Ulcerative colitis is a serious disease that affects your digestive tract. While your diet does not prevent your symptoms from appearing, certain foods can make symptoms worse. A good diet varies from patient to patient, as foods will have different reactions in each person. Some basic guidelines can help most patients.
Definition
Ulcerative colitis is a disease that causes inflammation in your digestive tract and is characterized by abdominal pain and diarrhea. The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, but it is believed to be the result of hereditary factors or a defect in the immune system. Depending on the severity of the case, symptoms usually vary from pain and diarrhea to weight loss and serious illness. In rare cases, life-threatening complications can arise. It is not uncommon for symptoms to go into remission for long periods of time, only to come back later.
There is no cure for ulcerative colitis, but treatment can dramatically improve your condition. One such treatment is a proper diet. A good ulcerative colitis diet provides patients with the necessary nutrients while also trying to avoid foods that worsen symptoms.
Purpose
In ulcerative colitis, part of the digestive tract is inflamed. When this occurs, your body is unable to digest and absorb the nutrients from food. Therefore, it is important to make sure you follow a proper diet, and possibly adjust your diet to ensure you do not become malnourished. Additionally, certain foods can make your condition worse. These foods need to be avoided to prevent more severe symptoms.
Dietary Guidelines
If you are lactose intolerant, dairy foods will make symptoms worse, causing diarrhea, gas and abdominal pain. If this is the case, use a product, such as Lactaid, to help you digest lactose, or avoid all dairy products. Fiber is an important nutrient in regulating the digestive tract. However, if you are suffering from ulcerative colitis, it may make diarrhea and pain worse. MayoClinic.com recommends adding high-fiber foods into your diet gradually, and asking your doctor before adding significant amounts.
Ulcerative colitis prevents your body from absorbing all the nutrients from the food you eat. Because of this, multivitamins that contain the vitamins and minerals needed by your body are important. A common symptom of ulcerative colitis is diarrhea, which can cause dehydration. Drink lots of fluids, particularly water, each day. Stay away from caffeine, alcohol and carbonated drinks, as they can make symptoms worse.
Problem Foods
There is no single diet for all patients suffering from ulcerative colitis. The foods that bother you may not bother someone else. Monitor and keep track of which foods make symptoms worse. Keep a food journal to help you in this. Certain foods seem to affect most people, such as beans, cabbage, broccoli, raw fruits and fruit juices. Try to stay away from fried and greasy foods.
Time Frame
According to MayoClinic.com, there is no evidence that your diet causes ulcerative colitis, but some foods may worsen symptoms. If this is the case for your condition, eliminating these foods from your diet can help prevent these symptoms right away.
Considerations
Ulcerative colitis is a serious condition. If you believe you are suffering from the disease, consult your doctor. She can prescribe a proper treatment plan. While your diet may help your condition, it is not a cure for the disease. Usually treatment for ulcerative colitis involves either drug therapy or surgery.
