If you have been suffering repeated bouts of stomach ache and diarrhoea, it’s worthwhile to check your diet. Have you been having too many breads, frozen, ready-to-eat/heat meals, all of them topped up with sauces, cheese, spreads and gravies? The food we eat is destroying the good bacteria in the gut and triggering conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which involves inflammation of tissues lining your digestive tract. Though rare 50 years ago, it is increasingly affecting Indians now.
This happens when your immune system tries to fight off too many invading viruses or bacteria, overreacts and attacks the cells in the digestive tract, too. A wrong diet aggravates this condition further. Now latest research says that since diet is a trigger, managing it can control IBD. Recent research shows that the Mediterranean diet can be the best bet for IBD patients. “That’s because it is more plant-based. Yet the most radical change so far in our diet has been a switch from a plant-based to an animal-sourced diet, leading to a more pro-inflammatory microbiota in the intestines,” says Dr Rakesh Kochhar, former HOD, gastroenterology, PGIMER, Chandigarh. A Western diet has an overall higher calorie intake, especially from sugar, refined carbohydrates, animal proteins and ultra-processed foods.
Can diet help in healing IBD?
Even when the disease is under control, it is important to eat a balanced diet. IBD medications tend to be more effective in well-nourished individuals. One should consume adequate water (8-10 glasses), high-fibre carbohydrates (oat bran, legumes, barley), proteins like lean meats, fish, eggs, nuts, healthy fats like Omega-3 fatty acids (fish, salmon), olive oil and canola oil. Foods to avoid would include high-fibre foods like beans, seeds and popcorn, high-fat foods like fried food. Street food and Indian mithai can aggravate symptoms. Fruit juices, bland, soft foods, plain cereals, white rice and fully cooked skinless vegetables can help.
What are diet recommendations for ulcerative colitis?
One should follow a low-residue diet to relieve abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Avoid foods that may increase stool output such as fresh fruits, vegetables and caffeinated beverages (coffee, cola drinks). In addition, decrease concentrated sweets in your diet, such as juices and soda, to help decrease the amount of water pulled into your intestine. It is best to avoid nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruits with peels, beans and kernels.
What’s the ideal anti-inflammatory diet?
Anti-inflammatory foods include nuts, seeds, fish, green vegetables, fresh fruits and fermented foods. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to IBD activity, so take supplements regularly to maintain normal levels. A standard multivitamin with minerals can be taken daily. Sugar should not exceed two to three teaspoons a day.
Why is the Mediterranean diet the best?
A Mediterranean diet is the least pro-inflammatory diet. It contains two servings of whole grains every day with 30-40 ml of extra-virgin olive oil, 3-5 servings of vegetables and fruits.
Should you avoid wheat in IBD?
A few studies found that cutting down on gluten helped many patients with IBD but it has not been a consistent finding. So, stopping gluten is not generally recommended in IBD.
What are the best oils for IBD?
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Avoid corn, soybean, sunflower, safflower, cottonseed and hydrogenated oils. Go for olive oil, canola oil, ghee, groundnut or sesame oil.
Parul is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express in Chandigarh. She is a seasoned journalist with over 25 years of experience specializing in public health, higher education, and the architectural heritage of Northern India.
Professional Profile
Education: Graduate in Humanities with a specialized focus on Journalism and Mass Communication from Panjab University, Chandigarh.
Career Path: She began her career covering local city beats and human interest stories before joining The Indian Express in 2009. Over the last decade and a half, she has risen to the rank of Principal Correspondent, becoming the publication’s primary voice on Chandigarh’s premier medical and academic institutions.
Expertise: Her reporting is deeply rooted in the institutional dynamics of PGIMER (Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research) and Panjab University. She is highly regarded for her ability to navigate complex administrative bureaucracies to deliver student-centric and patient-centric news.
Recent Notable Articles (Late 2024 - 2025)
Her recent work highlights critical reporting on healthcare infrastructure, academic governance, and urban culture:
1. Public Health & PGIMER
"PGIMER expands digital registry: Centralized patient records to reduce wait times by 40%" (Nov 20, 2025): A detailed look at the digital transformation of one of India's busiest medical institutes to tackle patient influx.
"Robotic Surgery at PGI: Why the new urology wing is a game-changer for North India" (Oct 12, 2025): Reporting on the acquisition of state-of-the-art medical technology and its impact on affordable healthcare.
"Shortage of life-saving drugs: Inside the supply chain crisis at government pharmacies" (Dec 5, 2025): An investigative piece on the logistical hurdles affecting chronic patients in the tri-city area.
2. Education & Institutional Governance
"Panjab University Senate Election: The battle for institutional autonomy" (Dec 18, 2025): In-depth coverage of the high-stakes internal elections and the friction between traditional governance and central reforms.
"Research funding dip: How PU’s science departments are navigating the 2025 budget cuts" (Nov 5, 2025): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing researchers and the impact on India's global academic ranking.
3. Art, Culture & Heritage
"Le Corbusier’s legacy in peril: The struggle to preserve Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex" (Dec 22, 2025): A feature on the conservation efforts and the tension between urban modernization and UNESCO heritage status.
"Chandigarh Art District: How street murals are reclaiming the city’s grey walls" (Oct 30, 2025): A cultural profile of the local artists transforming the aesthetic of the "City Beautiful."
Signature Style
Parul is known for her empathetic lens, often centering her stories on the individuals affected by policy—whether it is a student navigating university red tape or a patient seeking care. She possesses a unique ability to translate dense administrative notifications into actionable information for the public. Her long-standing beat experience makes her a trusted source for "inside-track" developments within Chandigarh’s most guarded institutions.
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