What to drink to reduce colon inflammation?: A Nutrition Guide

October 16, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, millions of Americans suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and dietary choices, including the fluids consumed, can significantly impact symptoms. A carefully selected nutrition diet can be a powerful tool for managing symptoms, and knowing what to drink to reduce colon inflammation is a crucial part of this approach.

Quick Summary

This guide covers beverages that can help calm an irritated gut, focusing on hydrating fluids, anti-inflammatory teas, and probiotic-rich drinks. It also highlights which drinks to limit or avoid, providing a comprehensive overview for managing symptoms of colon inflammation.

Key Points

Stay Hydrated: Water and electrolyte solutions are fundamental for flushing toxins and preventing dehydration during flares.
Choose Soothing Teas: Herbal teas like ginger, chamomile, and peppermint offer anti-inflammatory and calming effects on the gut.
Embrace Probiotics with Caution: Fermented drinks like kefir and kombucha can improve gut flora, but check for added sugars and be mindful of carbonation.
Be Mindful of Juices: Opt for juices like tart cherry or pineapple for their antioxidants, but consider sugar content and potential fiber irritation, especially during active disease.
Limit Inflammatory Drinks: Avoid or restrict alcohol, caffeine, carbonated beverages, and high-sugar drinks, as they can exacerbate symptoms.
Consult a Professional: Always seek advice from a doctor or dietitian before making major dietary changes for colon inflammation.

The Foundational Role of Proper Hydration

Proper hydration is the cornerstone of digestive health. Dehydration can exacerbate the symptoms of colon inflammation, especially for individuals experiencing frequent diarrhea. Water is essential for flushing toxins, maintaining stool consistency, and supporting the body's natural anti-inflammatory processes.

Plain Water: The simplest and most effective drink for hydration. Sip it consistently throughout the day.
Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS): During severe flares with significant diarrhea, ORS can be used to replace lost fluids and electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium. These are particularly important for preventing dangerous electrolyte imbalances.
Broth: Nutrient-rich bone or vegetable broth can help replenish fluids and minerals. Bone broth, in particular, contains gelatin and amino acids that may support the repair of the intestinal lining.

Anti-Inflammatory Teas and Tonics

Herbal teas are a gentle way to introduce anti-inflammatory and soothing compounds into your diet. Unlike caffeinated teas, they do not stimulate gut motility, which can be problematic during a flare-up.

Ginger Tea: Ginger is a well-known anti-inflammatory and can help soothe digestive distress and nausea.
Turmeric Tea: The active ingredient, curcumin, is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, though the benefits may be more pronounced with concentrated supplements. Adding a pinch of black pepper can enhance absorption.
Chamomile Tea: With its calming properties, chamomile can help soothe the digestive tract and possesses mild anti-inflammatory effects.
Peppermint Tea: May help relax the muscles of the intestinal tract, providing relief from gas and bloating.
Green Tea and Matcha: Green tea contains polyphenols, particularly EGCG, that have been shown in studies to have strong anti-inflammatory effects. Matcha, a powdered form, is even more concentrated in these antioxidants. However, be mindful of the caffeine content, especially during active disease.

Probiotic-Rich Fermented Drinks

Fermented beverages introduce beneficial bacteria, known as probiotics, to help balance the gut microbiome. A healthy microbiome is crucial for regulating inflammation and supporting overall gut health.

Kefir: A fermented milk drink with a high concentration of probiotics. It can be easier to digest for those with lactose sensitivity, especially during remission. Unsweetened varieties are best to avoid added sugar.
Kombucha: A fermented tea that offers probiotics, but it is carbonated and often has added sugar. Individuals with sensitive guts should introduce it slowly and choose low-sugar options.
Buttermilk: This fermented dairy drink is rich in probiotics and can support digestion and a healthy microbiome.

Beneficial Fruit and Vegetable Juices

Certain juices can provide a concentrated dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, many juices are high in sugar and can be problematic due to fiber content, especially during flare-ups. During remission, whole, peeled, and blended fruits and vegetables are often better, as they retain beneficial fiber.

Tart Cherry Juice: High in antioxidants, it may help reduce inflammation. Choose 100% juice without added sugars.
Pomegranate Juice: Contains anti-inflammatory compounds, though research in humans is still ongoing. Start with a small amount.
Celery Juice: Contains apigenin, which animal studies suggest can have anti-inflammatory effects. Blend it at home for a fresh, pulp-free option. Be careful with food safety for fresh juices.
Pineapple Juice: Contains bromelain, an enzyme with potential anti-inflammatory properties.

Beverages to Limit or Avoid During Flare-Ups

When managing colon inflammation, certain drinks can irritate the gut and worsen symptoms. It is often recommended to limit or avoid these, especially during a flare.

Alcohol: Known to disrupt the gut barrier and potentially worsen diarrhea and inflammation.
Caffeine: The stimulating effect on gut motility can increase urgency and diarrhea. Consider decaf alternatives for coffee or tea.
Carbonated Drinks: Soda, seltzer, and even kombucha can introduce excess gas, leading to bloating and discomfort.
High-Sugar Drinks: Added sugar in sodas, sweetened juices, and energy drinks can feed problematic gut bacteria and aggravate symptoms.
High-Fiber or Unpeeled Juices: The insoluble fiber can be irritating to an inflamed colon. Blending and straining can be a better option.

Drinks for Colon Inflammation Comparison


Drink Type	Anti-Inflammatory Properties	Probiotic Content	Cautions (Sugar/Carbonation)	Impact During Flare	Overall Health Benefit
Water	Hydration supports anti-inflammatory processes.	None.	Low/none, depending on additives.	Crucial for rehydration.	High; essential for all bodily functions.
Herbal Tea	Often high in antioxidants and soothing compounds.	None.	Low/none.	Generally soothing and well-tolerated.	High; can complement other treatments.
Green Tea	High in anti-inflammatory polyphenols (EGCG).	None.	Contains caffeine.	Potential gut stimulant due to caffeine.	High, but monitor caffeine impact.
Kefir	Promotes a balanced, anti-inflammatory gut microbiome.	High.	Check for added sugar; dairy may be an issue.	Depends on personal tolerance to probiotics and lactose.	High, especially during remission.
Kombucha	Promotes a balanced microbiome with probiotics.	High.	Carbonated; check for added sugar.	Can cause bloating and gas due to carbonation.	Moderate; monitor personal tolerance carefully.
Tart Cherry Juice	High in anti-inflammatory antioxidants.	None.	Often high in sugar.	Moderation required, especially during flares.	Moderate; beneficial if tolerated and unsweetened.
Alcohol	None; can be inflammatory.	None.	High sugar in many varieties.	Worsens diarrhea and disrupts gut lining.	Low; should be avoided during flares.

Conclusion

Managing colon inflammation requires a personalized approach to both diet and lifestyle. While there is no single cure-all beverage, incorporating anti-inflammatory and hydrating fluids can be a beneficial part of a broader nutritional strategy. Plain water, soothing herbal teas like ginger and chamomile, and probiotic-rich kefir are often recommended, particularly during flare-ups or periods of sensitivity. However, drinks with high sugar, caffeine, or carbonation should typically be limited. It is crucial to remember that what works for one person may not work for another. Keeping a food and symptom diary can help identify individual triggers. Always consult a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet to ensure proper nutritional support. For more detailed resources on managing inflammatory bowel disease, visit the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Herbal teas like chamomile, ginger, and peppermint are excellent choices. Chamomile and peppermint have calming and antispasmodic properties, while ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory effects that can soothe the digestive system.

It is generally recommended to limit or avoid coffee, especially during a flare-up. Caffeine stimulates gut motility and can worsen diarrhea and urgency. During remission, some people can tolerate moderate amounts, but listening to your body is key.

Kombucha contains beneficial probiotics, but its carbonation can cause bloating and discomfort for some people with sensitive guts. Many commercial kombuchas also have high sugar content, which can be problematic. Opt for low-sugar versions and introduce it slowly to see how your body reacts.

While some juices like tart cherry and pomegranate contain antioxidants, many fruit juices are high in sugar and fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs), which can aggravate symptoms. It is often better to consume the whole fruit (if tolerated) for its fiber, or dilute unsweetened juices.

Yes, oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are very helpful during a flare-up, especially if you are experiencing significant diarrhea. They help replace the electrolytes and fluids that are lost, preventing dehydration and mineral imbalances.

If you are lactose intolerant, switching to lactose-free or plant-based milks is advisable. Options like almond milk, rice milk, and oat milk can be good choices, but some individuals may have sensitivities to nuts or soy. Reading labels for added sugars is also important.

Yes, bone broth is often recommended as it contains collagen, gelatin, and amino acids that may help repair the intestinal lining. It is also hydrating and can be soothing, especially during a flare.