You may also try a partially liquid diet during a flare-up. Often, this diet is only used for about two to eight weeks at a time, depending on the type of diet. [2] X Research source However, some people do need to use it for much longer. For instance, some people use it for a year or longer, though it may also cause you to lose weight. [3] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Think about it this way: normally, your mouth and stomach begin the process of breaking down large pieces of food. In the case of a liquid diet, it doesn’t need to be broken down into smaller pieces because it’s already liquid. In fact, sometimes this diet is used to skip the stomach altogether, through the use of a tube. Children, especially, benefit from this treatment, as it ensures they get adequate nutrition even if they have a poor appetite. [4] X Research source If you think you are at risk for malnutrition, speak with your doctor or nutritionist.
A liquid diet is beneficial because it can help reduce inflammation, calm a flare-up, and assist in nutrition absorption. In some cases, it may lead to a remission of the disease for a period of time. [6] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source It also doesn’t produce as much stool, making it easier for you to go to the bathroom. [7] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
When talking with your doctor, bring up why you think a liquid diet would be a good option for you. You could try, “I’ve been having almost continuous flare-ups lately, and I was wondering if a liquid diet may help reduce those occurrences, at least in the short-term. " If you’re having flare-ups, your doctor can put you in contact with a nutritionist that may be able to help you tailor your diet to reduce flare-ups.
Ask your doctor which would be the best option for you.
Some elemental brands include Vivonex, Tolerex, and Alitraq. Some semi-elemental brands include Peptamen or Peptamen Junior, Optimental, Subdue, Perative, and Vital HN. A few polymeric brands are Promote, Probalance, Replete, Jevity, and Isocal. [11] X Research source
You can take the diet through other methods. For instance, you can take it through a tube in your nose at night, though some people find it uncomfortable. [13] X Trustworthy Source Michigan Medicine The University of Michigan’s medical center, which provides patient care, supports research, and educates the public on health topics Go to source In some cases, this type of diet may be taken through a tube that goes directly to the intestine or stomach. You may also experience other problems with this diet, such as nausea or diarrhea. A few people report skin rashes while on this type of diet, but those generally clear up. Also, in patients with diabetes, the diet may contain too much sugar, and insulin may need to be adjusted. [14] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
In some cases, your doctor may prescribe these liquids as a supplement to your normal diet. Either way, the key is to stay on the diet as prescribed by your doctor or nutritionist.
This method allows your bowels to be rested completely.
Low-sugar sports drinks can also be beneficial.
Other well-tolerated solids include plain poultry or fish, eggs, plain mashed potatoes, plain noodles, bread (white or sourdough), and canned fruits. If you have Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or are on a low-residue/low-roughage diet, be wary of oatmeal, as it is roughage and contains a lot of fiber.
