About Colitis & Diet

Overview

Colitis is a painful condition that occurs when the large intestine or colon becomes inflamed. The condition is also caused ulcerative colitis because ulcers often form in the lining of the large intestine due to chronic inflammation. Changes to your diet, in conjunction with the proper medication, can help prevent or reduce colitis flare ups.

Symptoms

Common symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, fevers, cramping and diarrhea. Diarrhea can be bloody when ulcers are present in the large intestine. Other symptoms include weight loss, fatigue, loss of appetite, bleeding from the rectum, anemia, dehydration, joint pain and a delay in growth or onset of puberty in children. Some people may also experience liver disease, eye inflammation, osteoporosis or arthritis. Some of these conditions may disappear when ulcerative colitis is treated, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC).

Risk Factors

Ulcerative colitis can occur at any time, although it most often diagnosed in people in their mid-30's. Men and women are equally affected by the condition, which can run in families. Whites have a higher incidence of the condition than non-whites, with the incidence being even higher in Jews, according to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA).

Treatment

A variety of medications are available to reduce the inflammation that causes colitis symptoms. Anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed in pill form, enemas or rectal suppositories. If anti-inflammatory drugs don't relieve inflammation, your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid for a few months. Corticosteroids may be used in conjunction with an immune modifier. Immune modifiers reduce inflammation by blocking the immune system response that triggers inflammation. Biologic therapies may also be helpful in reducing inflammation. Anti-diarrhea medication, antibiotics and pain relievers may be prescribed by your doctor to relieve your symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove the colon.

Diet

Certain foods can make ulcerative colitis symptoms worse. Milk and foods made with milk, such as butter and ice cream, may cause diarrhea and gas if you are lactose intolerant. Avoiding these foods or taking a special lactose enzyme supplement before eating or drinking these foods can help reduce symptoms. Raw vegetables and fruit, while good sources of fiber, can worsen gas, diarrhea or abdominal pain or cramping. Cooking these vegetables can make them easier to digest. Other foods that can contribute to the formation of gas include broccoli, beans, popcorn, beans, carbonated beverages, caffeine, raw fruit juice or alcohol. If you have colitis, keeping a food diary can help you determine which foods can remain a part of your diet.

Considerations

Eating several small meals throughout the day, rather than three large meals, may result in a reduction of symptoms. When symptoms do occur, eating a soft, bland diet can help minimize discomfort. If you are experiencing diarrhea, drinking milk or alcohol can worsen the problem or increase the duration of the diarrhea. Multivitamins may be needed to replace nutrients, mineral and vitamins lost due to colitis.