Maintaining a nutrient-rich, healthy diet is important if you have ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis is a condition that leads to the formation of ulcers in your rectum or colon lining. This condition is considered an inflammatory bowel disease. Symptoms of this disorder include abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, anemia, fatigue, appetite loss, weight loss and joint pain. Certain foods may trigger or worsen your symptoms, and you may need to avoid or limit these foods.
Dairy Foods
Dairy foods may aggravate your symptoms of ulcerative colitis. You may be lactose intolerant, which can trigger symptoms such as diarrhea, gas and abdominal pain. If you are lactose intolerant, you cannot digest lactose, the sugar found in milk. Taking an enzyme, Lactaid, that aids in dairy digestion may help. However, you may need to limit or avoid dairy products if you find that your symptoms continue. Sources of dairy include milk, yogurt, cheese and cottage cheese. In addition, dairy may be an ingredient in many of the commercially packaged foods you eat, including cookies, cakes and frozen dinners.
Fiber-Rich Foods
Fiber is important for satiety and normal bowel regularity. However, if you have ulcerative colitis, you may find that foods high in fiber trigger or worsen your symptoms, including diarrhea or gas. Foods high in fiber include apples, pears, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, beans, lentils, peas and whole grains. You may need to limit your intake of these foods and add them back into your diet gradually.
Other Foods
Some foods may cause increased gas in your body, and this can be a significant problem if you have ulcerative colitis. Foods that typically lead to gas include beans, raw fruits, popcorn, cabbage and broccoli. You may need to monitor your reaction to these foods and limit or avoid them. In addition, alcohol and caffeinated beverages can worsen diarrhea symptoms.
