Ulcerative colitis, or colitis ulcerosa, is a type of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by diarrhea, rectal bleeding, stomach cramps and pain during bowel movements. The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America says that proper nutrition is a vital component of ulcerative colitis management because the chronic diarrhea associated with the condition can deplete the body of electrolytes, fluids and nutrients.
Diet During Remission
Ulcerative colitis is characterized by periods of active symptoms alternating with periods of remission. During periods of remission, the focus of the diet for ulcerative colitis is to provide the nutrients you need through a balanced diet. The diet should consist of lean meat, fish, poultry, whole-grain bread, whole-grain cereal, starches and plenty of fruits and vegetables. The best sources of fat include oils, such as olive oil, flaxseed oil, vegetable oil and soybean oil.
Many people with ulcerative colitis are lactose intolerant as well. If you are lactose intolerant, you must limit milk products or take a lactase supplement to improve your body's tolerance of milk products. If you are not lactose intolerant, include low-fat and non-fat dairy products, such as milk and yogurt.
Diet During Flareups
During a flareup of symptoms, certain foods can make your condition worse. Because of this, a low-residue diet is usually recommended during times of active symptoms. A low-residue diet limits any foods that is not digested and contributes to your stool. The purpose of a low-residue diet is to reduce the amount of stress on your digestive tract, allowing it to heal.
If your doctor recommends a low-residue diet during a flareup, avoid whole grains, whole vegetables, whole fruits, tough meats, peanut butter, seeds, nuts, coconut and marmalade. You must also avoid any condiments, such as dressings or jellies, that contain seeds or nuts. Dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, pudding and ice cream, should be limited to no more than 2 cups per day. Your diet should consist of refined grains, white rice, vegetable juice, tender meats, fish, eggs, poultry and broth-based soups.
Considerations
A low-residue diet does not provide all of the calories and nutrients that you need to remain healthy. Because of this, a low-residue diet should only be followed for a short period of time. Once your symptoms have improved and your doctor feels as though you can tolerate normal foods, switch to a regular diet. If you have to stay on a low-residue diet for an extended period of time, work closely with a dietitian to determine how to meet your nutritional needs. It may be necessary to take a vitamin supplement.
Other Tips
In addition to what you eat, pay attention to how you eat. Eating five to six small meals throughout the day, rather than consuming three large meals can help relieve some stress on your digestive system. Eating slowly and chewing your food thoroughly can also help maximize digestion in your mouth and help reduce stress on your stomach. It is also important to stay hydrated, because chronic diarrhea can lead to dehydration if fluids are not replaced. Drink water -- carbonated beverages, caffeine and alcohol can make symptoms worse.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Ulcerative Colitis; February 2006
- MayoClinic.com; Ulcerative Colitis; Aug. 15, 2009
- Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America; About Ulcerative Colitis & Proctitis; July 25, 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Ulcerative Colitis; Dec. 1, 2008
- MayoClinic.com; Low-Residue Diet; Aug. 15, 2009
