During flareups of ulcerative colitis, a low-fiber, low-residue diet may help relieve the abdominal pain caused by this inflammatory bowel disease. Soft, bland foods that contain little or no fiber are less likely to provoke colon inflammation and gastrointestinal distress, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Eliminating foods and beverages that aggravate your intestinal lining may reduce diarrhea and help you stay well nourished during active phases of ulcerative colitis.
Symptoms
In ulcerative colitis, chronic inflammation of your colon and rectum can destroy areas of the intestinal lining, leading to diarrhea, bleeding and an increased risk of infection. Abnormalities in your immune system or hereditary factors may cause ulcerative colitis, which typically starts between the ages of 15 and 30, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Your dietary choices do not cause ulcerative colitis, according to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. However, when ulcerated areas of your colon trigger diarrhea and abdominal pain, dietary changes may relieve symptoms.
Guidelines
UPMC recommends a low-residue, low-fiber diet during flareups of ulcerative colitis. Fiber is the indigestible portion of plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains and nuts. Residue refers to the undigested particles of food that pass through your digestive tract to form stool. A low fiber, low-residue diet reduces the amount of undigested material that your system has to process so the inflammation in your colon can subside. Foods and liquids allowed on this diet include breads and cereals made with refined flour, white rice, canned or well-cooked vegetables and fruits without skins, tender meat, smooth peanut butter, eggs, strained soups or broth and juice without pulp. Eating small, frequent meals may make it easier to digest food and absorb its nutrients, advises CCFA.
Foods to Avoid
To relieve symptoms of ulcerative colitis, avoid whole-grain products, raw fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, dried beans, tough meat, nuts, popcorn and any other food that contains seeds or hulls. Limit milk and milk products to 2 cups per day and eliminate them if you are lactose intolerant, advises CCFA. Avoid foods or beverages that promote bowel activity, such as prunes, prune juice, tea or coffee to prevent diarrhea. Spicy, fatty or greasy foods may also worsen diarrhea, UMMC notes.
Malnutrition and Dehydration
Chronic diarrhea and abdominal cramping may put you at risk for malnutrition and dehydration. A decreased appetite and weight loss are common among people with ulcerative colitis, UMMC notes. Getting adequate protein from foods, such as chicken, fish, dairy foods, soy products, eggs or protein powders may prevent loss of lean tissue. Your health care provider may recommend a multivitamin, iron or calcium supplement to help you meet your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. To prevent fluid loss due to diarrhea, drink at least eight 8-oz. glasses of water, clear juice or another non-caffeinated clear liquid each day.
Additional Treatment
If dietary modifications don't relieve your abdominal pain and diarrhea, your health care provider may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication, antispasmodics or antidiarrheal medication, NDDIC notes. Probiotic supplements or foods such as milk or soy yogurt may provide some relief of mild or moderate ulcerative colitis symptoms by restoring healthy bacteria in your digestive system, according to UMMC.
