Colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation inside the rectum and colon. Colitis may be ulcerative, causing open sores inside the intestine where inflammation has killed cells that line the colon. While diet does not cause colitis, the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) states that diet can affect colitis symptoms. Certain foods and beverages may aggravate symptom. A nutrition professional can help you map a plan for a beneficial colitis diet.
Abdominal Discomfort
Inflammation inside the colon may cause lower abdominal pain and discomfort. Pain may feel like cramping, sharp pain or a dull aching sensation. Left-sided colitis causes severe pain on the left side of the abdomen, the CCFA states, while general colitis may cause pain anywhere in the abdomen. MayoClinic.com suggests refraining from gas-causing foods, such as beans, spicy foods, caffeinated foods and beverages, raw fruit juices and certain vegetables like broccoli, during periods of abdominal pain.
Diarrhea
A healthy colon absorbs water ingested with meals and drinks. A colon affected by colitis is not able to absorb water due to inflammation of the colon lining, resulting in diarrhea. The first symptom of colitis may be progressively loose stools that eventually become bloody, watery diarrhea, states the CCFA. Diarrhea may come and go with long periods of remission in between flare-ups. Diet during a diarrhea flare may help ease symptoms, according to MayoClinic.com. Avoiding dairy products and foods high in fiber may help. High fiber diets may make diarrhea worse.
Additional Symptoms
Colitis may cause additional symptoms including skin lesions, joint pain, eye inflammation and liver problems. Severe bouts of colitis may cause malnutrition as the intestine becomes unable to absorb nutrients. Appetite suppression may also occur due to symptoms of the disease. Nutritional status is important for someone with colitis due to the risk of malnutrition and poor eating habits. Consuming a healthy, balanced diet that includes adequate amounts of protein, calories and nutrients is important to prevent weight loss and malnutrition, states the CCFA. Keeping a food diary may help you determine if certain foods make colitis symptoms worse or better.
