You should monitor your diet if you have ulcerative colitis (UC). However, certain foods can trigger flares.
How can you avoid those triggers while getting enough nutrients? A food plan can assist a lot here.
No single diet works for everyone with UC. Because the condition can vary, your plan must be flexible. Find what works for you.
Keep a dietary diary. Please keep track of what you eat and drink, as well as how they make you feel. It takes practice, but it will help you track your progress and fine-tune your diet.
Remember that a balanced diet provides enough protein, entire grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
You may not be able to eat everything in the supermarket or on restaurant menus. Choose those you can enjoy without provoking your symptoms. Simple meal prep changes like steaming veggies or switching to low-fat dairy can help you eat healthier.
Some people eat low-fibre or low-residue diets occasionally, getting 10-15 grams of fibre per day. That can help you go less often.
A person’s diet may contain many possible triggers, making it difficult to know what is safe to eat.
During a flare, some nutrients, like fibre, may be difficult to digest. They may be able to eat various foods outside of a fit, but they cause discomfort.
Foods that cause symptoms differ by person. Ulcerative colitis patients must consume meals high in potassium, folate, magnesium, calcium, and iron.
Some good foods for ulcerative colitis sufferers include:
Applesauce is a nutritious food. However, applesauce’s high fibre and sugar content may cause bloating.
Salmon
Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which may help the digestive system.
Squash
Many cultivars are heavy in fibre, making them unsuitable for flaring. People with ulcerative colitis may tolerate squash.
Avocados
Avocados are loaded with nutrients and good fats.
Foods fermented
These include probiotic-rich yoghurts. These “good” bacteria can help digestion. Probiotics may help lessen flare-ups and symptoms, according to some research.
Oatmeal
Instant oatmeal is easier to digest than other grains and oats.
Refined grains
Grain pasta, bread, and cereal prepared from refined grains are excellent. Less digestible whole grains Many white pieces of bread and grain products are fortified with minerals and vitamins.
Eggs
Eggs provide essential nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids. They are easy to digest, making them suitable for an ulcerative colitis diet.
Drink lots of water:
Diarrhoea can cause dehydration in people with illnesses like ulcerative colitis.
The things we eat seem to influence when symptoms flare up.
Diets differ from person to person since not everyone reacts the same way to food.
Some foods are known to cause ulcerative colitis. These are:
Alcohol
Some people get diarrhoea from alcohol.
Carbonated drink
Carbonation in some sodas and beers can irritate the stomach and create flatulence. The sugar, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners in many carbonated beverages might cause symptoms.
High-fibre foods
Dried beans, fruits, whole grains and legumes are high-fibre foods. They may increase bowel motions, flatulence, and abdominal cramps.
Popcorn
Like other seeds and nuts, popcorn can be difficult to stomach.
Potatoes
Potatoes contain glycoalkaloids that may damage gut cell membrane integrity. Less common in baked or boiled potatoes.
Foods that contain sulfur or sulfites
Sulfur-containing foods can cause excessive gas production. A few of these foods are cured meats and beer.
Fatty meat
During a flare, the intestines may not fully absorb fat from meat, aggravating symptoms.
Nuts, nut butter and seeds
Nuts, nut butter, and seeds can cause bloating and diarrhoea. During a flare, even tiny seeds can cause symptoms.
Sugar alcohols
Blistering, diarrhoea, and gas from sugar alcohols Sugar alcohol are used to sweeten sugar-free gums, sweets, fruit drinks, and ice creams.
Fructose sugar
High fructose intake causes increased gas, cramps, and diarrhoea. Ingredients including high-fructose corn syrup, fruit juice, honey, and molasses contain fructose.
Vegetables
These are frequently heavy in fibre, which can cause bloating, gas, and abdominal cramps. Celery and stringy vegetables are comparable. Cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli also produce gas. People with ulcerative colitis better tolerate cooked veggies.
Spicy foods
Buffalo wings, hot sauces, and hot peppers are spicy foods. They may induce diarrhoea in Hot and spicy meals might aggravate or induce ulcerative colitis flares.
Gluten
Gluten is found in wheat, rye, and barley. It can cause signs of ulcerative colitis. The protein in oats is related to gluten and can cause cross-reactions in gluten-sensitive people. Oats are often processed alongside wheat in the same plant.
