Dealing with the symptoms of ulcerative colitis can be overwhelming. Paying attention to what you eat and making appropriate changes to your diet may help decrease symptoms of flare-ups and promote healing. Caffeine is one substance associated with worsening of symptoms during ulcerative colitis flares.
Problem Foods
You may not need to change your diet when you are symptom-free, but certain foods can intensify symptoms, such as abdominal pain, gas and diarrhea. The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America recommends keeping a food journal to identify foods that aggravate your symptoms. Some of the most likely culprits include dairy products, greasy and fried foods, and popcorn. You may need to avoid high-fiber foods such as such as fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly in their raw state, and whole grains. Some beverages also tend to cause problems, including those containing caffeine.
Problem Beverages
Alcohol and caffeine stimulate the intestines, an effect that can worsen diarrhea. Regular tea and coffee are prime examples of caffeinated beverages. Caffeinated soda can be a double whammy, as any type of carbonated drink tends to cause gas.
Research
A study published in the February 2005 issue of "Nutritional Journal" discusses a possible connection between ulcerative colitis symptoms and substances that have a negative effect on thiamine in the body. Foods and beverages scoring high for their association with a very active disease state included white and red wine, lager, soft drinks from concentrate, burgers and sausages. These all contained the additive sulfite. Caffeine also has anti-thiamine properties. Patients drinking decaffeinated coffee had a better clinical state than those drinking caffeinated coffee.
Symptom-Reducing Foods
The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America lists numerous foods that are more likely than others to minimize symptoms during flare-ups. Some of these foods include white bread and rice, refined pasta, plain cereal, crackers made with white flour, bananas, canned fruit, applesauce and other bland soft foods, cooked vegetables, potatoes without the skin, broth, smooth peanut butter, and broiled or steamed fish. Cheese is OK as long as you're not lactose intolerant. Recommended beverages include fruit juice and sports drinks. Having smaller, more frequent meals also may help you feel better during flare-ups.
References
- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America: Diet and Nutrition
- Mayo Clinic: Ulcerative Colitis - Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- "Nutrition Journal"; Associations Between Diet and Disease Activity in Ulcerative Colitis Patients Using a Novel Method of Data Analysis; Elizabeth Magee, et al.; February 2005
- MedlinePlus: Thiamine
