Dietary recommendations for ulcerative colitis: Consuming recommended foods and limiting certain ones
Ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, can cause inflammation and ulcers in the colon. While the exact cause remains unknown, it is believed to be linked to environmental factors, Westernized dietary patterns and lifestyles, and genetics [1].
For those living with ulcerative colitis, managing symptoms is crucial. One approach is through dietary modifications. Rather than avoiding foods entirely, it may be beneficial to consider ways to modify them to increase access to nutritional benefits [2]. However, it is essential to seek approval from a doctor or registered dietitian before establishing a dietary plan [3].
During flare-ups, certain foods can exacerbate symptoms. High-fiber foods, such as bran, beans, nuts, seeds, corn, popcorn, and raw vegetables and fruits with skin, can cause bloating, pain, and irritation due to their insoluble fiber content [1][2][4][5]. Fatty and fried foods, including red meat, fatty cuts of pork or beef, spicy foods, sugary foods, artificial sweeteners, caffeine, alcohol, and excessive coffee or tea should also be avoided [2][3]. Gluten-containing foods may also worsen symptoms in some people, especially during active flares [6].
On the other hand, foods that may help manage ulcerative colitis symptoms, especially during flares, include low-fiber, cooked vegetables without seeds or skin, low-fiber fruits that are cooked or peeled, refined grains, high-protein foods, and safe sweeteners [1]. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day and eating small, frequent meals are also recommended to support digestion and nutrient absorption [4].
A higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods such as salmon, mackerel, walnuts, flaxseed, hemp, chia seeds, and yogurt, is also recommended by the International Organization for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IOIBD) [7].
It is important for people with ulcerative colitis to eat foods high in vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, and vitamin A [8].
Keeping a daily food journal can help a person with ulcerative colitis identify potential dietary triggers and make informed decisions about their diet [9]. However, it is crucial to remember that the body is always changing for a variety of reasons, and societal expectations of how to "look" or what to eat are not always scientifically supported and do not always support positive health outcomes.
In summary, a diet focusing on low-fiber, low-fat, and mildly seasoned foods while avoiding irritants such as gluten, artificial sweeteners, caffeine, alcohol, and high-fat meats may help manage ulcerative colitis symptoms and reduce flare-ups [1][2][3][4][5]. Consulting with a registered dietitian can provide personalized guidance tailored to individual triggers and nutritional needs.
Lastly, it is important to remember that people with ulcerative colitis may be at risk of nutrient deficiencies due to difficulties digesting certain nutrients and problems with nutrient absorption. Eating disorders can severely affect the quality of life of people living with these conditions and those close to them. Early intervention and treatment greatly improve the likelihood of recovery.
[1] https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/ulcerative-colitis/definition-facts [2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ulcerative-colitis/in-depth/ulcerative-colitis-diet/art-20045644 [3] https://www.ccfa.org/sites/default/files/2018-12/Ulcerative-Colitis-Diet-and-Nutrition-Guidelines.pdf [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4203636/ [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6766083/ [6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6624049/ [7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6766083/ [8] https://www.ccfa.org/sites/default/files/2018-12/Ulcerative-Colitis-Diet-and-Nutrition-Guidelines.pdf [9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6766083/
- Establishing a balanced diet is crucial for a person diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, to manage symptoms effectively.
- Food and food benefits can significantly impact the health of a person with ulcerative colitis, and it's important to consider modifications, rather than total exclusion.
- Seek medical guidance from a doctor or registered dietitian before creating and implementing a dietary plan for ulcerative colitis treatment.
- During flare-ups, avoid high-fiber foods likes bran, beans, nuts, seeds, corn, popcorn, and raw vegetables and fruits with skin, as they can cause bloating, pain, and irritation.
- Fatty and fried foods, along with red meat, fatty cuts of pork or beef, spicy foods, sugary foods, artificial sweeteners, caffeine, alcohol, and excessive coffee or tea, should be avoided due to their potential to exacerbate symptoms.
- Gluten-containing foods may worsen symptoms in some individuals, particularly during active flares.
- To manage symptoms, consider incorporating low-fiber, cooked vegetables without seeds or skin, low-fiber fruits that are cooked or peeled, refined grains, and high-protein foods into your diet.
- Drinking adequate amounts of water throughout the day and eating small, frequent meals can support digestion and nutrient absorption.
- The International Organization for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IOIBD) recommends a higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods such as salmon, mackerel, walnuts, flaxseed, hemp, chia seeds, and yogurt.
- People with ulcerative colitis need to consume foods high in vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, and vitamin A, to support overall health.
- Keeping a daily food journal can help a person with ulcerative colitis identify potential dietary triggers and make informed decisions about their diet.
- Choosing a healthy lifestyle, which includes following a nutrient-rich diet, engaging in fitness and exercise, and practicing skin care, is essential in maintaining health and wellness for people with ulcerative colitis and other chronic diseases.
- Adequate nutrition, including weight management, is vital to supporting the health of individuals living with ulcerative colitis, as they may be at-risk of developing nutrient deficiencies.
- Depression and other mental health disorders, such as anxiety, can be associated with ulcerative colitis, making it essential to address these conditions through appropriate treatment and remedies, like talking to health care professionals and seeking support from others with similar medical-conditions.
