Food To Eat When The Colon Is Inflamed

The colon plays an important role in your digestive system. It extracts salt and water from waste products before they are eliminated, and absorbs water, potassium and certain vitamins. Your colon may become inflamed from infections, injuries or an inflammatory bowel disease known as ulcerative colitis. In addition to medical treatment, a healthy diet may help reduce inflammation and help you feel better overall. For best results, seek specified guidance from your doctor or dietitian.

Yogurt and Kefir

Yogurt and kefir are cultured dairy products that supply rich amounts of protein and nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D. They also contain probiotics, which are helpful or "friendly" bacteria that promote proper bacterial balance and health in your digestive tract. Foods that contain probiotics may also help prevent or reduce diarrhea, swelling, pain and other symptoms associated with an inflamed colon. To determine whether a food contains probiotics, check product packaging and purchase those that list "live active cultures," such as lactobacillus acidophilus or bifidobacterium bifidus, as ingredients.

Cold-Water Fish

Cold-water fish are rich sources of protein, nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids, the healthy fats that may help alleviate inflammation. High-quality, protein-rich foods are beneficial for colitis sufferers. In addition to promoting tissue repair and supporting your physical strength, protein-rich foods may help counteract protein loss associated with inflammatory bowel diseases. Fish particularly rich in omega-3 fats include salmon, albacore tuna, herring, mackerel, halibut, flounder and sardines.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables play an important role in everyone's diet. If you have an inflammatory condition, protective nutrients in fruits and vegetables are particularly important, both for resisting additional infections and disease and enhancing your healing process. If fiber-rich foods worsen your symptoms, which may occur during diarrhea episodes caused by colon inflammation, try lower-fiber fruits, such as bananas. Peeling and cooking fruits and vegetables can also help ease digestion and lower the fiber content of produce. If you tolerate fruits and vegetables well, consume a variety of whole, colorful varieties, such as berries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, leafy greens, broccoli and bell peppers, which tend to provide more dietary benefits than juices, sweetened fruits and colorless produce.

Bland Starches

Starches, such as breads, cereals and starchy vegetables, provide glucose, which is your body's primary energy source. While nutritious starches, such as whole grains and squash, are valuable sources of fiber and nutrients, they may worsen diarrhea, cramping, gas and other symptoms of colon inflammation. Instead, eat soft, bland foods when your symptoms peak. Soft, bland starches include well-cooked enriched pasta, white rice, enriched breads and tortillas, mashed or instant potatoes, and instant hot cereals.