Ulcerative colitis is a chronic digestive disorder that causes sudden, unpredictable bouts of diarrhea and abdominal pain. Diet is not the cause of ulcerative colitis, but dietary modifications are essential in controlling symptoms. Certain foods can increase the discomfort and diarrhea associated with the disease.
History
According to "RN," no single cause for ulcerative colitis has been established. One theory for the cause is that the body reacts aggressively to an unidentified virus or bacteria by causing inflammation of the intestine. Genetics also appears to play a role in the development of ulcerative colitis. A patient who has a relative with the disease is 10 times more likely to develop the disease than someone in the general population.
Significance
Ulcerative colitis affects the lining of the bowel wall, causing it to become inflamed, friable and bleeds easily. As the inflammation progresses, the tissue of the intestine begins to slough off leaving ulcerations that become infected.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis vary with the degree of severity. Patients with mild ulcerative colitis will often have a gradual onset of diarrhea, usually less than five bowel movements per day. Rectal bleeding and mucous in the stools may be present. The patient may complain of left lower abdominal cramping that is relieved following the bowel movement. In moderate ulcerative colitis the diarrhea and bleeding becomes more frequent. Patients with severe ulcerative colitis will have more than six bloody bowel movements per day with severe abdominal pain.
Diet and Nutrition
Ulcerative colitis puts a patient at a risk for malabsorption and malnutrition. Foods high in fiber, fat and lactose can increase the diarrhea and abdominal pain. According to "Better Nutrition," the most common problem foods may include seeds, nuts, raw fruits and vegetables, and leafy greens. In addition, products that contain caffeine and spicy foods can aggravate the symptoms.
Patients with ulcerative colitis still need an adequate intake of calories and nutrients. Protein from meats, fish, poultry and eggs are recommended. Fruits and vegetables cooked, without skin or seeds are generally well tolerated. Consuming adequate fluids is important for patients with ulcerative colitis. "Better Nutrition," recommends 8 to 10 glasses of fluid per day.
Supplements
During periods of excessive diarrhea patients may need dietary supplements, particularly vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium and potassium. Nutritional deficiencies are due to malabsorption. The overall nutritional recommendations for patients with ulcerative colitis are individualized based on the extent of the disease. According to "Nutrition and Diet Therapy," to maintain nutritional status, foods should not be eliminated from the patient's diet without a fair trial.
References
- "RN"; Inflammatory bowel disease: Veronesi; May 2003
- "Better Nutrition"; Nutritional Rx For Crohn's and Colitis; Figeras; May 2010
- "Nutrition and Diet Therapy"; F.A. Davis; 2011
