Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation in the digestive tract and affects the large intestine’s innermost lining. Rectal bleeding, diarrhea accompanied by blood, cramps are some of the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Read on to know about dietary tips for ulcerative colitis.

• Ensure you have a high-calorie diet on a daily basis as people affected by this condition tend to lose weight and develop malnutrition.
• Ulcerative colitis is mostly accompanied with lactose intolerance as well. Therefore, avoid dairy products.
• Although high amounts of carbohydrates are recommended, watch your intake of fat as fat absorption is disrupted by ulcerative colitis, causing symptoms to worsen. Low-fat diets are most suitable during flare-ups.
• A low fiber diet reduces the frequency of bowel movements and prevents the severity and frequency of cramps. High-fiber content foods that should be avoided are as follows:
  • Beans
  • Peas
  • Legumes
  • Spinach
  • Dried fruits
  • Fruits with pulp or seeds.
  • Whole grains
• A low salt diet is recommended when you are on corticosteroid therapy to prevent water retention.
• Ensure you’re getting all the right nutrients as ulcerative colitis causes bleeding and diarrhea, resulting in dehydration, nutrition deficiency, and electrolyte imbalance. If you are unable to balance these nutrients in your diet, talk to your doctor about supplements.
• Instead of taking three large meals, far apart, take smaller meals frequently throughout the day. This can help you maintain your energy levels, facilitate nutrition absorption, and compensate for all the lost nutrients.
• Avoid alcohol as it stimulates the intestine, triggering diarrhea.
• Avoid caffeine as it speeds up the colon’s transit time resulting in frequent trips to the restroom.
• Carbonated drinks cause gas and irritate the digestive tract.
• Food items containing sulfates increase gas production in the body, which can further irritate the digestive tract and worsen symptoms. Some of these items include
  • Beer and wine
  • Juices and milk
  • Eggs
  • Cheese
  • Dried apples and apricots
  • Almond
  • Peanuts
  • Red meat
  • Cruciferous vegetables.
• Nuts, crunchy nut butter, seeds, and other small, hard items are hard to break down and digest, which increases the severity of the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Bloating, diarrhea, and cramping may significantly worsen after consuming these foods.
• Hot and spicy foods can worsen the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.
• Increase your intake of fish containing omega-3 fatty acids as they help reduce inflammation during a flare-up.
• Lean meats and poultry can compensate for the proteins that are lost during an episode of diarrhea or bleeding.
• Probiotics mostly found in yogurt, kefir, and miso help in digestion. However, ensure that these products are low in sugar.
• Avocados are easily digestible, high in water content, and contain healthy fats. They facilitate digestion and are replete with nutrients.
• Juices and smoothies (without seeds and pulp) that are low in sugar are recommended as they are easy to ingest and digest.