Colitis is a chronic disease that causes inflammation and sores in your large intestine and rectum. Your symptoms may come and go episodically. They may also appear suddenly or develop over time. While many people with colitis believe dietary factors caused their illness, science does not uphold the theory, according to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. Genetics and viruses are more likely culprits. Easy-to-digest foods, as part of a healthy diet, may help prevent or minimize your symptoms.
Soft Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables supply rich amounts of antioxidants -- nutrients that help your body fight against infections and disease. Colitis can make it difficult to digest fiber-rich foods, particularly if you're prone to gas and diarrhea. In such cases, MayoClinic.com recommends steaming, baking or stewing fruits and vegetables rather than consuming them raw. Additional easy-to-digest options include canned fruit, apple sauce, soft or mashed bananas and broth-based vegetable soup.
Yogurt and Kefir
Yogurt and kefir provide beneficial bacteria known as probiotics. Probiotics may help reduce the effects of harmful bacteria in your digestive tract and provide modest benefits in reducing colitis symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Yogurt also provides a low-fat alternative to fatty protein sources, such as red meat, which may worsen diarrhea and inflammation. For best potential results, consume yogurt or kefir containing live active cultures, such as lactobacilli, routinely.
Soft Starches
Starches, such as cereals, breads and pasta, provide glucose -- your body's main dietary source of energy. Your doctor may recommend a low-fiber or low-residue diet temporarily to activity in your bowels, according to the CCFA. Low-fiber starch options include soft white breads, flour tortillas, instant or white rice and well-cooked, low-fiber hot cereal and pasta. If or when you're able to tolerate more fiber, gradually introduce whole grain breads, brown rice, oatmeal and other fiber-rich varieties.
Lean Meats, Fish and Eggs
Lean meats, fish and eggs are top sources of protein, which promotes tissue repair, physical strength and immune function. Proteins may be lost as a result of colitis, particularly follow severe diarrhea episodes. When this occurs, more food is needed to compensate, according to the CCFA. Easy-to-digest protein-rich foods include include leanest cuts of meat, such as sirloin steak and skinless white-meat poultry, eggs, egg whites and baked, broiled or poached fish. Cold-water fish, such as salmon, tuna, herring, flounder and lake trout, provide the added benefit of omega-3 fatty acids, which may help reduce inflammation.
