5 Ways to Reduce Inflammation and Take Control of Your Gut Health

The exact causes of UC and its flares are still unknown. Researchers have ruled out the diet and stress as primary factors. However, stress may trigger flares, and a key element of preventing or easing flares involves making dietary changes.

Then, without warning, you can experience stomach pains or urgency. Those are just two possible symptoms of a flare — and it’s important that you take the right steps to manage them. Other symptoms may include diarrhea, nausea, a loss of appetite, and fatigue, according to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.

1. Eat an anti-inflammatory diet. Share on Pinterest.
2. Try an elimination diet.
3. Reduce your stress levels.
4. Take probiotics.
5. Ensure you’re getting the right amount of nutrients.

Flare-ups might take days or weeks. Remission might last for months or even years. You may go from a mild flare-up to a severe one and back again.

Need more relief? Soak in a saltwater bath, which may ease soreness. Try acetaminophen for pain, but avoid NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen. They can trigger flares and cause other problems.

7 Foods to Eat During a Crohn’s Flare-Up

• Yogurt.
• Oily fish.
• Fruits and vegetables.
• Cooked carrots.
• Cereals.
• Potatoes.
• Low-fiber foods.

Watch out for items that can be troublemakers if you have UC, including:

• Alcohol.
• Caffeine.
• Carbonated drinks.
• Dairy products, if you’re lactose intolerant.
• Dried beans, peas, and legumes.
• Dried fruits.
• Foods that have sulfur or sulfate.
• Foods high in fiber.

But if you haven’t yet identified the foods that trigger your flares of Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis or IBD, these are common culprits:

• Fatty, greasy or fried foods.
• Hot or spicy foods.
• Raw, high-fiber fruits and vegetables.
• Nuts, seeds and beans.
• Caffeinated or sugary beverages.
• Alcoholic beverages.