Eating Tips for Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) occurs when the colon lining becomes inflamed and ulcerated, leading to abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. It is a condition that affects both men and women, with the average age of onset being around 30-years of age. The symptoms of UC can vary from patient to patient. Still, some common symptoms include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, stomach pain, needing to empty bowels frequently, fatigue, and loss of appetite. A UC diet may be recommended by your doctor to help decrease inflammation in the colon. Incorporating these dietary changes into your every day will help ease UC symptoms:

1. Cooked fruits and veggies

Cooked fruits and veggies are suggested for patients with UC, as steaming, broiling, poaching, pureeing, or roasting vegetables foods can help eliminate certain enzymes which might irritate your inflamed colon. This includes potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, and greens. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is recommended for people living with ulcerative colitis due to the nutrients and fiber within, however, concentrate on fruits and veggies that are low in FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols), which are sugars that may cause intestinal distress and that can increase flare-ups of inflammation in the colon.

2. Puree soups

Soups will provide you with a daily dose of vegetables and fruits and are a great way to get in some extra fiber. They will also help prevent constipation, as you are getting extra fiber in your diet that can make this much easier to manage. Some foods that can be added to your puree soups for an extra boost of vitamins and nutrients are kale, spinach, and celery sticks which help curb ulcerative colitis flare-ups.

3. Eat smaller meals

Eating smaller meals more frequently will provide your colon with more nutrients and energy than with larger meals. This will help to prevent constipation, bloating, and cramping. Ideally, it would help if you aimed to have 3-4 smaller meals daily vs. consuming larger meals that can cause digestive upset.

4. Track triggers with a food journal

Utilize a food journal to keep track of what you eat and any symptoms you may experience. Be diligent and write everything down that you eat, no matter how small it seems at the time you eat it. Be specific about foods, preparation, amounts, time of day, and any symptoms that follow meals.

In conclusion, if you are experiencing UC, changing your diet may help to reduce the risk of flare-ups, which can lead to more severe complications. The time a colitis attack will last can vary between periods of remission and active flare-ups lasting up to 12 weeks. One of the main treatments is doctor-prescribed medication, or biologics such as Infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira), which are meant to neutralize a protein produced by your immune system and reduce the inflammation in the colon. Your gastroenterologist will prescribe medicines based on your severity and symptoms. A UC diet may also be recommended by healthcare providers to reduce inflammation in the colon.

Latest stories

The Worst Cities to Live in With Breathing Issues

If you have asthma, you understand how challenging it...

Early Signs of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating neurological disease with...

5 Natural Remedies for Neuropathy

Neuropathy occurs when the peripheral nerves are damaged, typically...

Foods Not to Eat With Diabetes

Diabetes is a health condition that affects how your...