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Care for your body, mind, and soul as you navigate everyday life with IBD.

Living with IBD can be hard. Hear relatable stories from people who get it.

From medication side effects to symptom management, turn here for the practical support you need to help manage IBD.

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Food can be medicine! Find support for fueling your body and managing your symptoms.

Ryan is a licensed clinical therapist who turned full-time private chef after creating a business called 

. NDF caters in-home health-focused dining experiences using local and seasonal ingredients as well as making accommodations for dietary restrictions. You can learn more at 

Ryan Van Voorhis

Professional chef Ryan Van Voorhis shares his go-to meal choices for days when he is navigating a Crohn’s disease flare.

When I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at age 15, I tried every medication and therapy available to me. For years, despite many efforts, none of these treatments succeeded in helping me achieve prolonged remission.

At 19 years old, I visited the Mayo Clinic. After numerous uncomfortable and invasive tests, it was discovered my large colon was inflamed. The inflammation was so severe that my team of doctors strongly recommended I have it removed completely. 

This felt like an extremely scary and life changing decision to make, especially at such a young age. I ultimately decided that if a permanent ileostomy would not only change my life for the better but potentially save it, I was all in.

The surgery took place between my junior and senior years of college. Now, 20 years later, nutrition and hydration are still a critical part of my daily routine and health management. 

Seeing firsthand the impact that diet and nutrition can have when you live with a chronic condition like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) actually led me to make a big career change. 

After 15 years of working as a licensed clinical therapist, I decided to create a health and wellness brand called Nude Dude Food. Nude Dude Food is a team of private chefs focusing on using all locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients and specializing in the unique dietary needs of people living with IBD.

When it comes to dietary concerns, one key thing I’ve learned over the years as a chef and as someone living with Crohn’s disease and an ileostomy is that everybody’s food tolerances and needs are different. 

As I share my go-to daily meals during a flare, it’s important to keep in mind that what works for me may not work for you.

I’m thankful my body can tolerate gluten because baking homemade sourdough bread is my specialty. When I have a fresh loaf in the house, it’s often my go-to for breakfast in the morning. 

Unlike most store-bought breads, homemade sourdough is free of additives or ingredients that make it more shelf-stable. Sourdough bread is typically made of flour, water, and salt. It often involves a long fermentation process, which can make it much 

. This may make it especially beneficial for people living with IBD. 

The way I prepare the sourdough toast depends on what ingredients I have on hand. Often I’ll turn to soft scrambled eggs and some avocado and have a smoothie on the side. 

A smoothie — whether after a workout, as a 

, or paired with a meal — is my favorite quick and easy way to fit more healthy calories in my diet. Keeping a bag of frozen fruit in the freezer can be a lifesaver. Additionally, protein powder or powdered greens can be an efficient way to add different nutrients into your diet that you aren’t getting enough of elsewhere. 

For me, breakfast is critical for my body, even when I am not experiencing a flare. Because of my ileostomy, food passes through me much more quickly than it would in people who have a full gastrointestinal tract. For that reason, I wake up feeling pretty depleted — and what better way to kick-start the day than with a healthy breakfast? 

When I’m short for time or need something on the go, I’ll grab a banana and maybe some instant oatmeal. Both of these are great sources of fiber and help thicken my output. Outside of a flare, I’ve found that choosing just one of these options works best since I don’t want to cause a blockage.

Lunch varies based on the type of day I am having. I’ll turn to different lunch options depending on whether I’m working in the kitchen, traveling, or at home working around the house. 

The tough thing about living with a chronic illness is how unpredictable it can be. Running a small business means I often am not able to call in sick to work. Having easily digestible food options on hand has been a necessity. Bone broths, smoothies, and protein bars are my go-to choices when I’m short on time. 

 that I can add to water can make a big difference for me. I’ve tried many kinds over the years, and they do my body wonders when I’m in a flare and dehydrated. These are great to throw in your backpack, jacket pocket, or purse, and I’ve found them to really come in handy. 

If I have more time to eat lunch, I may grill some chicken thighs or sauté some ground chicken. Then I’ll throw that over steamed jasmine rice. This meal is easy on my stomach, full of protein, and always reminds me of a trip I took to Thailand. 

Comfort food and fond vacation memories are a great way to stimulate your appetite when you’re feeling sick.

Like lunch, what I have for dinner often changes depending on my schedule. The strategy that I’ve found works best for me in making dinners more manageable is planning ahead. 

Meal prepping is not only great for those of us navigating busy careers or family lives, but it can actually help support 

There is no secret formula to meal prepping, but it all starts with a plan and a 

. Being prepared in the kitchen and having all of your ingredients prepped is often referred to by the French term, “mise en place,” which translates to putting everything in its place.  

My go-to dinners at home usually don’t look like what I serve my clients, but they get the job done and keep me feeling good. 

Dinner often consists of some roasted root vegetables (easier to digest than raw), a grilled protein (often chicken or salmon), and a carb like rice, a baked potato, or a sweet potato. 

Another trick I often recommend to my clients is trying purées. Puréed veggies can be like smoothies but savory, and they make for a more easily digestible pairing to your dinner course. You can try vegetables you otherwise wouldn’t think to prepare like carrots, beets, celery root, and more. 

I’m a strong believer that living with IBD doesn’t mean you have to always eat bland food. Often the trick is in the preparation.

At the end of the day, when in a flare, having a balanced diet is critical to fuel your body with the nutrients it needs to help you get back on track. However, a “balanced diet” can look different to different people.

While this is an example of what I eat in a day during a flare, it’s important to keep in mind that everyone living with Crohn’s has distinct nutritional needs. 

I currently manage my symptoms through diet and exercise, but what works for me may not work for you. It’s always a good idea to consult your doctor to ensure what you put on your plate is what is best for 

Professional chef Ryan Van Voorhis shares his go-to meal choices for days when he is navigating a Crohn's disease flare.

A photo collage featuring the author, a chef who is a white man wearing a blue shirt, smiling and standing in the kitchen. The image appears over an illustrated backgrounds of blocks of purple shapes.

Bezzy-IBD-12126_RyanVanVoorhis_Chef_WhatIEatLivingWithCrohns_1520x855-Header (1)

Jillian Kubala, MS, RD

Ammann J, et al. (2021). Comparison of two measures for assessing the volume of food waste in Swiss households. 

Ducrot P, et al. (2017). Meal planning is associated with food variety, diet quality and body weight status in a large sample of French adults. 

Lau SW, et al. (2021). Sourdough microbiome comparison and benefits. 

What I Eat in a Day as a Chef Living with Crohn’s Disease

Alexa Federico is an author, nutritional therapy practitioner, and autoimmune paleo coach who lives in Boston. Her experience with Crohn’s disease inspired her to work with the IBD community. Alexa is an aspiring yogi who would live in a cozy coffee shop if she could! You can connect with her on her 

Alexa Federico, FNTP

The million-dollar question with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): “What should I eat?” 

While there’s not a singular list of foods that everyone with IBD should toss in their grocery carts (food tolerances vary across the board), there are a handful of foods that stand out as my personal favorites for great 

Bone broth is a food with ancient origins. 

It’s made by slowly simmering animal bones with herbs, spices, and vegetables, as desired, for added flavor and nutrients.

Bone broth is rich in collagen, the most abundant protein in the human body, as well as other amino acids and minerals. The practice of slowly simmering bones extracts these nutrients and ends up as an easily digestible broth.

 in Nutrition Journal, collagen supplementation showed to significantly reduce pain, stiffness, and physical function in people with osteoarthritis. This suggests that collagen-rich bone broth may be helpful for those with IBD who experience arthritis as an added symptom.

 looking at healing mucosal ulceration instead of just intestinal inflammation, collagen and collagen hydrolysate (which is broken down collagen) significantly reduced rectal bleeding and down-regulated inflammatory markers in mice. In fact, the collagen treatments worked better than a common IBD medication, mesalamine.

adding it to recipes where broth or stock is called for

Probiotics is a bit of a buzzword these days, but what exactly are they? 

Essentially, probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in the intestinal tract and help regulate bodily responses and homeostasis, support healthy immune function, and more.

With IBD, inflammation may cause gut bacteria to become immunogenic, meaning they trigger an immune response. This can exacerbate the cycle that happens with IBD, including chronic inflammation and an unstable intestinal environment. 

Probiotic bacteria may help to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are proteins that are partly responsible for triggering inflammation.

Fermentation, an ancient practice of preserving foods, produces naturally occurring beneficial probiotic bacteria, making fermented foods an accessible way to consume probiotics. You can even make ferments at home.

 found that certain probiotics may be an effective added therapy for IBD. Another 

 concluded that probiotics show promise in IBD, especially for those with ulcerative colitis (UC). 

Currently, more studies are needed on the use of probiotics for inducing remission in people with Crohn’s disease.

Some of my top picks for fermented foods include:

Ginger is a root herb that has been used dietarily and therapeutically for thousands of years.

It’s been recorded through generations to improve many discomforts, including different digestion issues. It has a warming effect and tastes a little bit spicy. 

 has shown that ginger can be effective against nausea and vomiting, and may even be equally as effective as metoclopramide, a medication often used for treating nausea.

 in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention showed that ginger may help inhibit the expression of colorectal cancer markers in people who are already more susceptible to developing colorectal cancer. 

Having IBD poses an increased risk for colorectal cancer, so these anti-inflammatory effects make ginger a promising food.

Lucky for us, ginger can be consumed in several ways:

slicing fresh ginger root to cook or blend in juices or smoothies

sipping ginger tea, either homemade or with ginger tea bags

Fish, particularly oily fish like salmon, trout, sardines, and mackerel, are rich in the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are only found in seafood and algae and may offer some inflammation-fighting benefits.

 have shown promising results about the anti-inflammatory benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for the treatment and prevention of IBD, but more research is needed to determine a recommended daily intake.

If you choose to supplement fish oil, make sure to look for a quality-tested brand of raw, unheated fish oil to ensure you are consuming the healthiest supplement possible. 

Adding fish into your meal planning during the week is a great way to start consuming more omega-3 fats. The benefit of eating fish versus a supplement is that it comes packaged up with beneficial vitamins, minerals, and protein.

Blueberries might as well be called nature’s candy because of their sweet taste, but they are full of health-promoting benefits. 

The deep blue color of blueberries is due to their anthocyanin compounds, which is an antioxidant that counteracts free radicals that can damage cells.

 shows that blueberries are antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, inhibiting the activation of inflammatory proteins.

 to help reduce insulin levels, which produces less cortisol and in turn, less inflammation.

If you’re not already eating these gut-healing foods, try incorporating them one at a time and see how they feel for you. 

You can experiment with different methods and figure out how to best enjoy these tasty, health-promoting foods. 

There isn't a singular list of foods that everyone with inflammatory bowel disease should eat, but there are a handful of foods that stand out when it comes to gut health.

Kristine Weilert/Stocksy United

Kim Chin is a registered dietitian and foodie at heart. She works in corporate wellness and provides nutrition counseling in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her passion is connecting with people through food and helping them obtain a balanced life.

Kim Chin, RD

Calder PC. (2010). Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes. 

Barbalho SM, et al. (2016). Inflammatory bowel disease: can omega-3 fatty acids really help? 

Ben Lagha A, et al. (2015). Wild blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.) polyphenols target fusobacterium nucleatum and the host inflammatory response: Potential innovative molecules for treating periodontal diseases. 

Giacosa A, et al. (2015). Can nausea and vomiting be treated with ginger extract? 

Istek N, et al. (2107). Investigation of the impact of blueberries on metabolic factors influencing health. 

Jia K, et al. (2018). The clinical effects of probiotics for inflammatory bowel disease. 

Jiang Y, et al. (2013). Effect of ginger root on cyclooxygenase-1 and 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase expression in colonic mucosa of humans at normal and increased risk for colorectal cancer. 

Kim EU, et al. (2014). Colorectal cancer in inflammatory bowel disease: The risk, pathogenesis, prevention and diagnosis. 

Levine JS, et al. (2011). Extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease. 

Limketkai BN, et al. (2020). Probiotics for induction of remission in Crohn's disease. 

Lugo JP, et al. (2016). Efficacy and tolerability of an undenatured type II collagen supplement in modulating knee osteoarthritis symptoms: A multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. 

Ramadassa SK, et al. (2016). Type I collagen and its daughter peptides for targeting mucosal healing in ulcerative colitis: A new treatment strategy. 

Silva NO, et al. (2020). Probiotics in inflammatory bowel disease: Does it work? 

I’m a Nutritionist with IBD. These Are My 5 Favorite Foods for Gut Health

Elinor Hills has an MSc in Medical Anthropology and is passionate about the intersection of emotional well-being and physical health. Outside of work, she is an avid runner and enjoys yoga, photography, and drawing.

Elinor Hills

Bezzy IBD community members share what they would tell someone recently diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease.

Receiving a new inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) diagnosis can often involve a range of emotions. It can feel overwhelming or scary to not know what your future holds.

Sometimes a new diagnosis can make you feel angry or sad that this is happening to you. 

You may experience relief after receiving a new diagnosis because you 

 have a name for what has been causing your symptoms. 

For some, receiving a new diagnosis after months or years of not having a diagnosis can feel empowering or motivating because you can actually start taking steps to get your symptoms managed. 

It’s important to remember that there’s never just one “right” way to feel when you’re confronted with a big change like a new diagnosis. 

Any emotions you’re feeling are entirely valid. It’s also OK if you aren’t sure how you feel yet.

If you’re navigating a new IBD diagnosis, hearing from others who have been there can help. Members of the Bezzy IBD community shared their advice for people recently diagnosed with IBD. 

Lean on others who know what you’re going through

“You’re not alone — the Bezzy IBD community is with you. We understand how awful this can be and how it can bring you down to the lowest point. Remember, there’s no shame in reaching out for help.” — Dana K.

“When I was diagnosed, I felt so depressed and anxious. It felt like a nightmare becoming true. In those moments I realized that if I have to go through something like this, I might as well see it as an opportunity for me to learn or grow. 

I believe that I’m more humble in a way that I wasn’t before. I feel like maybe I’m a better person as well. 

I’m taking CBD oil which helps me a lot, I’m trying to exercise and eat healthy. I’m also praying every day. 

I don’t have answers [to] why those things happen, I even don’t understand. It’s hard. I used to complain a lot, even before I was diagnosed, and I’m trying to be more optimistic and grateful now.” — Henrique

“I find that visualizing a future free of symptoms helps give me hope and keeps me on my path to healing. Manifesting can be powerful! Being able to receive support from a community of others who are going through the same treatments is super helpful for me.“ — Kristen31

“​​I’m the last person to preach patience, but it is really what I keep reminding myself… things will get better. 

Even my closest friends and family don’t understand how hard it is not being able to do the things that brought me joy and peace. It’s like losing a part of myself. 

I’m trying to fill that void by finding new things that fulfill me. It’s not easy, and some days are worse than others. 

I made a vision board before I got diagnosed and it’s interesting to look at now. It actually gives me hope that I am still the same person as I was before.” — Csteibvdm

“The advice I would personally give is to read up and learn everything you can about what IBD is and the possible treatments that are out there. 

Tell your doctor everything. Communication is key in this. There is more known now about IBD, than there was when I was first diagnosed back in 1976.

Find a good gastroenterologist; if one isn’t a good fit, find another. Read, read, read.” — Pots

“You’re not alone! No matter how dark things may seem, there are always better days ahead.” — Hannah Lemmon

When you’re diagnosed with a chronic condition like IBD, it can feel overwhelming. It’s common to have a lot of questions. 

While your doctor is a great resource, you may have questions about how IBD could affect your day-to-day life that a doctor might not be able to answer. Members of the Bezzy IBD community understand firsthand what it’s like adjusting to life after a new diagnosis. 

Whether you’re looking for gut-friendly breakfast ideas, advice on navigating relationships with a chronic condition, or anything in between — the community is here for you.

Bezzy IBD,
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Your IBD guide, Alexa

Meet over 326k members

Inspiring articles

Like what you see?

Bezzy IBD,empowered by each other

Your IBD guide, Alexa

Meet over 326k members

Inspiring articles

Like what you see?

Bezzy IBD,
empowered by each other