5 things you can do to reduce your risk for Crohn's and colitis flares

While it’s not always possible to prevent a Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis flare, implementing certain diet and lifestyle changes may help reduce your likelihood of experiencing symptoms.

In this post, we share five evidence-based ways you can reduce your risk for future flares. 

1. Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables

Research suggests that Crohn’s disease patients who continued to consume lots of fruits and vegetables were actually 40% less likely to flare compared to those who consumed less fruits and vegetables.^

Higher consumption of fruits and vegetables has also been associated with lower disease activity in people with ulcerative colitis.^

You may need to adjust the type, texture, and amount of fruits/vegetables in your diet to improve tolerance.

Your IBD registered dietitian can help you to sustainably incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet without triggering symptoms.

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2. Increase the variety of protein options throughout the week

Research suggests that ulcerative colitis patients who eat red meat (pork, beef, lamb, etc.), or processed meats (bacon, lunch meat, hot dogs, etc) on a daily basis were 5 times more likely to flare than those who had it once a week or less.^

Instead of focusing on restricting red and processed meat from your diet, try adding in a greater variety of protein options such as fatty fish, tofu, nut butters, plain non-fat greek yogurt, lean chicken breast, eggs, etc.

3. Practice mindfulness-based activities regularly

One study found that patients taught mindfulness-based interventions in 8 sessions, had significantly lower fecal calprotectin and C-reactive protein levels 6 months after the intervention.^

4. Try gut-directed hypnotherapy

Research suggests that gut-directed hypnotherapy may prolong periods of remission in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and decrease the likelihood of flares.^{ }

5. Take your medications as prescribed

Research suggests that those who don’t adhere to their medications are 2.8 to 5.0 times more likely to flare than those who take their medications regularly.^

If you’re unsure whether a medication is working for you, or are experiencing side effects from your medication, talk to your doctor before making any changes.

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