Ulcertive Colitis/Crohn's Diet

Although diet has not been determined to cause ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, it can play a crucial role in the frequency, duration, and seriousness of symptoms and flare ups. A simple diet of natural foods--one that avoids overly processed foods--and the addition of nutritional supplements can significantly reduce symptoms of ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and other digestive disorders.

Fruits and Vegetables

• Individuals diagnosed with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease may benefit significantly from eating foods in their freshest, most natural state. While raw foods are often problematic, most fruits and vegetables can be tolerated when lightly cooked and seasoned with herbs, spices and natural seasonings. Some fruits and vegetables are natural irritants with certain individuals and should be avoided. These include foods containing digestible seeds such as strawberries, blackberries and other berry varieties; corn, okra, rice and nuts.

  Organically grown fruits and vegetables should be considered over conventionally grown methods due to synthetic chemicals found in herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers. Additionally, genetically modified food sources are absent among organically grown foods.

Protein Sources

• Protein is a necessary source of amino acids that the body uses to build muscles, organs and nerves. While some protein can be obtained from seeds, legumes and grains, animal proteins are a complete source of protein. Recommended sources of animal protein include: beef, buffalo, elk, goat, lamb, venison, fish, chicken and turkey.

  Meat that has been organically farmed, or harvested from the wild is suggested over grocery purchases. Meat sold in grocery stores have a greater risk of being contaminated with pesticides, herbicides, synthetic fertilizers, antibiotics and growth hormones.

  Tofu, naturally aged cheese (without additives), free-range eggs, fermented soy products such as miso, nato and wheat-free tempeh are meat-free sources of protein.

Bread

• Natural carbohydrates consisting of whole-grains which have been soaked and sprouted to remove phytates are ideal sources of breads and cereals. Once available only through specialty stores, sprouted-grain breads and cereals are now being offered at most larger grocery food chains.

Ingredients and Foods to Avoid

• Certain foods, either because of their natural makeup or additives and preservatives, should be avoided altogether. These include: aspartame, melatonin, yeast, margarine, baking powder, mannitol, xylitol, carob, maltodextrin, cellulose gum, xanthum gum, corn syrup, tagatose, cornstarch, sucralose, dextrose, stevia, guar gum, splenda, inositol, soy sauce, inulin, sorbitol, isoglucose, pectin, maltitol, sulfur, sulfate, and MSG.

  Additionally, chlorinated water, carbonated beverages, and any food or drinks containing dyes should be omitted from the diet.

Processed Foods

• Processed foods typically contain several additives and preservatives; therefore, these foods should be avoided. Refined sugar should be replaced with organic sugar. Additionally, most condiments, sauces and convenience beverages contain corn syrup and should be avoided as well.

Nutritional Supplements

• Individuals with colitis or Crohn's can benefit from taking nutritional supplements, which provide a balance of vitamins and minerals that can sometimes be difficult to maintain for individuals with special diets.

  Probiotics contain live cultures of beneficial bacteria that helps to maintain gastrointestinal balance--essential for people with digestive conditions.

  Persons with colitis or Crohn's disease may experience symptoms of a weakened immune system. Supplements that support immune cell function, metabolism and normal cell growth may help strengthen and alleviate symptoms associated with a weakened immune system.

  Five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables each day is recommended, it may be difficult especially if your digestive system indicates intolerance to leafy greens. A daily green food supplement may prove to be easily tolerated and beneficial.

Warning

• Individuals under the care of a physician for any condition should consult with their doctors before starting a diet program or adding nutritional supplements to their diet.