World IBD Day 2025: Breaking Borders, Busting Myths

May 19th is World Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Day — a global moment to raise awareness and understanding of IBD.

These lifelong conditions affect millions of people around the world, but still don’t get the spotlight they deserve. This year’s theme, IBD Has No Borders, reminds us that IBD can impact anyone, anywhere — no matter your age, background, or where you live.

Let’s unpack what IBD really is, what it isn’t, and how we can better support those living with it — especially when it comes to food, symptoms, and daily life.

What Is IBD Anyway?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a term used for three chronic gut conditions:

• Crohn’s disease (which can affect any part of the digestive system from the mouth to the rectum), and
• Ulcerative colitis (which affects the large intestine and rectum).
• Microscopic colitis (which affects the large intestine)

These conditions cause inflammation in the digestive tract and come with a range of symptoms that can seriously impact day-to-day life.

It is three conditions – microscopic colitis is less common and mostly affects women > 50 years of age.

It’s More Than Just a Bathroom Problem

Many people think IBD just means frequent diarrhoea — but there’s a lot more to it than that.

Symptoms can include:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Fatigue
• Changes in bowel habits
• Rectal bleeding
• And yes, sometimes constipation too!

Surprised? Constipation can happen when inflammation slows down the gut or causes narrowing. That’s why IBD symptoms vary from person to person — and why it’s so important to understand the full picture.

IBD Doesn’t Discriminate

IBD often shows up in people aged 15–35, but it’s not limited to that age group. It can be diagnosed in kids, older adults — even infants.

It’s also no longer just a “Western” issue. Rates are rising all over the world, including in New Zealand, where more than 22,000 Kiwis are estimated to be living with IBD — with increasing cases among Māori and Asian communities, especially in urban areas.

Let’s Talk Food: Why Mealtimes Can Be Tough

For many people with IBD, food becomes stressful. There’s anxiety about triggering symptoms, leading to restricted eating and the risk of missing out on key nutrients.

But here’s the thing, avoiding food isn’t always the answer. In fact, eating a wide variety of foods is often one of the best things you can do. Here’s why:

5 Reasons to Eat a Varied Diet with IBD

1. You’ll Get the Nutrients You Need – IBD can lead to deficiencies in iron, calcium, vitamin D and more — especially if you’re cutting out dairy, fruits, or grains. A more varied diet = better nutrition = more energy and a stronger immune system.

2. You Feed Your Gut Bacteria – Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria. They thrive on dietary fibre from plant foods and fermented goodies like yoghurt or sauerkraut. A varied diet supports a healthy, balanced gut microbiome which helps manage inflammation.

3. You Keep Things Moving – Whether you’re facing constipation or diarrhoea, fibre from different types of foods (e.g. whole grains, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, fruit) helps regulate digestion and promote better bowel movements. Bonus: Chewing crunchy, textured foods also helps maintain a healthy weight.

4. You Avoid Over-Sensitivity – Cutting out foods long-term can make your gut more sensitive, not less. Keeping variety in your meals helps your gut stay resilient.

5. You Enjoy Food and Life Again – More food choices = less stress, more fun, better social experiences. Let’s bring the joy back to eating.

Why World IBD Day Matters

World IBD Day is about more than raising awareness. It’s about action, too. It’s a chance to:

• Educate people on what IBD really looks like
• Challenge myths around symptoms and diet
• Advocate for better care, including access to IBD trained dietitians and support
• Support those living with IBD and their whānau

Final Word: Change the Way We Talk About Food

If you’re living with IBD (or supporting someone who is), don’t be afraid of food. Instead of asking “What should I cut out?” try asking “What can I add in?”

A varied, nourishing diet — guided by a dietitian who understands IBD — can make a huge difference to how you feel, physically and emotionally.

Because IBD has no borders, and neither should our understanding, empathy, or support.