Ulcertive Colitis Diet Ideas

Ulcerative colitis is a disease of the bowels characterized by inflammation of the digestive tract that leads to severe stomach pain and diarrhea. It typically affects the innermost lining of only the colon and the rectum and, unlike Crohn's Disease, occurs along the length of the colon as opposed to individual areas. While a cure does not exist, following a diet aimed at eliminating food and drink that can exacerbate the symptoms is suggested as a means to control them.
  1. Symptoms

    • Symptoms of ulcerative colitis depend on the area of the colon or rectum affected. Common symptoms include bloody stools, frequent diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss and a decrease in appetite, lesions on the skin, anemia and pain in the abdomen. Approximately 50 percent of those suffering from the disease will experience at least a mild form of these symptoms at some point. Possible conditions that may arise from ulcerative colitis include an inflammation of the eyes, osteoporosis, liver disease and arthritis.

    What to Avoid

    • The foods you eat do not directly affect any form of inflammatory bowel disease; however, many foods can aggravate symptoms, especially when consumed during a flare-up. Consider avoiding dairy products, especially if you're fully or partially lactose intolerant, as they can contribute to diarrhea, gas, and abdominal pain. Begin by weaning yourself off of dairy to see if there is any improvement. If there is, switch to dairy substitutes or use Lactaid, a medication that assists in the breakdown of dairy products. Sometimes, dairy may need to be eliminated completely. Should this be the case, supplements will be needed to get the elements typically offered by dairy products, such as calcium.

      Any foods that can naturally contribute to an upset digestive tract should be avoided or consumed in moderation. This includes foods such as beans and cabbage, which are known to cause gas, and most caffeine products, spicy foods and alcohol.

      Foods high in fiber can increase the risk of diarrhea and make ulcerative colitis symptoms more painful. Following a low-residue diet (low in fiber), is recommended, particularly doing flare-ups. During periods of remission, fiber should be reintroduced slowly, as it can aid in good digestive health by decreasing the volume and hardness of stools, making them easier to pass and less painful for the colon.

    Recommendations

    • The best recommendation for those afflicted with ulcerative colitis or any form of inflammatory bowel disease is to keep a daily log of all the foods you consume and the severity of the symptoms you experience. This way foods and drinks that might seem to exacerbate the symptoms can be eliminated via trial and error. Foods affect people differently, so, aside from the general recommendations and suggestions listed above, no food needs to be avoided completely unless it is demonstrated that it causes symptoms or makes them worse.

      Frequent diarrhea, a limited diet and the inability of the body to absorb nutrients may require the regular use of vitamin and mineral supplements to replace those that are lost. Discuss options with your doctor before beginning a vitamin regimen.

      Finally, frequent diarrhea can also cause a serious loss of water, increasing the risk of dehydration. Water should be consumed daily, while drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol should be avoided, as they have a tendency to stimulate the bowel and cause diarrhea or other associated discomfort.

    Stress

    • Stress is known to effect the way your digestive system works, and although not a cause of ulcerative colitis, stress can play a part in increasing the severity of the symptoms and make the disease far more difficult to cope with. There are a number of methods you can use to reduce stress. They include:

      Exercise, which not only helps keep the body healthy but helps lower stress and reduce the possibility of depression, while regulating bowel activity. Discuss an exercise plan with your doctor to see what is best for you.

      Deep-breathing exercises and yoga can help the abdominal muscles to relax, and thus reduce the risk of flare-ups.

      Finally, there is biofeedback, which involves being hooked up to a machine that helps to pinpoint what might actually be causing the stress, and thus allows the patient to take steps to eliminate it.

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