Patient Referral
Employee Referral
Make A Donation
888-978-1306
holiday table

Managing IBD During the Holiday Season

Living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is challenging any time of the year particularly around the holiday season. With so many parties and family dinners introducing many new foods that you normally wouldn’t eat, this can throw a wrench into the works for any IBD sufferer. While family members may not understand that IBD is more than just a tummy ache, it’s important to put up boundaries that family members and caregivers should be respectful of. So if you are a family caregiver in Alameda County and elsewhere, here’s how you can help your loved one manage IBD during the holiday season.

About IBD

First, a word about IBD. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the two main types of IBD, and about 3.1 million adults in this country suffer from them, according to the CDC. IBD is a broad term used to describe chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Common symptoms of IBD include:

  • Persistent diarrhea
  • Rectal bleeding and bloody stools
  • Abdominal pain
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss

While the exact cause of IBD is still unknown, it’s thought to be the result of a weakened immune system. Possible causes may include when the immune system does not respond properly to environmental triggers, such as bacteria or a virus or bacteria, which inflames the gastrointestinal tract. There could also be a genetic component as well.

IBD and the Stress of the Holidays

For most people, parties throughout the holiday season are welcome events that expose them to fun new foods and festive drinks. But not everyone looks forward to them — at least from a gastronomic perspective. Parties, work events, family dinners, and other events that typically take place during the holidays often center around rich foods and alcoholic beverages, which may lead to flare-ups, says Cedars Sinai. When you factor in all that extra stress of the season, the holidays can be uncomfortable and painful for those who live with Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis.

There are ways you can avoid holiday flare-ups, and they all involve planning ahead of time.

  • Bring extra medications: If you plan to fly this holiday season to visit with family, keep your IBD medications in your carry-on instead of your checked luggage.
  • Stay calm and relaxed: Make time for YOU whenever you can. Take a leisurely walk, get away from the crowd, meditate, do yoga, listen to your favorite podcast, or curl up with a good book. It’s OK to grab an hour or so to yourself, especially during long holiday visits with the family.
  • Exercise and get enough sleep: Keep up as much of your normal routine as possible. Stick to your fitness routine and get plenty of ZZZs.
  • Set expectations: Be honest with your family. Let them know when you don’t feel well or need some time alone. Don’t be afraid to tell them you can’t eat certain things. If they know your situation, they will understand. 

How to Support Family Members Living With IBD

If a loved one is struggling, it’s critical that family members remain supportive and understanding throughout the holiday season. This disease doesn’t just affect the person; it impacts the whole family. Respecting boundaries is a big part of having a loved one with this chronic illness. Here are some tips on how you can show support.

  • Show understanding if your loved one says they can’t eat a certain food or won’t be drinking. 
  • Offer an alternative or suggest they bring something they would feel comfortable eating.
  • Keep unsolicited advice to yourself. Don’t criticize food choices or question what they are eating.
  • Understand they may need time alone and try not to take it personally. 
  • Don’t badger the person about how they are feeling. 
  • Keep stress and fights to a minimum.

IBD Sufferers: How to Avoid a Flare This Holiday Season

As a person suffering from IBD, there are some things you can do to comfortably navigate mealtime during the holidays. To avoid a flare:

  • Eat small meals rather than one big feast.
  • Enjoy alcohol-free cocktails.
  • Bring an appetizer or shareable snack to a gathering so you know you’re covered in case there are no other options for you.
  • Consider hosting the party so you can control the menu.
  • Ask your doctor if it’s OK to take anti-diarrheal or lactase tablets during the holidays to minimize the effects of your food consumption.
  • Eat your main meal before you go to the party, and just graze on safe foods and drink once there.

The holiday season can pose challenges for IBD sufferers, but hopefully, with these tips, you can still have fun mingling and celebrating.

Contact Pathways Home Health and Hospice

Being a family caregiver can be a stressful experience, especially around the holidays when you have to be supportive of the dietary needs of your loved one. We have many caregiver resources we can connect you with to ease this burden. Contact us at 888-978-1306 to learn more.