IBD Trigger Food Survey Results

In a previous post I asked visitors to fill out a survey about their experiences with trigger foods related to their Inflammatory Bowel Disease (http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7HDTNFK). I set this up mostly for my own curiosity and to encourage people to keep an eye on the effect that food can have on their disease.

The interesting results I've observed are some things such as, most resondents are in their twenties or thirties. The most common trigger foods are greasy or deep friend foods, and alcohol. All respondents have made at least some attempt to avoid their trigger foods, and almost half have had to bring their own meal to an event. On the positive side, the majority of respondents who have tried to avoid trigger foods, have noticed a positive result from doing so.

Here are the results so far (Updated Jan 30, 2012):  

1. Disease Diagnosis:

Crohn's Disease	79%
Ulcerative Colitis	7%
Undetermined Inflammatory Bowel Disease	14%

2. Gender:

Female	79%
Male	21%

3. Age:

16 and younger	7%
17-22	7%
23-30	43%
31-40	29%
41-50	7%
51-65	7%
66-80	0%
80 +	0%

4. Which methods have you used to identify your trigger foods? (multi-response)

Sometimes noticing what happens after I eat something.	86%
A food or symptom journal.	36%
Eliminate a food then test re-introducing it.	43%
Medical testing for food intolerance or allergies.	21%
I have not tried to identify any trigger foods.	14%
Other	0%

5. Indicate the types of foods which tend to cause problems for you. (multi-response)

Spicy food.	57%
High fiber foods.	43%
Dairy foods (milk, cheese, etc).	50%
Deep fried or greasy foods.	71%
Eggs.	7%
Acidic foods like juice, tomatoes or vinegar.	50%
Caffeinated foods and beverages.	50%
Alcohol.	64%
Red meat.	21%
High sugar foods.	29%
Foods with a lot of preservatives.	43%
Other	Salty Foods. Processed Corn. Wild Rice. Waxy coatings. Gluten.

6. Have you actively tried to avoid your trigger foods?

Yes, I have kept to a strict diet.	43%
I have made some attempt to avoid trigger foods.	57%
I rarely or never avoid my trigger foods.	0%

7. Have you ever had to bring your own meal to an event or location so that you would have food to eat which would not trigger your symptoms?

Yes.	43%
No.	57%

8. If you have tried to avoid your trigger foods, have you noticed any benefits from doing so?

Yes.	79%
No.	7%
Not applicable.	14%

Total: 14 responses.