Ulcerative colitis is a major type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic inflammation and sores or ulcers in the innermost lining of a person’s large intestines. Common symptoms include rectal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and abdominal pain. Ulcerative colitis can sometimes cause life-threatening complications like severe bleeding, colon cancer, bone loss, and blood clotting. It does not have a known cure, but the dietary interventions below can help to manage symptoms:
1. Eat smaller portions
If you have ulcerative colitis, eat many small meals instead of a few big meals. This will ensure that you do not overeat or starve yourself in between meals. It will also prevent stomach distress. You should also take a nice walk after every meal to improve your digestion.
2. Drink bone broth
Bone broth or puree soup is a nutrient-packed liquid that ulcerative colitis patients should drink regularly. It soothes your stomach ailments and boosts your energy and immune system. Research shows that including bone broth in your diet could help relieve symptoms of ulcerative colitis as it is a well known anti-inflammatory food.
3. Include cooked veggies in your diet
Another essential dietary hack for people with ulcerative colitis is to eat more anti-inflammatory foods like fresh fruits, nuts, sweet potatoes, and vegetables. If possible, ensure that these foods are in a highly digestible form. For instance, eat cooked or pureed veggies instead of a raw salad. According to healthcare experts, steaming these vegetables is better than boiling them because it prevents nutrient loss. Alternatively, you can make vegetable smoothies or soups. If you prefer cooked fruits and veggies, prepare them using healthy fats like olive oil.
4. Eat refined grains
People with ulcerative colitis should also incorporate refined grains, such as oatmeal, gluten-free bread, potatoes, and white rice, in their diet. Manufacturers enrich most whole grain products with added vitamins and minerals, making them difficult to digest.
5. Avoid spicy and greasy foods
Some types of foods can trigger ulcerative colitis symptoms. For example, spicy foods and various greasy foods, such as French fries, will irritate your colon. Additionally, it is difficult for your gut to break down beans, broccoli, and other cruciferous vegetables.
6. Avoid dairy
Cheese, milk, and other dairy products cause digestive distress and trigger ulcerative colitis symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain. To prevent these flare-ups, avoid consuming these products entirely. Alternatively, you can substitute cow milk with soy or almond milk.
7. Eat probiotic-rich foods
It is also advisable to incorporate foods containing active probiotics in your ulcerative colitis diet. Yogurt, miso, kombucha, and sauerkraut are excellent examples. These foods contain “good” bacteria that assist in digestion and prevent stomach distress. Therefore, ensure that you consume them regularly.
8. Stay hydrated
Ulcerative colitis can cause severe dehydration due to diarrhea. For this reason, people with this condition should drink a lot of fluids, including water and tea. Consider mixing your tea with other healthy products like roasted dandelion to improve digestion and detoxification. Ginger tea also helps to relieve abdominal pain. However, avoid taking alcohol and carbonated drinks because they can add gas and trigger ulcerative colitis flare-ups.
9. Keep a food diary
Having a food diary will help you know the foods that affect your tract. Record what you eat in every meal and how you feel several hours after. Ensure that you write down any symptoms you experience. Analyze the diary after several weeks and remove the foods that cause discomfort or other ulcerative colitis symptoms.
