Colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation of the large intestine, or colon, and rectum. Symptoms of colitis include chronic abdominal pain, cramping and diarrhea. There is no known cause of colitis and no definitive cure, although medications and dietary changes may help ease symptoms. Working with a dietitian and knowing what foods to avoid may help you manage colitis symptoms.
Dairy
Dairy products may increase colitis symptoms, especially if you are lactose intolerant, notes MayoClinic.com. Your digestive system may not be able to break down sugars found in milk and milk products, resulting in abdominal pain, cramping and diarrhea. MayoClinic.com advises trying a dairy enzyme tablet to help break down milk sugars if you believe dairy is causing increased colitis symptoms. Removing dairy from your diet completely may be the best option if diarrhea and abdominal pain persist after consuming milk products. Calcium is found in milk products and is an important part of a healthy diet. Talk to a dietitian or your physician about alternate ways to consume adequate calcium if you eliminate dairy from your diet.
Fatty Foods
Greasy, fatty or fried foods may increase diarrhea and gas if you have colitis, according to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. Inflammation of the intestinal lining may make it difficult to digest high-fat foods. If too much fat is inside the intestine, it may irritate colitis and trigger symptoms. However, not all foods will affect people with colitis the same. You may be able to tolerate a small amount of fried foods while consuming too much fat may increase your symptoms.
Fiber
A high-fiber diet is recommended as part of a balanced diet. However, too much fiber may irritate colitis and increase gas, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains and whole grain products, like whole wheat bread, may irritate your intestine. Steaming, baking or stewing fruits and vegetables helps break down the fiber content and may make these foods easier to digest. Instead of completely removing fiber from your diet, the CCFA recommends experimenting with fiber to see which foods you can tolerate and which may increase symptoms.
Additional Foods
Additional foods may irritate your colon with colitis, including spicy foods, beans and carbonated beverages. These foods may increase intestinal gas and cause abdominal bloating and discomfort. Alcoholic beverages and caffeine products like coffee and chocolate may stimulate the intestine and cause abdominal pain and diarrhea.
