According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, ulcerative colitis is a disease that causes sores and inflammation in the inner layers of the large intestine and the rectum, rather than throughout the digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis is incurable, but patients find relief from the disease through eating a healthy diet. The University of Michigan Surgical Department recommends a diet that does not trigger bowel movements or rectal spasms if you are suffering from ulcerative colitis; so you should not consider a colon cleanse for relief from this disease.
What Is a Colon Cleanse?
The most common colon cleanse procedure uses liquid to flush out the contents of your colon by inserting a rectal tube into the anus. Pumping fluid at least five feet into the colon is required for emptying its contents. After a few minutes, the colon waste flows out along with the pumped fluid, explains gastroenterologist, Mark Larson, M.D., of the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Larson does not recommend colon cleansing because it can cause colon damage.
Since ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and bleeding in the colon, a colon cleanse will only add to the problem.
Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms
Ulcerative colitis is often mistaken for other bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and inflammatory bowel disease because of the similar symptoms. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles states that symptoms include pain in the abdomen, fatigue, bloody diarrhea, bleeding from the rectum, fatigue, no appetite and dehydration.
Medical Testing
If you have any of these symptoms, a gastroenterologist can determine if you have ulcerative colitis by performing a colonoscopy to see inside your colon. During a colonoscopy, the doctor inserts a tube known as an endoscope into your rectum that lights up the colon. Any swelling, sores or bleeding in the colon appear on a computer screen.
Another test for bowel problems is the barium enema X-ray. The doctor can see any irritations in your bowels after pumping the chalky, barium solution into your rectum and taking an X-ray.
Diet Recommendations
Depending upon your age, the severity of your symptoms and your overall health, your doctor will recommend a diet that will help keep ulcerative colitis under control.
Because of the risks of malnutrition and dehydration, a balanced diet is important to maintain proper nutrition if you have ulcerative colitis.
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends foods high in protein and nutrients like fish, chicken, meat, yogurt, cheese, and fruits and vegetables. Some patients may also need iron supplements and probiotics to help relieve symptoms.
Foods to Avoid
Avoid nuts, bran, seeds, butter, heavy cream and caffeine because they are likely to give you diarrhea and cause bloating. Bland foods and soft foods are easy to digest. Cut down on any spices that could activate ulcerative colitis symptoms.
