Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by the inflammation of the colon and rectum. Ulcerative colitis can be debilitating. Symptoms may include severe abdominal pain, open ulcers, chronic diarrhea, weight loss, anemia, lack of appetite and joint pain. There is no known cure for inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis. The goal of dietary treatment is to reduce inflammation, control acute flare-ups, relieve symptoms and prolong remission. Following a low-fat, no-fiber diet will allow your bowel to rest and help you manage your condition.
Vegetables
Usually, eating high-fiber fruits and vegetables is considered the foundation of a healthy diet. However, if you suffer from ulcerative colitis, fiber can make diarrhea, abdominal pain and gas worse. Eat two to three servings of vegetables each day. A serving is equal to 1/2 cup cooked vegetables. Ulcerative colitis affects each person differently; if eating raw vegetables causes you gastrointestinal distress, try them cooked. Avoid high-fiber and gas-producing vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, corn, beets, winter squash, onions, sauerkraut and baked beans. Choose from strained and canned vegetables, carrots, asparagus, cucumber, lettuce, green beans, pureed spinach, tomato sauce and potatoes without skin.
Fruit
Fruits contain important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to promote good health. Eat between two and three servings of fruit each day. A serving is equal to one medium fruit, 1/2 cup cut-up fresh, canned or frozen fruit or 4 oz. of 100 percent fruit juice. Select strained fruit juice, canned or cooked varieties and fruit without skins or seeds. Try ripe bananas, soft melon, peeled apples, peaches, nectarines, plums, papaya and fruit canned in light syrup. Avoid dried raw or dried fruit, prunes and prune juice, berries with seeds, fruit skin and fruit canned in heavy syrup, which may exacerbate diarrhea.
Grains
Grains are an important part of any healthy diet. Eat six to 11 servings of grains each day. A serving is equal to one slice of bread or 1/2 cup of cereals, rice or pasta. Enriched white breads, rolls, biscuits, muffins, waffles, pancakes, white rice and pasta, plain crackers, puffed rice, corn flakes, cream of wheat and grits are the suitable grain products. Choose products with less than 2 g of fiber per serving and no added fat. It is important to avoid whole grains, whole wheat, pumpernickel, brown or wild rice, granola cereals and foods made with nuts, seeds or dried fruits. Refined grains are the best choice for ulcerative colitis because they contain less fiber than whole grains.
Dairy
Limit your intake of dairy products, which may make diarrhea worse. Also, you may have a lactose intolerance that causes additional abdominal pain, gas and diarrhea. These symptoms will improve when you limit or eliminate dairy. If you continue to eat dairy, choose buttermilk, evaporated or low-fat milk, nonfat yogurt, low-fat ice cream, pudding and low-fat cheese, such as cottage cheese. Avoid whole milk, half-and-half, yogurt with nuts, seeds or berries and full-fat ice cream. You may eat up to two servings of dairy products per day. A serving is equal to 1 cup of milk, 8 oz. of yogurt, 1/2 cup of ice cream or 1 1/2 oz. of cheese. This includes lactose-free products.
Meat and Meat Substitutes
While meat and meat substitutes are rich in protein, avoid tough, fibrous meats with gristle and limit fats that can increase stool bulk. You should eat two to three portions per day. A portion is equal to 2 to 3 oz cooked meat, poultry or fish or one egg. Choose tender, well-cooked, ground or lean meats, poultry, eggs or egg whites and soy prepared without fat. Avoid cooked beans, peas and lentils, which are are rich in fiber. Avoid fried meats, deli meats, crunchy peanut butter and fried eggs to keep fat intake low.
Diet Tips
You may find eating five or six small meals throughout the day, rather than two or three large meals, helps your ulcerative colitis symptoms. It is important to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Water is considered the best fluid, but you can also choose 100 percent fruit juice, soft drinks, milk and broth. Avoid caffeinated beverages, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcohol and carbonated beverages, which may make your diarrhea worse. You may require a multivitamin supplement due to the lack of nutrient absorption in the intestines. Consult your doctor before taking a supplement.
