Colitis, also known as ulcerative colitis, is a type of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation and sores in the lining of the colon and rectum. Colitis can affect anyone, but your risk increases if you have a family member with the condition, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders. Symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, fatigue and anemia. You may also have diarrhea if most of your sores line the rectum. To help control symptoms, your doctor may suggest a soft diet including foods low in fiber and easy to chew and digest.
Breads, Grains and Starches
Breads, grains and starches provide your body with energy and B vitamins. To ease digestion and improve tolerance with colitis, choose more refined-flour products. Soft breads, grains and starches for colitis include white bread, soft-cooked white rice and pasta, mashed potatoes, saltine crackers and refined-flour cereals.
Fruits
Fruits contain vitamin C and vitamin A, both important nutrients for the immune system. However, fruits also act as a source of fiber, so choose soft fruits and canned fruits to prevent colitis symptoms. Soft fruit choices for colitis include canned fruits, bananas, cantaloupe, applesauce and juices.
Vegetables
Vegetables also contain important nutrients for health, such as potassium, folate, vitamin C and vitamin A. As long as they are cooked until soft and tender, most fresh, canned and frozen vegetables should be well tolerated by someone with colitis. However, avoid gas-producing vegetables that can cause abdominal discomfort, such as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. Better choices include green beans, peas and squash.
Meat and Meat Substitutes
Meats provide protein and iron. You need adequate intakes of iron to help rebuild blood supplies and improve the anemia related to colitis. Soft meats for colitis include any moist and tender meats, fish, poultry, stewed pork, soft-cooked eggs, creamy peanut butter and soft tofu.
Dairy Foods
You should be able to tolerate most dairy foods unless you are lactose-intolerant. Dairy foods provide your body with calcium and vitamin D, both important nutrients for bone health. Choose more low-fat and nonfat dairy foods to limit your intake of saturated fats. Soft dairy food choices for colitis include 1 percent or nonfat milk, mild cheeses such as American, cottage cheese and low-fat yogurt without fruit.
Other Soft Foods
Additional soft food choices for colitis include cream soups, strained vegetable soups, pudding, custard and smooth ice cream.
