People who suffer from ulcerative colitis have inflammation and sores on the lining of the lower digestive tract. Symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, rectal bleeding, frequent bowel elimination, joint pain, anemia, loss of appetite and skin lesions. Although diet does not cause ulcerative colitis, modifying your eating habits may alleviate some symptoms of the disease. Discuss your diet and condition with a physician before adopting a new meal plan.
High-Fat Foods
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis can be exacerbated by high-fat foods. It is best to avoid greasy or fried foods, including fast food and processed meals. Limit your use of heavy cream, margarine, butter and other fatty products. These foods may cause diarrhea or gas.
High-Fiber Foods
Healthy people need plenty of fiber to promote frequent bowel movements, but high-fiber foods can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea or gas in people with ulcerative colitis. Common sources of fiber include fresh fruits, vegetables, whole-grain products, beans and nuts. Limit your consumption of these foods to decrease your gastrointestinal distress. The Mayo Clinic website recommends steaming, stewing or baking fruits and vegetables instead of eating them raw to improve ulcerative colitis symptoms.
Spicy Foods
Spicy foods may increase your gastrointestinal problems. Limit the amount of hot peppers, curry and other spicy foods you eat. Replacing spicy foods with bland, soft alternatives eases digestion and may prevent diarrhea or gas.
Dairy Products
Some people with ulcerative colitis are lactose intolerant, meaning that they are unable to digest the milk sugar found in dairy products. Eliminating dairy products from your diet may improve diarrhea, abdominal distress and flatulence. Consider replacing dairy products with soy alternatives or taking a lactase enzyme supplement to promote proper digestion of milk sugars. Without dairy products in your diet, you may not receive enough calcium or vitamin D. Talk to a doctor about your diet and supplement needs if you think you are lactose intolerant to create a healthy eating plan that works for you.
Beverages
People with ulcerative colitis should avoid certain beverages. Alcohol and caffeinated beverages tend to dehydrate you, which may exacerbate your symptoms. Drink plenty of water or decaffeinated green tea throughout the day to keep yourself hydrated.
Considerations
Different foods may cause a flare-up of ulcerative colitis symptoms for you, so carefully monitor the foods you eat and the effect they have on your condition. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, eating several small meals throughout the day can help your symptoms improve. Ulcerative colitis may affect your body's ability to absorb important vitamins and minerals, so you may need to take dietary supplements to get the recommended amounts of these nutrients. Talk to a physician or dietitian to ensure that you receive the nutrients you need.
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