There is no specific diet for people with IBD, but some modification to the diet when the disease is active, such as eliminating foods that may aggravate symptoms, can be helpful.

Some individuals may find that a bland diet is better tolerated. A low fibre diet may be more comfortable for people with Crohn's affecting the small intestine, which when narrowed may result in pain after having eaten.

As IBD can result in malabsorption of nutrients and loss of fluids, attention to diet is still important to ensure there is adequate nutrition for the body's needs. Some of the medications used can also deplete the body of minerals and folic acid. People with IBD may experience nutritional problems as a result of a poor appetite, which can lead to weight loss.