‘I am a GI doctor, here are five approved ways to enjoy the festive season if you suffer from inflammatory bowel disease’

Gastroenterologist shares practical guidance on navigating the festive season with IBD (Source: Freepik)

Festive seasons often bring rich foods, irregular meal timings, travel, and disrupted routines—all of which can be particularly challenging for people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Managing symptoms during this time can feel overwhelming, especially when there’s pressure to indulge or deviate from everyday habits. Addressing this concern, Dr Joseph Salhab, a Florida-based gastroenterologist and health content creator specialising in digestion, liver, pancreas, and nutrition, recently shared practical guidance on navigating the holidays with IBD.

In an Instagram video, Dr Salhab offered clear, actionable advice, saying, “If you suffer from inflammatory bowel disease during the holidays, here are five GI doctor-approved ways to enjoy the season without guessing.” His focus was on making informed, manageable choices rather than eliminating festive enjoyment—something many people with chronic gut conditions struggle to balance.

Among his recommendations, Dr Salhab stressed the importance of food quality, hydration, medication awareness, movement, and routine. He encouraged people to “Number one, lean Mediterranean. This is one of the best diets. Go for veggies, lean protein, olive oil, and whole grains, and keep the ultraprocessed foods to a minimum.” He also cautioned against sugary drinks, advising, “Choose water or sparkling water with lemon. Avoid the alcohol, go for the mocktails, and always stay hydrated.”

Beyond diet, he highlighted lifestyle factors, noting, “Regular high-dose NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) can aggravate an inflammatory bowel. So, use alternatives as advised by your clinician,” and emphasised stress management and consistency, adding, “Move daily and de-stress. A short walk or diaphragmatic breathing helps your gut and helps your nervous system,” and “Make sure you get your meds in on time, eat your meals right, and make sure you get sleep. Consistency matters for your gut.” These points raise essential questions about how people with IBD can realistically protect their gut health during festive disruptions.

Dr Adithya V. Naragund, senior consultant in GI & HPB Surgery at Cytecare Hospitals, Bengaluru, tells indianexpress.com, “The goal is not perfection but predictability. People with IBD do best when they eat foods they already know their gut tolerates, even during celebrations. One effective strategy is to plan by eating a small, safe meal before attending a gathering, which reduces the pressure to overindulge. Portion control matters more than complete avoidance.”

He adds that sampling rather than stacking multiple rich dishes can significantly lower the risk of symptoms. It also helps to focus on the social experience rather than the food itself. “Most flare-ups are triggered by cumulative stress and excess, not by one mindful indulgence. When patients give themselves permission to enjoy food thoughtfully, anxiety around eating often reduces.”

“Yes,” says Dr Naragund, adding that even within a Mediterranean-style pattern, certain ingredients can be problematic for people with IBD. Alcohol, particularly wine and cocktails, can irritate the gut lining. Fried foods, heavy cream-based dishes, and foods high in added sugars can increase inflammation and trigger symptoms.

“Raw vegetables, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits may be difficult to digest during active disease phases, even though they are considered healthy in general. Spices, especially chilli-based seasonings, and artificial sweeteners are also common triggers. The key is personalisation. What works for one patient may not work for another, so listening to individual gut responses is more important than strictly following any single dietary template,” he notes.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.