In honor of World IBD Day, discover foods that improve gut health, along with summer recipes, hydration tips and nutrition ideas for living well with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) means paying close attention to how foods affect your body. While there’s no single diet that works for everyone with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, certain foods may help support gut health, reduce irritation and provide important nutrients—especially during the summer months when fresh produce and lighter meals are easier to enjoy.
Research continues to show a strong connection between gut health and IBD. Many people living with IBD experience an imbalance in gut bacteria, sometimes called dysbiosis, which may contribute to inflammation and flare-ups. While diet alone does not cause or cure IBD, certain foods and eating patterns may help support digestive health and symptom management.
Summer can be a great time to focus on simple, hydrating and nutrient-rich meals that are gentle on the digestive system. By choosing foods that support a healthy gut microbiome and limiting common trigger foods, many people with IBD can better manage symptoms while still enjoying seasonal favorites.
Many gastroenterologists and dietitians recommend an anti-inflammatory approach that includes:
The Mediterranean diet is commonly recommended because it emphasizes many of these gut-friendly foods while limiting highly processed foods, added sugars and saturated fats.
Every person with IBD has different trigger foods, but these summer staples are often easier to tolerate for many patients—especially when prepared simply.
Hydration is especially important during active disease.
Gentle fruit options may include:
Bananas
Peeled peaches
Melons
Applesauce
Cooked berries or smoothies
Raw vegetables can sometimes worsen symptoms during flare-ups, but cooked vegetables are often better tolerated.
Try:
Zucchini
Cucumbers (peeled if needed)
Roasted carrots
Cooked spinach
Sweet potatoes
Protein supports healing and helps maintain energy.
Summer-friendly options include:
Grilled chicken
Salmon
Eggs
Greek yogurt
Tofu
Healthy fats may help reduce inflammation and support overall wellness.
Good choices include:
Avocado
Olive oil
Nut butters
Chia seeds (if tolerated)
A simple, balanced meal packed with protein and easy-to-digest carbohydrates.
Ingredients:
Grilled chicken breast
White or jasmine rice
Cooked zucchini
Diced cucumber
Olive oil drizzle
Small spoonful of hummus (if tolerated)
Why it works:
This bowl follows Mediterranean-style eating while keeping ingredients mild and customizable.
Great for warm days and easy on digestion.
Ingredients:
Plain Greek yogurt
Banana
Peanut butter
Oat milk or lactose-free milk
Ice
Optional additions:
Protein powder or collagen peptides for added nutrition.
Why it works:
Provides protein, probiotics and hydration in a form that’s often easier to tolerate.
A nutrient-dense dinner rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Ingredients:
Salmon filet
Olive oil
Roasted sweet potatoes
Cooked spinach
Why it works:
Salmon contains omega-3 fats that may help support an anti-inflammatory diet.
A quick snack option for busy days.
Ingredients:
Rice cakes
Mashed avocado
Hard-boiled egg slices
Sea salt
Why it works:
Easy to prepare and provides healthy fats plus protein.
A lighter take on traditional summer pasta salads.
Ingredients:
Plain pasta
Olive oil
Shredded chicken
Cooked carrots or zucchini
Mild herbs
Tip:
Avoid heavy creamy dressings or spicy seasonings if those trigger symptoms.
Why it works:
This combines easy-to-digest carbohydrates, lean protein and cooked vegetables in a simple, customizable meal that may be gentler on the digestive system than traditional heavy summer side dishes.
Snacking can help maintain energy levels and prevent large meals that may worsen symptoms.
Eat smaller meals every few hours
Stay hydrated throughout the day
Avoid highly processed snack foods
Watch added sugar intake
Keep snacks protein-rich when possible
Greek yogurt with banana
Crackers with nut butter
Cheese and rice crackers
Smoothies
Hard-boiled eggs
Applesauce pouches
Trail mix in small portions
Triggers vary from person to person, but some common problem foods include:
Fried foods
Highly processed foods
Excess added sugar
Alcohol
Spicy foods
High-fat meals
Certain raw vegetables during flares
Keeping a food and symptom journal can help identify personal triggers and patterns over time.
Managing IBD involves more than nutrition alone. A complete care plan may also include:
Medication management
Stress reduction
Sleep support
Regular exercise
Hydration
Routine follow-up with an IBD specialist
Working with a gastroenterologist and registered dietitian can help create a personalized nutrition plan based on your symptoms, disease activity and nutritional needs.
Many patients also find strength through community, shared experiences and personalized care. Read how one UC Health patient, Luke Zerkle, learned to manage life with IBD.
Learn how UC Health patient, Luke Zerkle, learned to manage life with IBD through treatment, nutrition and ongoing support.
At the UC Health IBD Center, patients benefit from a multidisciplinary team approach that includes:
IBD-specialized gastroenterologists
Dietitians
Pharmacists
Mental health specialists
Advanced practice providers
Our experts provide personalized treatment plans, evidence-based therapies and access to advanced clinical trials designed to improve long-term outcomes and quality of life.
To schedule an appointment with the UC Health IBD team, call 513-475-7505.
