According to "RN," ulcerative colitis refers to a chronic digestive disorder believed to the be result of the immune system mistakenly attacking the bowel. Ulcerative colitis is one of the two diseases included in inflammatory bowel disease. Colitis is characterized by a sudden, unpredictable bout of diarrhea and abdominal pain. Modification of diet can help control symptoms associated with the disease.
History
"RN," indicates that 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. A patient who has a relative with the disease is 10 times more likely to develop the disease than someone in the general population. Diet is not the cause of colitis, but dietary modifications are essential in controlling symptoms.
Symptoms
In ulcerative colitis, the lining of the bowel is affected, causing inflammation. The patients will present with diarrhea, abdominal cramping and rectal bleeding. The abdominal pain is relieved following a bowel movement. Ulcerative colitis can lead to massive gastro-intestinal bleeding.
Dietary Modifications
According to "Nutrition and Diet Therapy," dietary modifications for patients with ulcerative colitis is usually based on the patient's tolerance and avoidance of irritating foods. Despite patient belief that food affected the disease course, no reported dietary behavior reduced the incidence of relapse of illness. Foods that are suspected of increasing colitis symptoms should be tried in small amounts to determine tolerance levels.
Dietary Recommendations
Ulcerative colitis puts a patient at a risk for malabsorption and malnutrition. Foods high in fiber, fat and lactose may 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 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. Consuming adequate fluids are important for patients with ulcerative colitis. "Better Nutrition," recommends 8 to 10 glasses of fluid per day.
Dietary Supplement
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 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 the patient's diet without a fair trial.
References
- • "RN"; Inflammatory boswel 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
