Gut taking a hit during holiday season? Florida gastroenterologist shares 5 tips to manage IBD amidst festive indulgence

The holidays can be a hard time for those living with IBD, but it doesn't have to be! Dr Salhab shares 5 tips to protect your gut during the festive season.

Published on: Dec 20, 2025 7:43 AM IST

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The holiday season brings festive meals, sugary drinks and a break from routine - but for people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), this time of year can be especially challenging. Indulgent, ultra-processed foods and disrupted schedules often trigger gut symptoms, making celebrations feel overwhelming. However, your digestive health doesn’t have to take a back seat during the festivities. With a few mindful adjustments, it’s possible to enjoy the holidays while keeping IBD symptoms under control.

Try out Dr Salhab's recommendations to safeguard your gut health during the holidays. (Image generated via Google Gemini)

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Dr Joseph Salhab, a gastroenterologist and health content creator from Florida, specialising in digestion, liver, pancreas and nutrition, has shared five gut health tips to manage inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) during the holidays. In an Instagram video shared on December 18, the gastroenterologist states, “If you suffer from inflammatory bowel disease during the holidays, here are five GI doctor approved ways to enjoy the season without guessing.”

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A post shared by Dr. Joseph Salhab (@thestomachdoc)

Go for a Mediterranean-style diet

Dr Salhab recommends adopting a Mediterranean-style diet and avoiding ultra-processed foods during the holidays. He advises, “Number one, lean Mediterranean. This is one of the best diets. Go for veggies, lean protein, olive oil, and whole grains, and keep the ultraprocessed foods to a minimum.”

Skip sugary drinks

The gastroenterologist highlights that sugar sweetened drinks irritate the stomach and can make your symptoms worse. He recommends, “Choose water or sparkling water with lemon. Avoid the alcohol, go for the mocktails, and always stay hydrated.”

Go easy on NSAIDs

Dr Salhab advises being judicious with pain relief and avoiding high doses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). He highlights, “Regular high-dose NSAIDs can aggravate an inflammatory bowel. So, use alternatives as advised by your clinician.”

Daily movement and de-stressing

The gastroenterologist recommends going for short 10-minute walks after meals or practicing diaphragmatic breathing to relieve stress. He explains, “Move daily and de-stress. A short walk or diaphragmatic breathing helps your gut and helps your nervous system.”

Protect your routine

Dr Salhab highlights the importance of protecting your daily routine even during the holidays, and this includes taking your prescribed medicines, eating and sleeping on time. He states, “Make sure you get your meds in on time, eat your meals right, and make sure you get sleep. Consistency matters for your gut.”

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Eshana Saha
Eshana Saha is a fresh face in lifestyle and cultural journalism, bringing a refined, multidisciplinary perspective to the intersection of entertainment, fashion and holistic wellbeing. With less than a year of professional experience, she has quickly adapted to high-pressure editorial environments and currently works full-time with HT Media. Prior to this, she interned for nearly six months with Hindustan Times’ entertainment and lifestyle vertical, where she gained hands-on experience in digital reporting, trend analysis and editorial storytelling. Based in New Delhi, Eshana specialises in comprehensive coverage of major cultural moments — from international film press tours to the curated aesthetics of global fashion showcases, award shows and music-centred events. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from St Xavier’s University, Kolkata, and a Master’s degree in English from the University of Delhi, equipping her with a strong academic foundation and a keen ability to deconstruct complex cultural trends into clear, high-impact narratives. Beyond the red carpet, Eshana has developed a growing focus on health and wellbeing reporting. She bridges the gap between celebrity-driven trends and practical, evidence-informed lifestyle advice, ensuring her work remains both aspirational and grounded in editorial rigour. She has extensively covered the health implications of Delhi’s air pollution crisis, while also playing a key role in amplifying expert-led insights on women’s health and mental wellbeing, helping translate complex medical perspectives into informed, impactful public awareness. An artist at heart, she explores multiple creative forms — from visual arts and music to culinary experiments — and brings a creative’s eye for nuance, texture and detail to every story. Whether analysing runway dynamics or examining emerging wellness movements, she remains committed to accuracy and the highest standards of contemporary journalistic ethics.Read More

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