Best ways to avoid painful flare-ups of common illness over the Christmas season
People affected by a common illness have been told how to avoid painful flare-ups over the Christmas season.
A festival of food and drink is often what most people look forward to the most about the festivities. But increased socialising and over indulging can seriously affect your digestive system. And those who have health conditions such as Crohn’s disease, colitis or inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) can be exhausted by Christmas fare and need to curb energy-sapping parties and think about what they are eating and drinking.,
The Daily Record reports Crohn’s & Colitis UK CCUK charity wants people with the conditions to ‘Find the right words’ to tell people in their lives about what it’s like to live with an IBD – and the first step is over the festive season. One in 123 people has Crohn’s or colitis. Sarah Sleet, the charity’s CEO, said: “More than half a million people in the UK are living with Crohn’s and colitis – the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease.
The festive season can be tiring and uncomfortable time for those with Crohn's disease and colitis (Getty Images)“The festive season is a busy time, full of parties, catching up with loved ones and eating delicious food, and while all of that is wonderful, it can be very stressful for people with Crohn’s or colitis who are managing unpredictable symptoms including pain and fatigue.”
Crohn’s and colitis, happen when the immune system goes wrong and starts attacking the body, are lifelong conditions which cause inflammation and ulcers in the gut. Symptoms include diarrhoea, needing to go to the toilet frequently and urgently, tummy pain, bloating, wind and fatigue
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Watch what you eat
Sleet warned: “If you have Crohn’s or colitis, what you eat may affect your symptoms, but it’s different for everybody – there’s no one-size-fits-all advice on diet. If you’re visiting someone’s house over the festive season, don’t feel bad about turning down food they’ve made. Family and friends will understand your wellbeing is the priority.”
Don’t overdo it
One of the major symptoms of Crohn’s and colitis is fatigue, which can flare-up. The charity says as well as symptoms like pain and diarrhoea leading to fatigue, chemicals released from inflammation may affect the brain and muscles, leading to weakness, tiredness, and lack of motivation. Sleet added: “It’s important not to feel pressured into doing things you don’t have the energy for, whether it’s Christmas or not. Factor in lots of time for rest and relaxation, and be honest with loved ones about how you’re feeling and don’t push yourself if you’re fatigued.”
People with IBS and Crohn's disease have been urged to scale down the festive over indulgence (Getty Images)Make sure you have enough medication
Those with either of the conditions should ensure hey have enough medication to last them over the festive period especially as there are reduced opening hours over the festive period. It’s important to know your limitations when you have an inflammatory bowel disease, and be realistic about what you’ll be able to do over the festive period. And there is no pressure to accept all the party invitations – or any of them, if you’re having a flare-up. Sleet added: “If you’re not feeling up to it, then keep your plans simple, Your loved ones will understand and will want you to enjoy the holiday period as much as possible.”
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