THE Herefordshire Network of Crohn’s and Colitis UK are hosting a free “Funday Sunday” fete to help people with the conditions.

The day runs from 11am to 4pm on Sunday, September 9 at Bartestree Village Hall.

The group has attended many local events over the summer, most recently with a stand at the Herefordshire Country Show.

Many visitors to the stand posed questions about food and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD – the most common forms being Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis).

“Can diet make a difference?” or “I don’t know what I can/cannot eat..” were among the problems raised.

Jan Stevenson, from the network, said the answer to the first question was a resounding “yes” while the second is more difficult because we are all so different.

"Our gut bacteria varies and the diseases manifest differently in each of us with different phases," she said.

"However, there is increasing research into this area and some clear dietary advice that will help with flare ups, energy levels and reducing day to day symptoms that can be so debilitating.

"Diet, though, is not believed to replace medical treatments, and big changes need to be communicated to the medical teams or worked up with a dietician to ensure adequate nutrition is maintained.

She said that some tips to make a start include the following:

• Use a simple chart to monitor what you eat and the main symptoms (maybe use a simple colour coding to make it quick and easy to do each day). Keep it up for a month at least to work out intolerances.

• When symptoms are bad, stick to plain, easily digested foods – think about what a very young child might eat: chicken/fish, eggs, ripe bananas, avocados, well-cooked carrots and other vegetables.

• Try to avoid processed food – particularly any with ingredients you do not know or would not add to your cooking; and try to reduce sugars and excess carbohydrates.

• Give your gut a chance to heal and rest – aim for 12 hours over night without food; and reduce snacking. Better to have more, smaller meals if you get hungry during the day.

The day in Bartestree will see lots of people with experience of living with IBD, information stands, experts, support organisations as well as fun things to do for all ages.