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Living well with inflammatory bowel disease
Living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be challenging sometimes. But it should not stop you from getting the very best out of life.
There are many sources of information, support and practical help available to you to help you adjust to life with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease – every step of the way, at every stage in life.
What does it mean to “live well” with IBD?
As well as impacting various aspects of daily living, several studies suggest that a range of lifestyle factors can influence your IBD.1 A healthy lifestyle can help support your remission (your time free of symptoms) and improve your quality of life, so it is important to understand what else you can do to keep yourself well.2,3
How can I live well with IBD?
Here we provide some information about adjustments you can make to some aspects of everyday life, and which can help improve your overall wellbeing.
Alcohol
Find out more about drinking with IBD and recommendations on how to drink responsibly.
Employment
Learn about how your Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis could affect your ability to work.
Exercise
Exercising is still possible if you have IBD and it can even help maintain your health. Find out how much exercise is good to aim for and the benefits to you.
Fertility and pregnancy
Many people with IBD think it will compromise their fertility or affect their pregnancy. Find out more on what your IBD means for this part of your life.
Nutrition
Avoiding certain foods or taking care to eat well can help manage your condition. Find out more so you can make choices that are right for you.
Sex and relationships
How IBD affects your relationship is unique to each person. Find answers to the questions you have about intimacy and relationships.
Smoking
Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your health. Find out more on stopping and how smoking impacts your IBD.
Travelling
Having IBD should not stop you travelling. Learn more about travelling with confidence with IBD, both in the UK and overseas.
Download our Medical Alert card
Designed to be easily carried in your purse or wallet, this card quickly communicates that you have an invisible condition and you need urgent access to the bathroom. This will make it easier for you to ask to use the bathroom without having to explain your condition.
Abbreviations
IBD = Inflammatory bowel disease.
References
References
- Lamers CR, et al. Lower Impact of Disease on Daily Life and Less Fatigue in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Following a Lifestyle Intervention. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2022;25:izac027.
- Charlebois A, et al. The impact of dietary interventions on the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2016;56(8):1370–378.
- Engels M, et al. Exercise in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases: current perspectives. Clin Exp Gastroenterol. 2018;11:1–11.