The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there are 1.4 million people in the United States suffering from a group of digestive problems known as inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD. One of the most common types of IBD is ulcerative colitis. Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America states that diet and nutrition are of the highest importance to those suffering from inflammatory bowel disease.
Anatomy
The large intestine is responsible for absorbing excess water from digestive waste, and moving stool to the rectum and, eventually, out of the body. Ulcerative colitis is a disease causing inflammation and sores in the last part of the large intestine, or colon, and the rectum. These ulcers begin to bleed and produce pus. Inflammation causes the colon to empty frequently, resulting in diarrhea, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Effects
Ulcerative colitis can cause malnutrition because the colon cannot perform its job of absorbing fluids and nutrients from food. A person suffering ulcerative colitis may experience anemia, fatigue and weight loss, no matter how much food he eats.
Other Conditions
There is no clear evidence that certain foods cause ulcerative colitis but there are some foods that can make symptoms worse, according to the Mayo Clinic. The presence of other conditions, such as lactose intolerance, can make symptoms of ulcerative colitis worse. Those who are lactose intolerant or unable to process dairy foods, and have ulcerative colitis should avoid milk and milk products such as ice cream. There are over-the-counter medicines available to help the body process dairy products.
Fiber
A healthy diet consists of lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, but the fiber in some of these foods can be difficult for someone with ulcerative colitis to digest. Fiber may make the diarrhea, abdominal cramping and gas associated with ulcerative colitis even worse. Steaming, baking, stewing or roasting these foods may prevent symptoms from appearing, allowing the patient to ingest more food loaded with nutrition and fiber.
Fluids and Dehydration
A person suffering from ulcerative colitis needs to be attentive to the amounts of fluid he takes in. The colon is responsible for recycling fluids back into the body; this function is impaired in those with ulcerative colitis due to inflammation and diarrhea, leading to dehydration. Kidney problems will develop if the amount of fluid taken in is chronically less than the fluids lost.
Supplements
A person with ulcerative colitis can supplement her diet with vitamins and minerals available without a prescription to make up for the nutrition lost through mal-absorption and diarrhea.
Changes in Diet
Changes in the ulcerative colitis patient's diet should always be discussed with his physician. Consultation with a nutritionist should be arranged for those with severe ulcerative colitis symptoms.
