Part 2 of our 3-part series on Nutrition & IBD
If you’ve ever typed “best diet for Crohn’s” or “what to eat with ulcerative colitis” into a search bar, you’re probably familiar with how fast the internet throws diets at you. From FODMAP to SCD to the endlessly praised Mediterranean plan, the choices can be overwhelming—and confusing.
In this second part of our IBD diet series, we’re cutting through the noise. No miracle claims. No influencer hype. Just a plain-English, research-informed look at the most talked-about diets in the IBD world, what they aim to do, and who (maybe) they’re right for.
Let’s dig in.
The Low FODMAP Diet: Relief for Your Irritated Gut?
Let’s start with a popular one—Low FODMAP. This diet was originally developed for people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), not IBD. But because IBD and IBS often overlap—especially when IBD is in remission but symptoms persist—some people with Crohn’s or colitis have found it helpful.
FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. That’s a mouthful, but basically, these are certain carbs that your gut bacteria love to ferment. In some people, they can cause gas, bloating, cramping, and diarrhea.
The Low FODMAP diet isn’t meant to be forever. It’s a short-term elimination process (usually 4–6 weeks), followed by a careful reintroduction phase to figure out what actually bothers you.
Is it helpful for IBD?
Yes—for symptom control. But it doesn’t reduce inflammation or treat active disease. It’s best used when IBD is under control, but IBS-like symptoms are still hanging around.
The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD): A Strict Strategy with Loyal Fans
If you’ve poked around IBD forums, you’ve definitely seen people talk about the SCD. This diet removes all complex carbs—think grains, starches, certain dairy products, and all processed foods. It emphasizes meats, fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and fermented dairy like yogurt.
The theory? That complex carbs feed harmful gut bacteria and yeast, worsening inflammation. By removing those foods, the gut can “rebalance.”
The SCD got a major visibility boost thanks to parents of children with Crohn’s who’ve shared success stories. And yes, there’s some research backing it—mostly small studies in pediatric populations. For adults, the evidence is more anecdotal, but growing.
What’s the catch?
It’s restrictive. Really restrictive. And hard to follow without help. Long-term nutrient deficiencies are a risk if not done carefully.
But for some people—especially those with support from a GI dietitian—it can be life-changing.
The Mediterranean Diet: Less Restrictive, More Realistic
Ah, the Mediterranean diet. Beloved by cardiologists and nutritionists alike, this diet isn’t designed for IBD—but it’s getting a lot of love from the IBD research community.
It emphasizes whole, anti-inflammatory foods: fresh fruits and vegetables, olive oil, fish, legumes, and whole grains. Red meat and processed foods are limited. Wine in moderation is okay (though maybe not during a flare!).
Why it works:
This diet supports a healthy gut microbiome, which is increasingly being recognized as a key player in IBD. It’s also rich in antioxidants and fiber—though some people with IBD need to modify the fiber content during flares.
What sets it apart is that it’s not extreme. No major food group is totally off-limits, and it’s far easier to stick with long-term compared to SCD or Low FODMAP.
Is it a treatment?
No. But it may help reduce inflammation and support overall gut health—especially during remission.
Elimination and Exclusion Diets: A DIY Approach (With Risks)
You might also hear people talk about “just cutting out gluten,” or “avoiding dairy,” or doing a total elimination diet where you start with a small set of “safe” foods and reintroduce one by one.
This approach can work well for figuring out personal food triggers—but it’s incredibly easy to get lost without guidance. Before you know it, your “safe foods” list is ten items long and you’re skipping nutrients your body really needs to heal.
Still, in some cases—especially where food allergies or sensitivities are suspected—an exclusion diet, guided by a registered dietitian, can uncover helpful patterns.
The Crohn’s Disease Exclusion Diet (CDED): The New Kid on the Block
This one’s a newer entry into the diet-for-IBD world, and it’s showing real promise—particularly in children with Crohn’s. The Crohn’s Disease Exclusion Diet (CDED) restricts certain processed foods, additives, and emulsifiers that may disrupt the gut barrier or microbiome, while still allowing a broader range of whole foods compared to SCD.
In studies, it’s shown similar or better outcomes than exclusive enteral nutrition (aka formula-only diets) in pediatric Crohn’s, with better tolerability. Research in adults is still catching up, but it’s a diet to watch.
So…Which One Should You Try?
Here’s the honest answer: there is no single “IBD diet.” What works for one person might make another feel worse. That’s not because someone’s lying—it’s because IBD is deeply personal. Disease location, symptom patterns, severity, medications, and even mental health all shape how your body responds to food.
The best diet is the one that:
- You can realistically maintain
- Supports your nutritional needs
- Helps you feel better without causing stress
For some, that might mean a short trial of Low FODMAP. For others, it could be committing to SCD with medical oversight. And for many, simply leaning into a Mediterranean-style eating pattern—rich in real, whole foods and low in additives—might be enough.
Coming Up: Making It Work in Real Life
In the third and final part of this series, we’re going to get practical. How do you actually start changing your diet? What do you do if your triggers don’t follow the rules of any specific plan? And how can you avoid falling into the trap of perfectionism, guilt, or food fear?
Because while diet can be a powerful tool in managing IBD, so can flexibility, joy, and mental peace around food.
