Foods to eat and avoid with ulcerative colitis
Dietary measures—such as eating or avoiding certain foods—can help manage ulcerative colitis (UC). Foods include cooked vegetables and lean protein. But, alcohol and processed meats can make symptoms worse.
There is no single diet for people with ulcerative colitis. But identifying and eliminating foods that trigger symptoms can help reduce discomfort.
Doctors do not know the exact cause of this disease, but they believe it is related to environmental factors. Westernized diet and lifestyle, and genetics. Dietary management can help a person manage ulcerative colitis.
This article examines which foods can trigger ulcerative colitis. It also looks at which foods may benefit people with this form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
A person's diet can contain a variety of potential triggers, so it can be difficult for someone with ulcerative colitis to know what is safe to eat.
Certain nutrients, such as fiber, may be difficult for some to digest during a flare-up. They may be able to eat these foods outside of a flare-up, but find that they cause discomfort when symptoms occur.
Because they may not be able to consume a variety of foods, people with ulcerative colitis are at higher risk of nutrient deficiencies. Other factors can also contribute to this, such as problems with nutrient absorption.
To ensure they get enough nutrients, someone with ulcerative colitis needs to eat foods high in vitamins and minerals. Including iron, calcium, and vitamin A.
Some of the more suitable foods for someone with ulcerative colitis may include:
Foods rich in omega-3s: Foods such as salmon, mackerel, walnuts, flaxseed, and hemp. And chia seeds provide plenty of omega-3 fatty acids that may have health benefits for people with ulcerative colitis. The International Organization for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IOIBD) recommends. A higher intake of these foods for people with the disease.
Some probiotic foods: These include yogurts that contain active probiotics. The "good" bacteria in them can aid digestion. Some studies have shown that regular use of probiotics can help reduce ulcerative colitis flare-ups and symptoms.
Low-fiber fruits: Fruits such as bananas, melons, and cooked fruits may be good for people with ulcerative colitis.
Refined grains: May be easier to digest than whole grains. These include potatoes, white pasta, gluten-free bread, white rice, and oatmeal. Manufacturers enrich many white bread and grain products with more minerals and vitamins.
Lean protein: Protein sources that exclude red meat may be suitable for someone with ulcerative colitis. These include fish, chicken, eggs, and firm tofu.
Cooked vegetables: People with ulcerative colitis. Can tolerate non-cruciferous cooked vegetables without their skins. These include cucumbers, squash, and asparagus tips.
Plenty of fluids: People with conditions such as ulcerative colitis may need to drink more fluids. As diarrhea can lead to dehydration.
Dietary supplements:
Oral vitamin supplements and protein shakes can help people. With ulcerative colitis get enough nutrients. But, one should consult a doctor before starting to take supplements.
Diet can affect ulcerative colitis flare-ups. But, this will vary from person to person as not all people react to certain foods in the same way.
Certain foods can act as potential triggers for ulcerative colitis.
These include:
Lactose products: Lactose is a sugar found in dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. While lactose is not problematic for all people with ulcerative colitis. These products can trigger symptoms in some individuals.
Red meat and processed meat: IOIBD recommends that people with ulcerative colitis limit their intake. These foods to avoid worsening symptoms.
Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages such as wine, beer, and liquor can trigger ulcerative colitis symptoms in some people.
Carbonated drinks: Some sodas and beers contain carbon dioxide, which can irritate the digestive tract and cause gas. A 2022 study also linked drinking carbonated soft drinks. With a higher risk of developing ulcerative colitis in the Arab population.
Non-absorbable sugars: Consuming artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol and mannitol can trigger symptoms. The sugars in some fruits, such as prunes, pears, and peaches, can also be difficult for the body to absorb and could make symptoms worse.
Foods with insoluble fiber: These include raw green vegetables such as broccoli, whole nuts, whole grains, and fruits with skin on. They can increase the number of bowel movements, the amount of gas, and abdominal cramps.
Sweet foods: Cakes, pastries, candies, and juices can trigger ulcerative colitis flare-ups.
High-fat foods: A person with ulcerative colitis should avoid foods. High in fat, such as butter, fatty meats, and coconut, and fatty, fried, or greasy foods.
Spicy foods: These include hot sauces, chilies, and hot peppers. Spicy foods can trigger or worsen flare-ups.
Gluten: This is a protein present in wheat, rye, and barley. It can sometimes trigger symptoms in patients with ulcerative colitis. A 2020 New Zealand review article found that in one 2014 study, a gluten-free diet benefited.
Dietary emulsifiers: According to IOIBD, people with ulcerative colitis. Should limit their intake of emulsifiers such as carboxymethylcellulose and polysorbate-80. Manufacturers add them to many processed foods.
Keeping a food diary is a good way for someone with ulcerative colitis to identify potential dietary triggers.
A daily food diary allows a person with this condition to make informed decisions about their diet. They should organize it so that it is easy to read and share with the doctor. Some useful information to include is:
date
which foods the person ate, including a list of extras such as sauces
the time of day when the person ate the food
any immediate reactions
any flare-up or worsening of symptoms
Food magazines are especially helpful when people want to add more types of food to their diet.
By adding one food at a time and recording it, a person can determine if a food is a safe choice based on their assessment of their symptoms.
Diet plans for people with ulcerative colitis will vary. The best ones tend to start with a food journal that shapes food choices and plans ideas.
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