Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammation of the large intestine. This inflammation causes ulcers to form, which causes you to experience diarrhea. Sometimes the diarrhea is bloody or contains pus. Ulcerative colitis is thought be the result of an impaired immune system combined with dietary or environmental triggers. While your diet does not cause ulcerative colitis, you can manage your disease and control flare-ups by following a few dietary guidelines.
Good Foods
Eat a well-balanced diet. Try to eat enough calories each day and focus on adding protein to your diet. If you are lactose intolerant as well, omit milk products or take a supplement such as Lactaid. Otherwise add dairy to your diet as a source of protein. Eat fish, meat, soy and chicken. Include whole grains, complex carbohydrates and good fats.
Foods to Avoid
Avoid foods that are fatty, such as butter and heavy cream. Limit fried foods since greasy foods can irritate your intestines. High-fiber foods should also be avoided or limited. This includes bran cereal, bran muffins, popcorn and nuts. Spicy food and seasonings may also irritate your ulcerative colitis and should not be eaten. Different foods act as triggers for different people. If you know a certain food or style of cooking irritates your colon, avoid eating it. Alcohol, caffeine, soft drinks, dried fruits and raw vegetables can trigger an acute episode of ulcerative colitis. Other foods to consider eliminating are cabbage, broccoli and beans.
Food Preparation
Eat small amounts of food with each sitting and eat several times a day rather than eating three large meals. Drink a lot of water but drink it in small amounts, spaced frequently throughout your day. Prepare bland foods. Cook vegetables by steaming, boiling or microwaving. Trim fat from meat and prepare it so the fat drains away while cooking. Do not fry your meat but bake or broil it instead. Do not eat deep-fried foods. If you suspect a specific food bothers your colon, eliminate it for a while and see if your condition improves. If your symptoms clear up and return when you resume eating the food, you will know to add it to your list of foods to avoid. In that way you can gradually eliminate the foods which bother you. If you find that your diet becomes too limited, you should consult with your doctor or a dietitian to ensure your nutritional needs are being met. You doctor may also suggest you take multivitamins to supply missing nutrients.
Tags: your diet, ulcerative colitis, irritate your, small amounts, your colon