Colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes swelling and sores in your large intestine, or colon. The most common symptoms, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, include abdominal cramping and diarrhea. You may also experience fatigue, reduced appetite, skin lesions, dehydration and nutrient deficiencies. Your symptoms may come and go and worsen in response to stress and certain foods. Although foods affect colitis sufferers, avoiding common problem foods may help manage your symptoms.
High-Fiber Foods
Fiber is an undigestible carbohydrate that promotes digestive function and cardiovascular health. Although it plays an important role in most healthy diets, fiber-rich foods may exacerbate pain and diarrhea during colitis flareups, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Foods particularly high in fiber include beans, lentils, wheat and oat bran, whole grains breads, cereals and pasta, nuts, seeds, and popcorn. Useful alternatives include white bread, instant rice, well-cooked enriched pasta and low-fiber cereals such as puffed rice.
Fatty Foods
Fatty foods may trigger or worsen gas and diarrhea if fat absorption is incomplete, according to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, which is particularly common if you've had large parts of your bowel removed. Common fatty foods include butter, margarine, pork products, fried foods, red and processed meats such as sausage, and creamy sauces. Replace fatty meats with skinless, baked chicken breasts and butter and margarine with trace amounts of olive or canola oil.
Dairy Products
Dairy products, although valuable sources of calcium and protein, can cause symptoms similar to colitis, such as diarrhea, stomach pain and gas. If you are lactose intolerant, or are unsure whether you tolerate lactose, the CCFA recommends avoiding dairy products. If you tolerate dairy products well, avoid particularly fatty varieties during a flareup, which may make gas and diarrhea worse. Particularly high-fat dairy products include heavy cream, whole milk, high-fat cheeses and foods based upon whole milk, such as cheesecake, full-fat ice cream and sour cream.
Alcohol and Caffeine
Maintaining proper fluid intake is important for preventing and reversing dehydration associated with diarrhea. Beverages containing alcohol or caffeine, however, stimulate your intestines, according to MayoClinic.com, which can exacerbate diarrhea. Carbonated drinks, such as soft drinks, may worsen gas. Common sources of caffeine include coffee, black tea, energy drinks, and diet and regular soft drinks and drinks. Avoid all alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, liquor and cocktails.
