Excessive

A lot of people with IBD are lactose intolerant -- their bodies can't break down protein in milk products. But they still need key nutrients in dairy, such as calcium. Soy milk, almond milk, rice milk, and other options may be easier to digest. Most are fortified with calcium and vitamin D.

Raw fruits and vegetables can irritate your stomach. If IBD symptoms are acting up, avoid them. You can lightly roast these foods to break down the fiber. Your meal will be easier to digest, and you'll still get loads of healthy nutrients from the sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, and other veggies.

You can still have fun dining out with friends despite your IBD. Even though you're not in the kitchen, you still have control. Ask the waiter or chef specific questions about how your food is prepared. You can also call a restaurant ahead of time to check, or look at the menu online, so you know what to expect. It's good to carry snacks with you for times when you can't find anything on the menu that fits the bill.

For a lot of people with IBD, meal size matters. If you eat too much at once, it can trigger symptoms. Instead of three big meals a day, go for five smaller ones: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two snacks. Keep portions about the size of your fist. Small meals also help with cramping, a common problem if you have IBD.

Cut out any of your usual triggers. You may want to avoid beans, whole-grain or multigrain breads, fruits, vegetables like cabbage or broccoli, and fatty or fried foods. Peel vegetables and fruits before you eat them; it may help. In addition to safe foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, you need protein, too, like chicken, ground beef, or tofu. It will keep your strength up and help you heal. Alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and juices may upset your stomach.

IBD can put the natural, healthy bacteria living in your GI tract out of balance. Get a natural boost with the probiotics found in many yogurts -- check the label. Or try kefir, a tangy fermented drink that's also full of probiotics.

Apps make easy. Use your smartphone to record what you ate and how you felt afterward. After a few weeks, you'll know your triggers.

Looking for a zesty main dish that's IBD-friendly? Try orange cranberry chicken. With 25 grams of protein, it's dairy-free and low in fat. Pair it with brown rice, a healthy whole grain that won't give you too much fiber.

You can still enjoy what you eat if you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Bland foods may help when you have a flare. But as you recover, eat a well-balanced variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins. Staying on a bland diet, eating only foods like applesauce and saltines, can slow your recovery. You need calories, protein, and other nutrients for your body to heal.

If you have chronic kidney disease, excessive thirst could be a sign you're entering end-stage kidney disease. Along with thirst, you'll also likely feel generally unwell. You could also have itchy, dry skin, as well as a headache, nausea, and a big drop in appetite. You may lose weight, too.