Ulcerative colitis is a condition that causes ulcers to form along the lining of the rectum and colon. The cause is unknown, and the symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, fever and blood in stools. Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease. While no specific diet exists for ulcerative colitis, general guidelines and recommendations are available for individuals suffering from this condition.
Carbohydrate Recommendations
It is important to obtain the bulk of your calories from complex carbohydrates, such as vegetables, grains and pasta. An example dinner menu can include 4 oz. of whole-grain pasta, 4 oz. of grilled chicken breast, 6 oz. of broccoli and one medium plum. Limit processed, high-sugar foods such as cakes and pies. Read food labels and avoid items prepared with sugar as the first ingredient.
Protein Recommendations
Your doctor will assess you individually and recommend a protein range to stay within daily. Generally, you are recommended to eat 0.36 g of protein per 1 lb. of body weight. Protein should come from lean meats, such as chicken breasts, as well as other sources, such as legumes and soy products. Ulcerative colitis patients are generally advised to limit red meat intake.
General Guidelines
Eat smaller, more frequent meals to ease the burden on your digestive system. You can eat five to six small meals throughout the day, consisting of breakfast, a mid-morning snack, lunch, a mid-afternoon snack, dinner and then an evening snack. Avoid foods that are considered junk foods. When dining out, choose dishes with lean meats and vegetables, avoiding casseroles and items with creamy sauces. Cook at home as much as possible, so you can control the ingredients in your food.
Caffeine and Food Intolerance
Because caffeine and caffeinated beverages stimulate the colon, your doctor may recommend limiting your caffeine intake from beverages such as coffee and tea. Since the immune system may be involved in ulcerative colitis, your doctor will test you for food sensitivities, such as gluten -- a protein found in wheat. If your doctor uncovers a food intolerance, you will need to eliminate the offending food from your diet.
Fiber Considerations
Dietary fiber, also known as roughage, is found in plants and contributes to the bulk of your stool. It promotes regularity and produces good intestinal bacteria, which help keep bad bacteria in check. Dietary fiber is important to digestion, but often when the colon is inflamed, it is recommended that you reduce your fiber intake to cut down on the amount of undigested roughage in the colon. Discuss your fiber intake with your doctor.
