World IBD Day: 5 Ways to Thrive with Crohn’s & Colitis
Published: May 5, 2025
Living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis comes with mental, physical, and financial challenges that can complicate moments others take for granted. For many people, life with IBD includes managing symptoms, adjusting routines, and finding ways to feel their best.
World IBD Day, observed every year on May 19, raises awareness about Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and the realities of life with IBD.
Whether modifying your diet, traveling to new environments, or building a treatment that works for you, the following tips can help you savor life with IBD.
Download Our Free Global Gut Guide
Our new Global Gut Guide helps make food, travel, and daily life with IBD feel less overwhelming. Packed with recipes, travel tips, and a symptom tracker, the guide will help you navigate daily life with confidence.
Try a Gut-Friendly Recipe
Following a gut-friendly diet can help reduce discomfort and support digestive health for people living with IBD.
Explore our 500+ easy recipes for a gut-friendly diet designed to support people living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Know Where to Go
Planning ahead is an important part of managing life with IBD, especially when exploring new environments.
If you have IBD, you know how to be prepared for the unexpected. When you're ready to explore somewhere new, the Foundation’s restroom finder app, We Can’t Wait, offers a simple way to locate publicly accessible restrooms.
Get Support
Surround yourself with the resources you need to live your best life through our My IBD Learning education programs, support groups, online community, IBD Help Center, and more. Connecting with support groups can help individuals navigate daily challenges and feel less alone.
Share Your Story
When it comes to IBD, there’s no such thing as TMI. Our Let’s Go There campaign brings conversations about living with IBD into the open. Sharing your experience helps others better understand life with IBD and feel less alone.
Go there with us and share your story! Let us know how you savor life with IBD. The advice you have to give might be the message someone else needs to hear.
Common Questions About World IBD Day
What is World IBD Day?
World IBD Day is observed on May 19 each year to raise awareness about Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and to support people living with inflammatory bowel disease.
How can a gut-friendly diet help IBD?
A gut-friendly diet focuses on foods that are easier to digest and less likely to trigger symptoms, helping people with IBD manage discomfort and support overall digestive health.
Where can I find Crohn’s disease support groups?
The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation offers virtual support groups to help you connect with others living with IBD, including groups tailored to age, life stage, and shared experiences. You can also contact the IBD Help Center for personalized guidance, resources, and additional support programs.
Thank you to our World IBD Day sponsors: AbbVie Inc., Eli Lilly & Company, and Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.
Make an Impact This World IBD Day
You can make an impact on the lives of people living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Your support helps fund research, education, and patient resources.