Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that effects the colon, and is characterized by the lining of the colon becoming inflamed and ulcerated. Ulcerative colitis symptoms can include abdominal pain, severe or bloody diarrhea, emission of pus, anemia, low energy, and wasting. The potential causes of ulcerative colitis are many and include: diet, infection, genetics and stress. Danese, Sans, & Fiocchi researchers specializing in inflammatory bowel diseases who published findings in an review article titled "Inflammatory Bowel Disease: The Role of Environmental Factors" found diet to be related to the inflammation characteristic of ulcerative colitis.
Effects
Malnutrition is often one of the effects of ulcerative colitis, due to the lack of intake or absorption of required nutrients. Having ulcerative colitis may also cause a person to need extra fluids and electrolytes because of dehydration and depletion related to the disease. Another effect of ulcerative colitis that a person must learn to manage is having anxiety around eating, which can be improved by learning what foods to eat or not eat, to help with ulcerative colitis symptoms.
Dietary Needs
A person with ulcerative colitis in general should consume a balanced diet "focusing on adequate calories, protein, vitamins, minerals, and fluid." Extra calories should be provided to a person with ulcerative colitis who is underweight or has been instructed by their doctor to gain weight. For an individualized diet plan to meet the diverse nutrient needs of a person with ulcerative colitis it is recommended to meet with a Registered Dietitian.
Initial Phase Dietary Recommendations
During the initial phase of ulcerative colitis a low fiber diet decreases the strain on the damaged lining of the colon. The foods that should be eliminated from the diet of a person with ulcerative colitis are nuts, seeds, and legumes. Whole grains and high fiber fruits and vegetables are often limited. It is common for a person with ulcerative colitis to have problems digesting lactose and wheat.
Acute Phase Dietary Recommendations
During the acute phase of ulcerative colitis when the colon is very irritated, eating foods rich in soluble fiber like oatmeal, beans, peas, barley, and flaxseeds help with the irritation. Fish high Omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, sardines, mackerel and other oily fish can be eaten to help with colon irritation. Other dietary suggestions during times of acute ulcerative colitis include eating less red meat, dairy products, artificial sweeteners and caffeine-containing beverages.
Resolution Phase Dietary Recommendations
Decreasing the intake of very hot or cold foods is recommended. If carbonated beverages stimulate the sensitive digestive tract of a person with ulcerative colitis they should be instructed to avoid them. During the resolution phase of ulcerative colitis, discontinuing eating two to three hours before laying down for bed is recommended. Other recommendations during the resolution phase of ulcerative colitis include consuming small meals, consuming food slowly, chewing food very well and to try to make mealtimes relaxing.
References
- "Autoimmunity Reviews"; Inflammatory Bowel Disease: The Role of Environmental Factors.Danese, Silvio.,Sans, Miquel & Fiocchi, Claudio. July 2004
- "Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology"; An Oral Supplement Enriched with Fish Oil, Soluble Fiber, and Antioxidants for Corticosteroid Sparing in Ulcerative Colitis: A Randomized, Controlled Trial; Seidner, Douglas., Lashner, Bret., Brezinski, Aaron., Banks, Phillip., Goldblum, John., Fiocchi, Claudio., Katz, Jeffry., Lichenstein, Gary., Anton, Peter., Kam, Lori., Garleb, Keith & Dimichele, Stephen; April 2005
- "Nutrition and Diagnosis-Related Care"; Escott-Stump, Sylvia; 2008
- Digestive Health Center-University of Virginia Health System-Nutrition and Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
