Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by open sores, ulcers and inflammation of the large intestine. Symptoms include bloody, watery stools and rectal discomfort. Doctors do not typically recommend a specific diet for ulcerative colitis because people with the condition differ in what they can and cannot tolerate, especially during flare-ups of the disease. Following some specific guidelines, however, can help you feel most comfortable and find what works for you.
Foods to Include
A diet for ulcerative colitis should still try to include a variety of foods from the major food groups. Try to eat at least two vegetable servings with each meal, with the exception of breakfast. Peel any vegetables that have a clear skin, such as potatoes and carrots, and cook vegetables to a soft state to help with digestion. Some vegetable options are asparagus, avocado, carrots, chard, sweet potatoes, peas, eggplant and thoroughly-cooked canned beans. Raw fruits can be difficult to tolerate, so you might try stewing or baking. Good options include apples, mangoes, peaches, pears, bananas and melons. Your protein choices should focus on poultry and seafood. You might eat red meat once a month but it can be hard to digest, especially if cooked rare. Avoid all fried foods. Some whole grains, when thoroughly cooked, may be tolerated. Try buckwheat, oatmeal and cream of wheat.
Foods to Avoid
Many people with ulcerative colitis are also lactose intolerant. The diarrhea, gas and bloating associated with the consumption of milk products can worsen ulcerative colitis symptoms. Raw vegetables and certain whole grains, such as bran and shredded wheat, may also contribute to your symptoms. Be especially careful of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and other salad vegetables with skins and seeds. Also beware of berries, cherries, kiwi and watermelon. Chocolate, beets, cooked corn, grapes and cabbage are foods to avoid always. Plain water and herbal teas make good drink choices. Beverages with carbonation, caffeine or alcohol can stimulate the digestive tract and worsen diarrhea and gas.
Strategies
Because everyone with the condition is different, keeping a food diary that details which foods aggravate your symptoms can help you devise the best plan. Eating small meals often can help you get the calories your need without overloading your digestive tract. Drink plenty of water to keep your hydration levels up; if you have a flare-up, you might lose a lot of fluid through diarrhea.
Considerations
If you find eliminating dairy helps your symptoms, seek out alternative sources of calcium, including canned fish with the bones and fortified soy or almond milk. Unwanted weight loss can be a sign of nutrient malabsorption or deficiency, so check with your doctor right away. You might also speak to your doctor about taking vitamin and mineral supplements to make sure you are regularly getting all the nutrients you need.
References
- Drugs: Ulcerative Colitis
- Mayo Clinic; Ulcerative Colitis: Lifestyle and Home Remedies; MayoClinic staff; August 2009
- "The New Eating Right for a Bad Gut"; James Scala, Ph.D.; 2000
