The inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, affects your large intestine, which is where digested and undigested food ends up before processing out of your body as waste. The disease can alter the way you absorb food nutrients and impact your appetite and bowel regularity. Although ulcerative colitis results in digestive disturbance, no specific food causes or cures the condition; however, what you eat may have an impact on the intensity of your symptoms.
Nutritional Basics
Eating a well-balanced diet is imperative for your overall nutritional health, especially if you have ulcerative colitis, because your digestive system may not absorb nutrients as readily. The risk of nutritional deficiencies increases, and you need enough calories, protein, carbohydrates and vitamins to maintain healthy immune-system function before, during and after symptom flares. Healthy fats are also important for good nutrition, but in small portions. The best way to find the foods causing digestive upset is to track foods that cause symptoms, then eliminate the foods causing the most irritation. No specific diet exists for ulcerative colitis, but your physician can recommend common foods to avoid and help you create a working meal plan.
Bread, Rice, Cereal and Pasta
Grains are a source of fiber -- an important part of a healthy diet that helps regulate your bowels. However, during symptom flares, too much fiber can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain and gas. Between symptom flare-ups, you may find fibrous foods tolerable, but you will have to discover what works for you through trial and error. Low-fiber food alternatives include white bread, pasta or rice; grits or cooked cereal; and white-grained cold cereal. Whole grains have higher fiber content and may increase digestive upset during disease relapse.
Vegetables and Fruits
Choose well-cooked vegetables such as green beans, carrots and seedless squash, and skinless fruits and ripe bananas as rich sources of vitamins and minerals. Some produce has higher fiber content than others, which is why you might remove the skin of an apple or avoid raw vegetables. Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cabbage, may also induce noxious and painful flatulence when you have symptom flares. Beans and nuts may also cause irritation, so avoid or limit consumption.
Meat, Dairy and Fluids
Red meat does not digest well for ulcerative colitis sufferers, and it increases colon gas production -- but it is a source of protein. Replace red meat with fish and baked poultry to get adequate protein, but avoid frying these foods. Limit dairy consumption if you experience diarrhea, pain or gas after eating a product. If you can tolerate dairy, eating plain yogurt, cheese or milk once or twice a day allows you to get important nutrients like calcium. Drink plenty of water and non-carbonated beverages throughout the day. Caffeinated or alcoholic beverages may irritate your colon, so limit consumption.
References
- University of Virginia Digestive Health Center; Nutrition and Ulcerative Colitis; October 2010
- Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America; Diet and Nutrition; May 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Ulcerative Colitis; Mayo Clinic Staff; August 2009
- Jackson GI: Ulcerative Colitis Dietary Therapy
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Ulcerative Colitis -- Treatment; Harvey Simon, MD; December 2008
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center; Low-Residue/ Low-Fiber Diet; 2003
