The following are just guidelines. Individual symptoms may be experienced, and it is therefore important that every patient’s diet is planned by a dietician.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

Never skip a meal.
Get regular exercise e.g. walking or cycling.
Practice relaxation techniques or go for aromatherapy or reflexology if possible.
Rather eat six small meals than three large meals.

NUTRITIONAL GUIDELINES

Eat fruit and vegetables raw.  Avoid eating the skins and pips (especially during an acute attack). Eat at least five portions fruit and/or vegetables daily.

Avoid all gas forming fruit and vegetables e.g. cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprout, onion, green pepper, avocado, guavas, plums and watermelon.

Avoid dried fruit e.g. raisins, dates etc.  As well as fruit juices during an acute attack.

Eat only brown bread (rather toasted).  Avoid whole grain products, seeds, pips, nuts and peanuts.(Some patients are sensitive to bread, it may cause a bloated feeling).

High fibre breakfast cereals are allowed as well as mealie porridge and oats. No seeds or whole grains.

Avoid all fried foods and stews – they may cause heartburn and/or a boated feeling.  Avoid oily and foods with gravy or sauces as far as possible.

Full cream milk products are allowed unless slimming is indicated.(Some patients are sensitive to milk – may cause cramps and/or a bloated feeling). Rather have yoghurt or cheese – no milk.

Meat, fish and chicken with all traces of fat or skin removed are allowed. Fish like tuna, salmon, mackerel, snoek and pilchards in tomato sauce are allowed.  Avoid boerewors as well as any other sausages. Eat only very lean mince.

Avoid having cake, tart, koeksisters ets., biscuits, pudding, sweet sauces for desserts, sweets, chocolate or peppermints. Chewing gum may aggravate a bloated feeling.

Avoid sweetened alcoholic drinks e.g. liqueurs, sherry or sweet wines. White or red wine may cause pain and/or a bloated feeling. Dry red wine may be better tolerated.  Any alcoholic drinks must be taken in small amounts only.

Avoid all carbonated drinks as well carbonated alcoholic drinks.

Avoid coffee or tea. Only drink rooibostea or any other herbal tea.

Drink fluids only ½ hour before or ½ hour after meals and not with meals.

Avoid garlic, curry, chilli powder/sauces and all very highly flavoured food (herbs and spices).

Avoid food made with puff pastry or anything similar.

Avoid processed meat e.g. salami, viennas, polony, corned beef etc.

Do not soak rusks or biscuits in tea.

The diet must be adjusted according to the presence of diarrhoea or constipation.