Water Works: How Hydration Supports IBD Health

Staying hydrated is essential for everyone, but when you’re living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), proper hydration plays a critical role in managing your symptoms and overall health. Whether you’re dealing with Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis, dehydration can lead to complications like fatigue, headaches, and even kidney problems. As a dietitian, I’m here to help you understand why hydration matters for IBD and how to ensure you’re getting the right amount of fluids to keep your body balanced, energized, and feeling its best. Let’s dive into the science behind hydration and some practical tips to support your gut health.Hydration for IBDHydration is about more than just quenching your thirst. For people with IBD, staying adequately hydrated helps support the body in maintaining energy, proper elimination (more so when constipation is a symptom) and promoting digestive balance. Unfortunately, IBD symptoms like diarrhea, malabsorption, and reduced appetite can make it harder for your body to retain the fluids it needs. This creates a cycle: dehydration worsens your symptoms, and those symptoms can further increase your fluid needs.Additionally, some medications used to treat IBD, like corticosteroids, can increase water loss or change how your body manages fluid. This is why it’s important to […]