Ulcerative colitis is a chronic digestive disorder believed to result from the immune system mistakenly attacking the bowel, according to "RN." Ulcerative colitis is one of the two forms of inflammatory bowel disease. It is characterized by sudden, unpredictable bouts of diarrhea and abdominal pain. Dietary modifications can help decrease the symptoms associated with colitis. Always consult your physician if you suffer from a serious health condition like ulcerative colitis.
History
According to "RN," no single cause of ulcerative colitis has been established. One theory is that the body reacts aggressively to an unidentified virus or bacteria by causing inflammation of the intestines. 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 condition than someone in the general population. Diet is not the cause of ulcerative colitis, but dietary modifications are essential for controlling symptoms
Significance
For most patients, colitis last for years and requires persistent medical attention. Patients are often malnourished from the lack of appetite and inadequate nutrient absorption because of damage to the intestinal lining.
Symptoms
When you have ulcerative colitis, the lining of the bowel is affected, causing inflammation. The mucosal tissue becomes inflamed and friable, and bleeds easily. Patients present with diarrhea, abdominal cramping and rectal bleeding. The abdominal pain is relieved following a bowel movement. As the inflammation progresses, the tissue of the intestine begins to slough off, leaving ulcerations that often become infected. Ulcerative colitis can lead to massive gastrointestinal bleeding.
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 problematic foods include seeds, nuts, raw fruits and vegetables, and leafy greens. Spicy foods and products that contain caffeine can aggravate the symptoms.
Patients with ulcerative colitis still need a 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. Consume adequate fluids to stay hydrated if you have ulcerative colitis. "Better Nutrition," recommends eight to 10 glasses of fluid per day.
Dietary Supplements
During periods of excessive diarrhea, patients may need dietary supplements, particularly vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium and potassium. Nutritional deficiencies can occur from malabsorption. The overall nutritional recommendations for patients with ulcerative colitis are individualized based on the extend of the disease. According to "Nutrition and Diet Therapy," to maintain nutritional status, foods should not be eliminated from a patient's diet without a trial to see if it helps.
References
- "RN"; Inflammatory bowel disease; J. Veronesi; May 2003
- "Better Nutrition"; Nutritional Rx For Crohn's and Colitis; Figueras; May 2010
- "Nutrition and Diet Therapy"; F.A. Davis; 2011
