Colitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation and sores, called ulcers, on the inner lining of the large intestine and rectum. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue and weight loss. Anti-inflammatory drugs are often used to treat the symptoms. Certain foods and beverages can exacerbate your symptoms and should be limited in your diet. Consult your doctor about the best diet for you.
Fiber Foods
Foods with dietary fiber, such as raw fruits and vegetables and whole grains, help to facilitate the passage of food through your intestines. However, fiber may irritate your intestines if they are inflamed. Fiber could also exacerbate diarrhea, gas and pain. If raw fruits or vegetables irritate you, then steam, bake or stew your foods to soften them up. Consult your doctor about determining the amount and type of fiber that is best for you.
Smaller Meals With Plenty of Liquid
If you have trouble digesting large meals, try eating several smaller meals throughout the day. It is also important for you to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to reduce the formation of hard stools which can irritate your colon. Avoid carbonated beverages and caffeinated drinks because they can produce gas and may increase your diarrhea.
Olive and Fish Oils
Olive oil and fish oil may reduce your intestinal inflammation. Coldwater, fatty fish have high concentrations of healthy fats called omega-3 fatty acids. Incorporating olive oil and omega-3 fatty acids to your diet may reduce intestinal inflammation, according to research by Desiree Camuesco, B.S., published in "Clinical Nutrition" in 2006. Research by Tore Grimstad, M.D., Ph.D., published in the "Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation" in 2010 found that Atlantic salmon may have beneficial effects on disease activity in patients with colitis.
Dairy Foods
Dairy foods are a good source of calcium that is needed for strong bones and teeth. However, if you are lactose intolerant, you may need to limit or eliminate dairy foods from your diet because they can cause gas, which can irritate your intestines. If you eliminate dairy, you will need to consume foods, such as soy foods, that are high in calcium to replace the calcium lost from your diet.
Dietary Supplements
Colitis can interfere with your ability to absorb nutrients. Dietary supplements, particularly multivitamins and minerals, may help you obtain essential nutrients that you may miss or not get enough of sufficient amount due to the limitations of foods in your diet. Iron supplements can help to restore deficiencies that are caused from chronic intestinal bleeding associated with colitis. Vitamin E and selenium supplements can help to prevent oxidative damage to your intestinal cells caused from inflammation, according to research by Muharrem Bitiren, M.D., published in "Biological Trace Element Research" in 2010. Consult your doctor before adding supplements to your diet.
References
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Ulcerative Colitis
- MayoClinic.com: Ulcerative Colitis Risk Factors
- PubMed.gov: Intestinal Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Combined Quercitrin and Dietary Olive Oil Supplemented with Fish Oil, Rich in EPA and DHA (N-3) Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, in Rats with DSS-Induced Colitis
- PubMed.gov: Salmon Diet in Patients with Active Ulcerative Colitis Reduced the Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index and Increased the Anti-Inflammatory Fatty Acid Index - a Pilot Study
- PubMed.gov: Protective Effects of Selenium and Vitamin E Combination on Experimental Colitis in Blood Plasma and Colon of Rats
