Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease that causes inflammation of the colon. People who suffer from ulcerative colitis develop diarrhea and abdominal discomfort; the condition is typically intermittent with flare-ups of the colon symptoms. A specific diet for the management of ulcerative colitis does not exist; however, some general food suggestions may help people with this disease control symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Monitor Dairy Intake
Some patients with ulcerative colitis may have abdominal symptoms after consuming dairy products like milk, cheese or yogurt, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. These problems may be caused by the condition called lactose intolerance where the body is unable to digest the sugar in milk, according to the Mayo Clinic. Patients with ulcerative colitis should monitor their reactions after eating or drinking dairy products; sometimes using an enzyme like Lactaid can improve the ability to handle milk products. Other patients may need to avoid dairy products altogether to lower the risk of abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Limit Fried Foods
People with ulcerative colitis should limit consumption of fried or greasy foods, according to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America website. The butter and creams in these types of foods may not be fully digested and may cause cramping and diarrhea.
Understand Fiber Intake
Fiber is important to a healthy diet but for people with ulcerative colitis, fiber may cause abdominal pain, gas and diarrhea, according to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America. Both the amount and the effect of fiber need to be monitored by the patient; certain types of fiber may not irritate the colon as much as other types. Raw vegetables or fruits can be cooked to so that the patient may be able to better tolerate the fiber, according to the MayoClinic.com. Peeled fruits and vegetables may also be easier to eat, according to the Colitis UK website.
Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking plenty of water and fluids is important for people with ulcerative colitis, according to the Mayo Clinic. These patients must remain hydrated because of the frequent risk of diarrhea; these patients may also develop kidney stones if not hydrated properly, according to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America. Water is the best type of fluid because alcohol and caffeinated beverages can both irritate the colon and make the diarrhea and cramping worse, according to eMedTV. Carbonated beverages can cause gas.
Avoid Spicy Foods
Some people may be sensitive to spicy foods, according to the UMMC. Blander foods may be less likely to irritate the colon than spicier products. Keeping a food diary can help a person with ulcerative colitis determine if a specific type of food caused any abdominal symptoms.
Eat Small Frequent Meals
Another diet suggestion for people with ulcerative colitis is small, frequent meals throughout the day. Eating small portions five to six times a day can lessen symptoms and discomfort, according to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America.
