Ulcerative Colitis Diet

What kind of diet should I be on if I have ulcerative colitis? First and foremost, any online resource, including this blog, is no substitution for the advice of your GI physician and/or nutritionist. People with ulcerative colitis do have to follow certain dietary restrictions, eliminating some foods from their diet, but it is best to consult with your physician first, above all else. Online resources are for informational purposes only, so feel free to learn from them. Take what you learn and use that knowledge to ask more in-depth and intelligent questions when consulting your physician about an ulcerative colitis diet.

Dairy

Many people with ulcerative colitis stay away from dairy products, especially those that are lactose intolerant. People who eliminate, or reduce dairy products when having an ulcerative colitis flare-up may experience lessening of symptoms such as abdominal pain and bowel movements.

Fiber

If you are an ulcerative colitis vet, having had ulcerative colitis for more than a year or so, you know fiber can be a huge no-no. Fiber is especially tough for the digestive system to breakdown, and during an active UC flare-up, it can be murder on your intestines. Fiber can worsen your symptoms dramatically if not careful. Common fiber foods include whole grains, and raw fruits and vegetables.

If you must eat fiber, consult with your physician about what foods are okay to eat. Often, steaming or baking these foods will help break them down, making them easier to digest.

Popcorn, Corn, Nuts and Seeds

These are simply the 4 no way, no how foods that people with ulcerative colitis know to stay away from. These foods are hard to digest, and when chewed and broken down, the small pieces may become stuck or lodged in the intestines. This is worse during a flare-up, when these foods may get caught in the inflamed intestine or ulcers. Symptoms can be drastically worse with these foods.

Alcohol and Caffeine

Any drinks containing these should be avoided as well. They can stimulate the intestines, worsening symtpoms such as gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain and cramping.

Eat Smaller Meals

Not only is eating 5 meals a day good practice for people with ulcerative colitis, but this type of diet is good for everyone. Eating 5 meals a day instead of 2 or 3 puts less stress on your intestines, with the smaller amounts of food easier to pass thorugh than large quantities all at once.

Drink Plenty of Liquids

Water. Lots and lots of water in your diet. Some juices may be good too, and electrolyte drinks such as Gatorade may also be beneficial. Be sure to check with your physician before drinking large amounts of Gatorade, and drinks like it. Depending on your blood's electrolyte count, your physician may or may not advise drinking this type of drink.

Multivitamins

Multivitamins are important, especially during flare-ups. Because the intestines are so inflamed, often they cannot absorb all the nutrients the body needs. Multivitamins can help remedy that, but giving the body vitamins and minerals it may be missing out on.