IBD-AID Phases

Please check with a dietitian to see which phase of the diet you should be starting in or if you have any other questions. 

Phase 1: Bringing it back to basics

If you are currently experiencing a flare or any bleeding, you should select foods from the Phase 1 portion of the diet. This phase of the diet is appropriate for those experiencing urgency and frequency of bowel movements or pain, and is helpful for patients who have recently been hospitalized. At this stage, you may not be able to tolerate many foods. In particular, the texture of the food is important. This phase emphasizes soft-cooked or pureed food using a blender, depending on your personal tolerance. 

Example foods: smoothies, well-cooked steel cut oatmeal (may need to add double water and puree), pureed soups, pureed vegetables (see IBD-AID Foods Lists), plain yogurt and miso (good sources of probiotics), and ground lean meats.

Ground flax or chia seeds (if you can tolerate ground seeds – see below, avoid with strictures or narrowing)

Phase 2: Introduction of more foods and textures

Your symptoms have improved significantly, but you may still be experiencing some symptoms. At this stage you may be able to tolerate some fiber, but may still have some difficulty digesting foods very high in fiber or fat. More fibrous foods are added in this phase, in the form of soft cooked vegetables and pureed beans/lentils. Use the foods list as a guide to help you advance to this stage. Remember to drink plenty of water and increase probiotic foods when adding fiber to your diet! 

Examples of foods to add at this phase: soft greens (butter lettuce, cooked collard greens, baby spinach without stems), well-cooked lean meats, aged cheeses, nut butters, tomatoes, pureed berries with seeds strained out, and foods baked with IBD-AID friendly flours (bean flour, nut flours). 

Phase 3: Remission

You are feeling stronger and are becoming more comfortable eating a greater variety of foods. Your bowel movements are well controlled and solid. 

Examples of foods to add: stir-fried vegetables and meats, shellfish, citrus fruits, whole beans, and apples (ideally cooked). 

Note: Each person’s ability to tolerate foods will be different, and foods will have to be added or removed from the diet depending on your individual tolerance. Please discuss any dietary questions with your dietitian. When adding new foods, it is normal to experience some mild stomach upset. However, if you notice a continued increase in bowel frequency/urgency or a prolonged decrease in the quality of your stools, please consider removing the new food from your diet or talking with your dietitian.