How to Cure Ulcerative Colitis With Diet

Ulcerative colitis occurs when the large intestine becomes inflamed. Primary symptoms of this condition include abdominal pain and diarrhea. Doctors typically prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs like prednisone to reduce inflammation and pain. However, diet also plays a role in colitis. In fact, controlling symptoms and flare-ups is often a manner of altering your eating habits.

Things You'll Need

• Vitamins

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Instructions

• 1

  Eliminate dairy products. Consuming diary products (milk, cheese, ice cream, etc.) can worsen or bring on symptoms of colitis--especially if you're lactose intolerant. Refrain from eating or drinking dairy products, or experiment with a digestive enzyme. If unable to consume dairy, take a calcium supplement for bone health.

• 2

  Decrease fiber intake. Ordinarily, fiber contributes to a healthy digestive tract. In the case of ulcerative colitis, certain fiber foods (fruits and vegetables) can trigger stomach pain, diarrhea, and intestinal gas. Keep a food journal to identify foods that worsen symptoms, and decrease your intake of these foods to relieve pain.

• 3

  Recognize common triggers. According to the Mayo Clinic, foods such as beans, cauliflower, cabbage, zucchini, and broccoli can aggravate colitis. Stay away from any type of food that produces pain and diarrhea.

• 4

  Watch your food portions. Eat smaller, more frequent meals. This eating pattern decreases overeating, reduces stomach acid, and, in the case of colitis, four to six small meals a day may reduce stomach discomfort and gas.

• 5

  Drink plenty of water. Carbonated drinks like soda and alcohol may worsen symptoms of colitis and trigger pain and gas. Incorporate more water into your diet to soothe symptoms.

• 6

  Take supplements. Because managing ulcerative colitis often calls for removing certain foods from your diet, consider a multivitamin to ensure you receive essential nutrients and vitamins. Consult a doctor before taking a multivitamin.