Even if you've had Crohn's or ulcerative colitis for a while and have your diet down, other things might impact your symptoms.
Many of us have become used to IBD. When a flare hits, we may feel like we know what to do—call the doctor, go to the shop for safe foods, or know the perfect yoga posture for trapped gas.
Let's examine five typical IBD errors and how to fix them to enhance your quality of life.
Not Getting Enough Sleep
You're likely trying hard to sleep. In 2013, 75 percent of active IBD patients reported sleep difficulties. It's not surprising—tossing and turning due to discomfort, waking up to use the bathroom, or simply not feeling comfortable enough to go to sleep.
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Sleep is powerful and easy to do for your health. That 2013 study showed that poor sleep quality could cause IBD relapses. A more recent study suggests that IBD patients with poor sleep quality are at higher risk for hospitalization and surgery.
It's crucial to improve sleep quality actively as well as resting. If you wake up with discomfort and urgency, maintaining a journal may help you identify triggers like eating before bed.
Not Checking Over-The-Counter Meds
We know our IBD drugs, but do we check side effects and interactions for over-the-counter medications like cold treatments and headache pills? Ibuprofen and naproxen, NSAIDs, might worsen symptoms. Labels matter. Caffeine may affect IBD, as it increases bowel spasms and may induce diarrhea.
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Reaching For Diet Foods
How often have you grabbed low-fat, low-sugar items believing they were healthier? Even with good intentions, diet foods may not be IBD-friendly.
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Aspartame and sucralose sweeten many diet and sugar-free meals. These sweeteners may worsen gut inflammation and the gut microbiome.
Ordering salads is another healthy eating habit. Greens and raw meals are nutritious, but their fiber content might increase IBD symptoms.
Cooked veggies are simpler to stomach than raw "roughage" like cucumber, celery, and lettuce. According to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, insoluble fiber (an indigestible carbohydrate that bulks stool) may provoke flare-ups.
Consult your doctor before changing your diet.
Not Getting Support For Mental Health
We may not recognize that mental health is equally as essential as physical health since we're accustomed to seeking treatment.
Living with a chronic condition may be stressful. Depression and anxiety are frequent among IBD patients.
However, IBD doctors rarely discuss mental health. Don't be reluctant to seek your doctor for mental health help, such as medication or therapy.
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Getting Complacent In Remission
If you're fortunate, your IBD may calm down enough to nearly forget how severe it can become. You might miss a doctor's appointment, fail to renew a medication, or drink alcohol.
Some have even wondered, "What if I can eat fried food now?" when their IBD has been silent. "Maybe I no longer need to arrange so many leisure days anymore." Then, wham! Flare center.
While being in remission may mean you don't need to watch what you eat, it's important to keep up with doctor's appointments and be prepared for flare-ups. Fifty percent of IBD patients experience a flare each year. Signs help your doctor help you sooner.
Avoiding these five errors may not prevent an IBD flare-up, but it may help you manage the illness.
