Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel condition that causes ulcers to form in the lining of the colon and rectum. According to MedlinePlus, colitis may be hereditary and usually surfaces between the ages of 15 and 30. Colitis can be debilitating, causing bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, bloating, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, anemia and joint pain. The symptoms of colitis are usually managed with medication but can also be controlled by staying away from trigger foods.
Dairy Products
Dairy products are by far the most common food culprits to exacerbate colitis. Eating dairy does not cause colitis, but it can make the symptoms during a flare-up worse, especially if you are lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance occurs when you are unable to digest milk sugar. If you are experiencing diarrhea, gas, bloating, nausea and abdominal pain, you should limit your dairy intake. Doing so will ease your symptoms. If you must eat dairy, stick with low-lactose dairy options such as yogurt and cheeses like Swiss and cheddar. It is important to maintain your calcium intake, so, if you are eliminating dairy from your diet, add calcium-rich vegetables such as turnip greens, collards and spinach or take a dietary calcium supplement.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, kale, bok choy, cabbage and Brussels sprouts may worsen your ulcerative colitis symptoms. Consuming large amounts of these vegetables often causes gas, cramping, bloating or abdominal pain due to their high content of sulfur and fiber. According to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, these foods could aggravate the large intestine, resulting in cramping, diarrhea and poor digestion. Limit your intake of these cruciferous vegetables during a flare-up. After your attack has subsided, slowly ease them back into your normal diet.
Spicy and Greasy Foods
Eating spicy, greasy, fried foods may also provoke your colitis. Spicy foods such as Thai, Mexican and Latin American cuisines could aggravate the lining of your intestines, causing cramps and discomfort. Greasy, fried foods such as fried chicken, butter and pork products like bacon may all cause diarrhea due to improper fat absorption, says the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. If any of these foods make your symptoms worse, stay away from them during a flare-up.
Caffeinated Foods and Beverages
Foods containing caffeine such as coffee, soda, tea, cocoa and chocolate will make your colitis more unbearable, states the University of Maryland Medical Center. Caffeine and the products that contain it can make you feel nausea -- sometimes to the point of vomiting -- bloating, abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Since these are symptoms already associated with ulcerative colitis, caffeine should be eliminated from your diet.
