Ulcerative colitis is a digestive tract disease related to irritable bowel syndrome and is painful, with symptoms such as intestinal cramping, loose and bloody stools, and explosive diarrhea. It is believed the condition is a result of a poor diet, but in developed countries where food is plentiful, doctors believe the condition is a result of eating wheat, a bane for those with gluten sensitivities. There's no cure for ulcerative colitis, but through diet management, symptoms can be controlled.
Baked Goods
Breads, cereals, cookies, cakes and pastas can still be enjoyed when choosing to follow a gluten-free diet. Wheat is the primary ingredient in many baked goods, so it is vital you read the ingredient list and nutritional information listed on the product's packaging prior to buying --- you may be surprised to find out wheat gluten is an ingredient in many goods like gravies, soups and cereals that seemingly aren't made from wheat. Replace wheat-based baked goods with those made from rice or corn; many grocery stores have such products labeled on the shelf or have sections in their whole foods or organic foods department.
Fruits and Vegetables
Good news: Fresh produce has no gluten. Fruits and vegetables fresh from the market are 100 percent gluten-free; canned or prepared vegetables may contain trace amounts, so again, read the labels on such goods to make sure gluten hasn't been added, which is common in some processed canned goods like creamed corn and vegetable soup. Certain vegetable and fruit dishes such as cobblers or casseroles can still be enjoyed by using gluten-free flours for crusts.
Meats
Most processed meat contains gluten as a preservative or as a flavor enhancer. Fried chicken and fish are two examples where gluten is used. These foods can still be enjoyed by using cornstarch or crushed corn cereal to form the coating. When dining out --- a problem for those with gluten sensitivities --- choose baked or grilled meats or remove the coating, if possible, by pulling the skin from fried chicken.
Snacks, Seasonings and Desserts
Popular snacks like tortilla chips or seasoned nuts contain wheat gluten, which is used to enhance flavor, especially in spicier snacks. Choose plain, unflavored chips and snacks or choose rice-based cookies and crackers as an alternative. Seasonings like Tex-Mex flavor usually contain gluten, so use seasonings like crushed red pepper or sea salt to flavor dishes. Generally speaking, ice cream doesn't contain gluten, but avoid cookie dough, cheesecake or brownie flavors, as these usually contain trace amounts of wheat.
References
- "Gluten Free for a Healthy Life"; Kimberly A. Tessmer; 2003
- PubMed Health: Ulcerative Colitis Overview
