Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease, IBD that causes ulcer and chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. It usually affects the large intestine, causing damage to the innermost lining of the colon in a continuous distribution. Common symptoms of ulcerative colitis include abdominal pain, blood in stool and diarrhea. Also, complications such as severe bleeding, perforated colon and liver disease may occur with ulcerative colitis, reports MayoClinic.com. There is no cure for ulcerative colitis. Drug therapy is used to control flares and bring the condition to remission. When drug therapy fails to control the condition, surgery is needed.
High Fiber Foods
Consuming products with high fiber content may worsen your diarrhea and pain symptoms, reports MayoClinic.com. Avoid consuming products prepared with whole grains, such as breads, rolls, crackers, pasta or brown rice. Refrain from consuming dried beans, peas, nuts, seeds, raw fruits and vegetables; opt for well cooked vegetables without skin and seeds. Canned fruit and fruit juices without pulp and seeds may be tolerated. Products prepared with white, refined flour may be consumed while symptoms are present. Once symptoms have subsided you can try increasing the amount of fiber in your diet. Try them one at a time. If symptoms return, stop eating the fiber containing food.
Dairy
Sometimes lactose intolerance may occur. If this is your situation, avoid consuming whole milk, sour cream, ice cream and half and half cream. Opt for lactose free or skim milk and low fat cheese and ice cream. Choose yogurt with live, active cultures. Remember to monitor your tolerance to these foods.
Fat
Avoid consuming fatty and fried foods. Avoid sauces prepared with butter, margarine and heavy cream. Avoid fatty meats such as sausage, bacon, potted meat and hot dogs. Also avoid chunky nut butters and fried eggs. Opt for lean protein such as well-cooked poultry, fish and soy. Steam and bake your meats and avoid adding fat when cooking your foods.
Sugars and Beverages
Avoid consuming caffeinated products as these may have a laxative effect in your colon worsening your diarrhea. Also avoid alcoholic beverages, sweet fruit juices and beverages made with corn syrup. Sugar alcohols such as xylitol and sorbitol may cause gas and diarrhea; these sugars may be found in sugar free gums and candies and some medications.
Keeping a journal of your dietary intake and its effect in your condition will help you monitor and identify food that may worsen your symptoms. Remember to discus these findings with your doctor and dietitian as they may offer you recommendations tailored to your dietary and health needs.
References
- Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America: About Ulcerative Colitis and Proctitis
- Mayo Clinic: Ulcerative Colitis
- MedlinePlus: Ulcerative Colitis
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease: Ulcerative Colitis
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Inflammatory Bowel Disease
