Also known as ulcerative colitis, colitis is a painful condition that causes you to experience inflammation in the rectum and colon, which can cause sore-like ulcers to develop. This condition is an inflammatory bowel disease that can cause unpleasant symptoms like bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, joint pain, fatigue and appetite loss. Your physician may recommend eating a special diet that minimizes intestinal inflammation to relieve colitis symptoms.
Fiber
Fiber-containing foods like whole grain bread, apples and broccoli contain portions that are not broken down in the body. This normally adds bulk to your stool, helping to move digested material through your intestines. When you have colitis, however, this can in some instances make symptoms worse. If you experience symptoms like diarrhea, pain and gas after eating fruits and vegetables, you may wish to minimize fiber's effects by steaming, baking or stewing these foods before you eat them. This makes the foods easier to digest, reducing unpleasant symptoms.
Smaller Meals
Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help colitis sufferers minimize symptoms. This reduces the amount of food digested at a time, putting less pressure on your intestines. Try meals that are low in fat yet packed with nutrients. Examples might include a half-turkey sandwich and yogurt, a small bagel spread with peanut butter and a piece of fruit or a bowl of cereal with berries sprinkled on it.
Minimize Stomach Upset
While colitis is not the result of a food allergy, certain foods can upset your digestive tract more than others. Keep a food journal and note any meals where you experience unpleasant symptoms and make an effort to avoid these foods in your diet. Some common foods that contribute to gas or abdominal discomfort include beans, cabbage, broccoli, raw fruit juices, fruits, popcorn, alcohol and caffeine-containing beverages.
Fluids
Drinking plenty of water is important to reducing colitis symptoms. Because you may frequently experience diarrhea as a side effect of colitis, drinking plenty of water helps to reduce dehydration that can occur as a side effect of diarrhea. Water also helps digested food move more easily through your intestines. Remember that alcohol and caffeine-containing beverages can have dehydrating effects on the body.
Heart-Healthy Foods
The key to a diet for colitis is to eat healthy, fresh foods. These help you maintain a healthy body and give you nutrients that help you feel good. Choose from lean meat sources like poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts and pair them with fresh fruits and vegetables that do not upset your stomach. If you are having a colitis flare-up, blending fruit smoothies and protein drinks can help to provide calories and nutrients while being easy on the stomach.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Ulcerative Colitis Lifestly and Home Remedies; August 2009
- Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America: Diet and Nutrition
- eMedTV.com; Ulcerative Colitis Diet; Dr. Arthur Schoenstadt; September 2008
- PubMed Health; Ulcerative Colitis; December 2010
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Ulcerative Colitis; February 2006
