Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that results in chronic inflammation of the GI tract. It affects the innermost lining of the colon. Symptoms include abdominal pain and diarrhea and can also lead to worse complications. Ulcerative colitis has no known cure, but you can manage your symptoms, prevent them from getting worse and prevent them from recurring by following adequate nutritional therapy.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis vary, depending on where in the colon the inflammation occurs and how badly inflamed it gets. Physicians classify the condition according to where the inflammation is located. Ulcerative proctitis is an inflammation confined to the rectum. Symptoms here include rectal bleeding and rectal pain. Proctosigmoiditis is an inflammation of the rectum and the lower end of the colon, or sigmoid colon. Symptoms here include bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps and pain. Left-sided colitis is inflammation of the left side of the colon and presents with bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and pain. Pancolitis is inflammation of the entire colon and results in bouts of bloody diarrhea. Fulminant colitis is a rare form that affects the entire colon and results in profuse diarrhea and sometimes dehydration and shock. This type of inflammation can also result in complications such as rupturing of the colon and distended colon.
What to Eat
Certain foods can help relieve some of the symptoms and may even prevent them from recurring. The American Dietetic Association (ADA) recommends that you follow a low-fiber diet. Also, if you are experiencing lactose sensitivities, you should avoid products that contain lactose, as these can only worsen your symptoms. However, if you are able to tolerate lactose, try to eat yogurts with live cultures, as these can help you replenish your gastrointestinal tract's flora. In terms of protein, always choose tender cuts of well-cooked meat, poultry, fish or eggs, prepared without any added fat. Avoid grain products that are too high in fiber. Instead choose grains that are made from white or refined sugar. Cook your vegetables well, but avoid any vegetable that you notice exacerbates your symptoms. Also, eat ripe bananas or melons; these fruits have been known to relieve diarrhea. Avoid canned fruits in heavy syrup. Finally, remember to keep yourself well hydrated, especially if you are experiencing diarrhea.
Foods to Avoid
The ADA recommends that you avoid any dairy product that is high in fat such as whole milk or full-fat cheeses. You should also avoid all fried and processed meats like sausage and bacon because their fat levels are very high. As for grains, avoid whole-wheat or whole-grain breads, rolls or pasta; they are very high in fiber, which might worsen your diarrhea and further inflame your colon. Also avoid vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage or Brussels sprouts, which can give you gas and cause further discomfort. Pass up all raw fruits other than ripe bananas and melons, especially dried fruits such as raisins and prunes, as these are very high in sugar and fiber. Finally, avoid any sugar alcohol, such as sorbitol, mannitol or xylitol, which are usually found in sugarless candies and some medications, as these will exacerbate your symptoms.
Other Guidelines
Try to eat five or six small meals throughout the day instead of two or three larger ones. As your symptoms start getting better, introduce small amounts of fiber into your meals, but remember to start gradually and stop if you see signs that your diarrhea might recur. Aim for at least 10 glasses of water a day, or more if you are experiencing severe diarrhea. Also, ask your physician or registered dietitian to recommend a probiotic/prebiotic supplement and a multivitamin supplement, especially for when you are healthy. One way to keep track of the foods your body tolerates well and those that cause your symptoms to worsen is to keep a food and symptom journal. That way you can avoid the foods that irritate your intestines in the future.
