The effect of different types of food on intestinal inflammation can vary between individuals. The Tasty&Healthy™ Maintenance Nutritional Therapy Plan allows a personalized approach by gradually reintroducing specific foods
every four weeks under the guidance of your medical team. Progress will be monitored using fecal calprotectin levels which is a sensitive marker of bowel inflammation, aided by blood tests, such as C-reactive protein.
Every four weeks, new food items will be added to your diet, starting with low quantity gluten (mainly whole spelt, barley, rye and oats), followed by milk and dairy. Importantly, also during the maintenance phase you should continue to avoid all processed
and packaged foods—anything that comes in a box, bottle, can, bag, or package—except foods containing only a single nutritional ingredient without any added substances listed on the label. Based on your calprotectin test results,
your dietitian or medical team will provide tailored guidance for the next steps. This process will also allow you to observe and evaluate how your body responds to different foods (e.g., diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating,
etc.).
Packaged products, especially industrial bread, often contain artificial additives that should be avoided.
Incorporate calcium-rich foods such as natural yogurt, green vegetables, lentils, beans, oranges, almonds, tahini, whole sesame, nuts, and seeds. If tolerated during the maintenance phase, dairy may also be included. Talk to your dietician if based on
your diet you require calcium supplements. Vitamin D levels should be monitored in all individuals with IBD and treat if low.