Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disorder that causes ulcers in the large intestine and rectum. Because these ulcers cause inflammation in the intestine, people often experience diarrhea, gas and bloating. Several prescription drugs can help treat the condition, but dietary changes can help as well. Although specific foods do not cause or trigger ulcerative colitis, certain foods can cause symptoms to flare and should be avoided, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Avoid High-Fiber Foods
Fiber is often promoted as an important part of a healthy diet, but high-fiber foods can worsen the bothersome symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Avoiding these fiber-packing foods, particularly legumes, beans, seeds and nuts, can help prevent a flare-up, according to MedlinePlus. In addition, you may notice high-fiber fruits and vegetables cause diarrhea and gas. Because fruits and vegetables are an important part of healthy diet, try cooking them instead of eating them raw. Steam, bake or boil problem foods such as carrots, celery, broccoli, apples and pears to make them easier to digest and less likely to cause a flare-up, MayoClinic.com advises.
Avoid Fatty Foods
High-fat foods and greasy or fried foods often cause a symptom flare-up in people with ulcerative colitis. Butter, margarine and fatty cream sauces can also be problematic, according to MedlinePlus. If you find that these foods are particularly bothersome to the condition, they are best avoided or strictly limited. The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America recommends that lean meats, poultry and seafood be included in the diet, but they should be cooked without a lot of fat and oil. Try baking, steaming or grilling the foods to make them more healthful and less likely to trigger bothersome symptoms.
Lactose Intolerance
If you are lactose intolerant, eating any foods containing dairy can trigger symptoms to flare up, according to MayoClinic.com. If you suspect dairy foods are worsening ulcerative colitis, try cutting dairy out of your diet entirely for a short period to see whether symptoms subside. If they do, you may need to avoid all dairy products to prevent the gas, bloating and diarrhea that accompany ulcerative colitis. If you enjoy the taste of milk, try lactose-free products, which are available in many grocery stores.
Stay Hydrated
If you suffer with ulcerative colitis, you should drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. MedlinePlus suggests drinking small amounts of water frequently instead of having large servings of water a couple of times each day. It's also best to limit alcohol intake and avoid caffeinated beverages because they can worsen symptoms.
Eat Small Meals
Eating small meals throughout the day instead of three large meals can be beneficial for people with ulcerative colitis. Try eating five or six small meals and snacks over the course of the day to see whether it improves your symptoms, MayoClinic.com recommends.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Ulcerative Colitis
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Ulcerative Colitis
- MayoClinic.com: Ulcerative Colitis: Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Ohio State University Medical Center: Ulcerative Colitis
- Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America: About Ulcerative Colitis
