flare-ups of IBD. Opt for leaner cuts of meat, such as turkey, rather than ham or other pork dishes. Avoid fried and greasy foods, creamy casseroles and other dishes that include butter, oil and cream, all of which can cause gas and diarrhea, advises the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation (CCF).
• Limit fiber for IBD. Restrict intake of foods such as nuts, leafy greens, seeds and vegetable skins, which can cause intestinal cramping, the CCF advises. If you enjoy mashed potatoes, remove potato skins first. Fruit pies (for which peels have been removed) cause fewer problems than nut pies, according to the CCF.
• Eat more fiber if you have IBS. Dietary fiber softens stool and relieves constipation associated with IBS, notes the NIDDK, which also states that soluble fiber, found in food such as beans and fruit, may relieve IBS symptoms best. Insoluble fiber, the type in vegetables and whole grains, is also a good choice.

Plan Ahead
If you’re worried you may not be able to avoid certain trigger foods and drinks at a party or family gathering, a little careful planning can help you take control of the situation.

• BYOB. Alcohol and caffeinated drinks, especially coffee, can trigger symptoms of GERD, IBD and IBS. Offer to bring your favorite beverage or “mocktail” to share with the crowd.
• Eat ahead of time. If cooking for a crowd is something you don’t enjoy, eat before you go or bring a small snack you can eat if you do get hungry. In fact, both the CCF and NIDDK recommend eating small meals throughout the day. Doing so can limit symptoms of IBS and IBD, which can flare up when you eat a large, heavy meal.
• Consider therapy. No matter how much you enjoy the holidays, some level of stress seems inevitable, and stress is known to cause GI symptoms, particularly in people with IBS, according to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. You can talk with a counselor to change negative thought patterns related to dealing with family or stress.

The key to enjoying the holidays to the fullest is to know your own problem foods and not give in to temptation or pressure from others to eat things that make symptoms worse. And most importantly, talk to your doctor before making major changes to your diet. He or she can help determine the best plan for your individual health.

Need a primary care provider who can help identify the source of gastrointestinal symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan? Schedule an appointment online at MyMeritDoctor.com or call 844‑MSMERIT.

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