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How does having inflammatory bowel diseases affect your eating and physical activity habits?
A disease flare often makes it difficult to eat well or be as physically active as normal. Research from other countries suggest that people with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn’s or colitis, eat differently and exercise less compared to people without IBD, but these habits are not known in New Zealand.
A recent University of Otago research known as the IBD exercise and dietary (IBDeat) study, found that around 69% of people with IBD avoided trigger foods to manage their symptoms. These were mainly gluten (from wheat, barley, rye), dairy products, or high fibre foods including fruits and vegetables. Many people also felt that fatigue, stomach cramps, bowel symptoms, and joint pain were the main challenges to being active.
It is well known that eating a balanced diet and being physically active are the few key steps to maintaining good health. A balanced diet means trying to eat a variety of grain foods, dairy products or fortified plant milks, protein foods, and a rainbow of fruits and vegetables. Although this can be fairly challenging at times for many people with IBD, some studies have shown that it is possible to achieve with proper guidance.
Based on those studies, the IBD Lifestyle Food & Exercise (IBDLiFE) study aims to find out whether providing credible resources and/or support can help people with IBD to make the desired lifestyle changes while managing their symptoms. This research will provide valuable insights to practical lifestyle advice for people with IBD.