Boosting fiber in your diet is easy. It is abundant in lots of foods and is added to others, ranging from snack bars to yogurt. But fiber that’s a big plus for most people can be a big problem if you have ulcerative colitis. Instead of adding fiber to your diet, you might have to limit it—and experiment to find fiber-rich foods you can handle.
About Ulcerative Colitis
You’re no stranger to dietary dilemmas if you have ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD. Chronic inflammation and ulcers in your digestive tract, primarily in the colon, can cause difficult symptoms including abdominal pain, bleeding and diarrhea. Diet is not the root cause of the inflammation, but foods and drinks can play a role in your symptoms.
Impact of Fiber
According to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, high-fiber foods can worsen your symptoms in various ways. Because they are only partially digested as they pass through the small intestine, they may cause painful contractions when they enter the colon. Some high-fiber foods may cause diarrhea. Others, such as nuts, seeds, corn and popcorn, may cause cramping. A low-fiber diet often is recommended for people with IBD, according to the foundation’s website.
Experimenting With Fiber
The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation advises that you keep a food diary to track your symptoms and determine which foods bother you. You might find that high-fiber foods, such as whole-grain breads and cereals, worsen your pain, diarrhea and gas. MayoClinic.com suggests that some fiber-rich foods might be easier for you to digest if you prepare them differently. For example, instead of eating fruits and vegetables raw, you can try stewing, steaming or baking them.
Other Recommendations
Fiber-rich foods are healthful for most people, but if you have ulcerative colitis, you should talk to your doctor before increasing fiber in your diet. Be sure to help your digestion by drinking plenty of water and other fluids. And as you scrutinize the high-fiber foods in your diet, you also should consider other foods and drinks that might be bothering you. Common culprits may include dairy products, alcohol, caffeine and carbonated drinks.
