Colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease marked by inflammation within the walls of your digestive tract. It usually develops along one continuous section of the large intestines, causing abdominal pain, bloody stools, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fatigue and weight loss. While certain foods are known to worsen symptoms associated with this condition, your diet doesn't appear to increase -- or cause, for that matter -- the inflammation. This isn't to say dietary changes aren't necessary in managing the condition, but there isn't a single diet that can improve colitis for everyone. Dietary changes should be individualized for best results.
Fiber
Although your diet should be tailored to your specific needs, fiber is one of the more problematic food components for colitis -- as well as other inflammatory bowel diseases, advises the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. Fiber moves through the digestive tract almost entirely intact, so it tends to increase the rate of contractions in the colon once food empties from your small intestines. For many people with colitis, this can increase the intensity of abdominal cramping and pain. Limit your intake of foods high in fiber to see if symptoms improve.
Dairy
Dairy is another common food that leads to problems for people with colitis, namely when this form of IBD is accompanied by lactose intolerance, notes MayoClinic.com. If you're unable to digest lactose, your abdominal pain, cramping and diarrhea could worsen, so limit your intake of dairy products to see if this improves your condition.
Gas-Forming Foods
Foods that tend to increase intestinal gas can sometimes be challenging for people with colitis. These foods vary from person to person, so it goes back to the need for an individualized diet plan. However, some of the more common offenders include greasy foods, fatty foods, legumes, fruit and cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. Fruit juices, carbonated beverages, caffeine and alcohol can also increase gas, leading to more intense pain and cramping.
Meals
Besides limiting your intake of certain foods, you may find limiting the portion sizes of your meals improves symptoms of colitis. Basically, you're trying to regulate the amount of food in your digestive tract at one time, which decreases the likelihood of flare-ups. Instead of eating three square meals a day, have five or six smaller meals over the course of the day.
