What is the best drink for IBD?: Your Essential Hydration Guide

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, frequent diarrhea during an Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) flare-up significantly increases the risk of dehydration. This makes understanding what is the best drink for IBD a crucial component of effective disease management for patients.

Quick Summary

Maintaining proper hydration with IBD involves choosing gut-friendly beverages like water, broths, and electrolyte solutions while avoiding irritants such as caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks.

Key Points

Plain Water is Essential: Consistent sipping of plain water is the most gentle and effective way to stay hydrated with IBD.
Oral Rehydration Solutions are Recommended for Flares: During active flares with diarrhea, use an ORS to replace lost electrolytes and fluids more effectively than plain water alone.
Opt for Soothing Herbal Teas: Caffeine-free herbal teas like ginger, chamomile, and peppermint can help calm the digestive system and reduce symptoms.
Avoid Common Irritants: Beverages containing caffeine, alcohol, high sugar, and carbonation are known to aggravate IBD symptoms and should be limited or avoided.
Consider Non-Dairy Options: For those with lactose intolerance, non-dairy milk alternatives like almond or oat milk are gentler options, but always check for potential hidden triggers.
Listen to Your Body: Individual tolerance varies significantly with IBD. A food and drink journal can help pinpoint your specific triggers and best options.

The Crucial Role of Hydration in IBD

For individuals with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which includes conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, staying hydrated is paramount. Due to frequent diarrhea, vomiting, or malabsorption issues, the body can lose fluids and vital electrolytes at an accelerated rate. Inadequate hydration can exacerbate symptoms, cause fatigue, dizziness, and lead to more serious complications like kidney stones. Therefore, making mindful beverage choices is a key strategy for symptom management and overall well-being.

The Best Drinks for IBD

Plain Water

Water is, and will always be, the gold standard for hydration. It is gentle on the digestive system and free from potential irritants found in many other beverages. Sip plain water consistently throughout the day, rather than drinking large quantities at once, as this can be better tolerated by a sensitive gut. For those who find plain water unappealing, adding a slice of lemon or cucumber can offer a gentle, refreshing flavor.

Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS)

During flare-ups or periods of heavy fluid loss from diarrhea, Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) are highly beneficial. Unlike many sugary sports drinks, ORS products contain a scientifically formulated balance of water, glucose, and electrolytes (sodium, potassium). This specific ratio helps the body absorb fluids and minerals much more efficiently than plain water alone. You can find pre-packaged ORS or make a homemade version following a reliable recipe.

Gut-Friendly Herbal Teas

Certain herbal teas can have a calming effect on the digestive tract and aid in hydration. Opt for decaffeinated herbal varieties, as caffeine can act as a stimulant and worsen diarrhea.

Ginger tea: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to soothe nausea.
Chamomile tea: Provides a gentle, calming effect on the stomach and has mild anti-inflammatory benefits.
Peppermint tea: Often recommended for bloating and gas relief.

Bone Broth

Popular for its nourishing properties, bone broth is an excellent source of collagen, gelatin, and amino acids, which may help repair the intestinal lining. It also provides essential minerals and hydration. Bone broth can be especially comforting and beneficial during a flare when solid food is difficult to tolerate.

Smoothies and Shakes

Nutrient-rich smoothies can be a good way to get calories and protein, particularly if you are experiencing weight loss. When making a smoothie, focus on low-fiber ingredients that are easy to digest, such as bananas, cantaloupe, and well-tolerated non-dairy milks. If using a meal-replacement drink, ensure it is free of lactose and high-sugar additives that could trigger symptoms.

Drinks to Limit or Avoid with IBD


Beverage Category	Reason to Limit/Avoid	Potential Impact on IBD	Alternative	Recommended State
Caffeinated Drinks (Coffee, black/green tea, energy drinks)	Stimulates gut motility, which can increase diarrhea and urgency.	Increased urgency, diarrhea, acid reflux, potential appetite suppression.	Herbal tea, decaf coffee (monitor tolerance).	Flares and sensitive periods
Alcohol	Irritates the gut barrier, can increase inflammation, and interferes with some medications.	Diarrhea, disrupted microbiome, potential symptom flare-ups.	Water, herbal tea, mocktails.	Flares; use with caution during remission.
Carbonated Beverages (Sodas, seltzer, sparkling drinks)	Introduces excess gas into the digestive system.	Bloating, gas, and discomfort.	Flat water, still drinks.	Flares and sensitive periods
High-Sugar Drinks (Fruit juices, sugary sports drinks)	High fructose content can cause bloating, cramping, and diarrhea.	Worsened diarrhea and abdominal pain.	Diluted juices, ORS with balanced sugar, plain water.	Flares and sensitive periods
High-Lactose Dairy (Cow's milk)	IBD patients are at a higher risk for lactose intolerance.	Bloating, gas, cramps, diarrhea.	Lactose-free milk, non-dairy alternatives (almond, oat).	Flares; reintroduce during remission with caution.

The Importance of Listening to Your Body

While this guide provides general recommendations, every individual's response to food and drink is unique. A beverage that works well for one person with IBD may trigger symptoms in another. Keeping a food and drink journal can be an invaluable tool for identifying personal triggers. Additionally, your needs may change depending on your disease state—what you tolerate during remission might not be suitable during an active flare-up. For personalized dietary advice, it is always best to consult with your gastroenterologist or a registered dietitian specializing in IBD.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Gentle Hydration

Ultimately, the best drink for IBD is one that supports your hydration needs without aggravating your digestive system. While plain water is the most universally safe option, incorporating bone broth, soothing herbal teas, and properly balanced oral rehydration solutions can provide significant relief and nutritional support, especially during symptom flare-ups. By consciously avoiding common irritants like caffeine, alcohol, and sugary drinks, you can help manage your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. For more information on managing diet with IBD, resources like the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation offer valuable guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

During a flare-up, prioritize plain water, oral rehydration solutions (ORS) to replace lost electrolytes, and soothing herbal teas like chamomile or ginger. Diluted juices and bone broth can also be good options.

Caffeine in coffee can stimulate the gut and worsen symptoms like diarrhea and urgency in some people with IBD. During flares, it's best to avoid it. In remission, you may tolerate small amounts, but monitoring your body's reaction is crucial.

Many people with IBD are also lactose intolerant, so dairy can trigger symptoms like bloating and diarrhea. Lactose-free or non-dairy milks (e.g., almond, oat) are often better alternatives. It's advisable to test your tolerance carefully, especially during a flare.

High-sugar fruit juices, especially those with pulp, can aggravate symptoms and cause diarrhea due to their high fructose content. It is best to stick to diluted juices or avoid them entirely, especially during a flare.

Many commercial sports drinks contain high amounts of sugar and artificial sweeteners, which can worsen diarrhea and bloating in IBD patients. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are a more appropriate choice for electrolyte replacement as they contain a balanced, controlled amount of sugar.

An ORS is a drink with a specific balance of water, salt, and glucose (sugar) designed to help the body absorb fluids and replace electrolytes lost due to diarrhea or vomiting. They are highly effective for rehydration during IBD flares.

Yes, but you should use caution and choose ingredients carefully. Use low-fiber fruits like bananas and cantaloupe and pair them with a well-tolerated liquid like water or non-dairy milk. Avoid high-fiber fruits and added sugars that can trigger symptoms.