Ulcerative colitis, or UC, is one of the conditions known as inflammatory bowel disease. It causes chronic digestive tract inflammation and can cause diarrhea and abdominal pain, says the Mayo Clinic. UC cannot be cured, but can be managed with medication, lifestyle changes and dietary changes. Although there is no definitive evidence that diet can cause UC, dietary modifications can minimize symptoms and alleviate pain.
Significance
According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, or NDDIC, ulcerative colitis is typically diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 15 and 30 years old, although the condition can manifest at any age. Men and women are diagnosed in equal numbers, and the condition is often seen in those individuals of Jewish descent and Caucasians, says NDDIC. In the United States, approximately 1 million individuals live with irritable bowel disorder, says the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, or CCFA, with half living with Crohn's disease and half living with ulcerative colitis.
Effects on Nutrition
Ulcerative colitis can interfere with the body's ability to absorb nutrients, as well as its ability to repair itself with good nutrition. UC can cause loss of appetite from abdominal pain or nausea, poor digestion and malabsorption of nutrients, as well as the added caloric demands on the body when dealing with a chronic disease, says CCFA.
Suggested Dietary Changes
Making dietary changes can help alleviate discomfort during UC flares, which can cause abdominal distention and pain. The Mayo Clinic suggests limiting dairy products, avoiding known problem foods that cause stomach pain, staying hydrated and eating smaller meals. Reducing intake of high-fiber foods and greasy or fried products can also minimize discomfort with UC. Talking to a dietitian who specializes in nutrition for individuals with inflammatory bowel disease can be helpful in developing a healthy nutrition plan.
Dietary Supplements
Not everyone with UC needs dietary supplements, but, depending on the extent of the disease medications an individual is taking and the diet being followed, these supplements can help provide nutritional components that the diet would otherwise lack. Common supplements used by individuals with irritable bowel disease include vitamin B12, folic acid, calcium and vitamin D, says CCFA. Iron deficiency is often seen in patients with UC, says the CCFA, so iron supplements, along with potassium and magnesium, may also be necessary supplements.
Future Directions
New supplements and nutritional treatments have been used with patients with UC, including good bacteria known as probiotics, fish oil, aloe vera, prebiotics and acupuncture, says the Mayo Clinic. Many of these treatments and supplements have yet to be fully researched, but have shown to have healing properties, like the anti-inflammatory effects of fish oil, and the effects of probiotics on restoring normal, healthy bacteria in the intestine.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Ulcerative Colitis
- Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America: About irritable bowel disease
- Mayo Clinic: Ulcerative colitis: Lifestyle and home remedies
- Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America: Diet and Nutrition
- Mayo Clinic: Ulcerative Colitis: Alternative Medicine
