Colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes sores in the lining of your colon and rectum. Colitis can be difficult to diagnose since other intestinal disorders cause similar symptoms including diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, reduced appetite and nutrient loss. Once you've been diagnosed, your doctor may suggest medications, stress management and dietary changes. Though dietary measures cannot "cure" colitis, they may help minimize your symptoms.
Relationship
The relationship between foods and colitis can be complex. In addition to providing nutrients and energy, your foods should support digestive function and help prevent, manage or reduce colitis symptoms. Since your symptoms may come and go episodically, your doctor may suggest avoiding particular foods when the disease is active. Foods also provide a valuable tool for managing or preventing nutrient deficiencies and related conditions, such as osteoporosis, which may result from colitis.
Helpful Foods
Your diet should contain a variety of healthy foods from all necessary food groups including carbohydrates, lean protein and healthy fats. When your symptoms are peaked, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends soft, bland foods. Examples may include white rice, enriched breads, low-fiber cereals and applesauce. If you are not experiencing gas, bloating or diarrhea, fiber-rich carbohydrate sources, such as whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables, are ideal. You may find cooked, canned and pealed fruits and vegetables more tolerable than whole, raw varieties. In addition to promoting digestive health, fruits and vegetables supply antioxidants -- nutrients that help your body defend itself and heal from infections and disease. Protein-rich foods support tissue repair and may reduce the effects of protein loss associated with colitis. Choose low-fat varieties, such as skinless white-meat poultry, low-fat dairy products if you tolerate them, as well as fish and egg whites, most often. Healthy fat sources, such as nuts, seeds, avocados and plant-based oils, promote nutrient absorption and brain function. Omega-3 fats present in salmon, tuna, sardines, walnuts, flaxseed and canola oil may help reduce inflammation.
Problem Foods
Since foods affect people with colitis differently, observing what foods trigger or worsen your symptoms is important. Foods that may worsen abdominal pain, gas and diarrhea include high-fiber breads and cereals, beans, lentils, nuts, popcorn, seeds and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts and cabbage. Fiber-rich foods may also cause diarrhea by stimulating contractions in your large intestine, according to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation. To determine how much fiber is suitable for you, discuss your symptoms with your doctor or dietitian. Other foods that may worsen your symptoms include greasy and high-fat foods, such as fried meats, potato chips and high-fat cheeses, and dairy products. If you do not tolerate lactose -- the naturally-occurring sugar in cow's milk -- seeking other sources of calcium, such as canned salmon and tuna, almonds and fortified soy-milk, is important.
Dietary Habits
The way you approach your foods can also influence your colitis symptoms and overall wellness. Eat small, frequent meals, as opposed to a few, large meals and stay properly hydrated by consuming plenty of water daily. Dining in a pleasurable atmosphere with limited distractions can help promote calmness, enjoyment and digestive ease. Aim for balanced meals and snacks to help ensure nutritional wellness and balanced, healthy energy levels. Consume lean, roasted chicken breast atop enriched or whole grain bread with steamed vegetables or canned fruit, for example, rather than bread or chicken alone. Keeping a food journal that tracks your food and beverage intake along with any notable symptoms may help you determine your personal trigger foods and provides a useful tool during visits with health care professionals.
