Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammation of the mucous membranes lining your colon. It commonly causes ulcers, or open sores, along these membranes. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include hard stools, flatulence, abdominal bloating, pain and bloody diarrhea. Ulcerative colitis may cause the formation of diverticula, which are pouchlike bulges in your colon that trap waste and promote infection. Although diet cannot cure ulcerative colitis, proper dietary choices help reduce the symptoms of this condition.
Soy Milk
Substitute soy milk for dairy milk, and opt for soy cheese and yogurt instead of dairy versions. Dairy products may contribute to diarrhea associated with ulcerative colitis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Dairy products also contain saturated fats that may worsen inflammation. Soy-based dairy replacements offer protein and calcium without the saturated fats found in dairy products.
Vitamin C-Rich Foods
Add foods rich in vitamin C to your diet. These include grapefruit, pomegranates, avocados, oranges, limes, lemons, blueberries and strawberries. Vitamin C is necessary for immune system function, which may help reduce your risk of diverticula infection, according to Phyllis Balch, C.N.C., author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." This vitamin also promotes the healing of mucous membranes. Opting for fruits as snacks or desserts is a simple way to add natural vitamin C to your diet.
Whole-Grains
Opt for whole-grain pastas and breads instead of white-flour versions. Refined flour often aggravate ulcerative colitis symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloating, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Whole-grain products that contain wheat bran and germ may have a less dramatic effect on symptoms. If symptoms increase, reduce or eliminate your intake of grains.
Pyridoxine-Rich Foods
Pyridoxine, more commonly known as vitamin B-6, is essential for the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats derived from food sources. These nutrients are essential for the repair of mucous membranes lining your colon, according to Balch. Improved breakdown of these nutrients may decrease the workload on your intestines, and reduce inflammation and pain. Sunflower seeds, walnuts, carrots, tuna, salmon and cantaloupe are rich sources of pyridoxine.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C. et al.; 2010
- Univeersity of Maryland Medical Center: Ulcerative Colitis
