What to Eat During Flare-ups of Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease that causes sores, or ulcers, in the rectum or colon lining, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Ulcers kill cells on the lining, leading to bleeding and pus. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include weight loss, loss of appetite, bloody diarrhea, loss of body fluids and nutrients, and growth problems in children. Many cases of this condition are mild, so eating certain foods during flare-ups of ulcerative colitis improves intestinal problems and bloating. Nutrition is important because people with ulcerative colitis are at risk for vitamin, mineral, protein and caloric deficiencies.

Eat Soft, Bland Foods

• The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America says that raw vegetables and spicy and high-fiber foods cause discomfort when the condition is active. Replace these irritating foods with bland, soft foods because they won't lead to an upset stomach during flare-ups of ulcerative colitis. Soft foods include hot cereals such as oatmeal, puffed rice, hominy grits, farina and cream of wheat; gelatins; eggs; boiled, baked and mashed potatoes; brown rice; noodles; steamed vegetables; and canned or cooked vegetables such as asparagus, carrots, beets, eggplant, mushrooms, spinach, squash and pumpkin.

Drink Beverages and Broths

• People can drink all beverages, except alcohol and drinks containing caffeine, during flare-ups of ulcerative colitis. Drink unsweetened, natural fruit juices and vegetable juices. Liquids such as broth, bouillon, consommé and strained cream and vegetable soups won't irritate the digestive tract.

Consume Fresh Fruits

• Although eating raw vegetables during flare-ups of ulcerative colitis cause abdominal discomfort, people can consume fresh fruit when suffering from this condition. These fruits provide vitamins and nutrients to a generally bland diet. Tolerable fruits include avocados, bananas, cooked apples, apricots, cherries, peaches, seedless grapes, tomatoes and soft melons. Avoid dried fruits, berries, figs, plums, rhubarb, coconut and crabapples.

Eat Low-Lactose Dairy Products

• Many dairy products and sharp cheeses produce bloating, gas and diarrhea in people suffering from ulcerative colitis. Eating plain, cultured yogurts, however, replenishes good bacteria, promoting healthy digestion.

Eat Fatty Fish

• Eating fish containing omega-3 fatty helps the digestive system during flare-ups of ulcerative colitis. The Chiropractic Resource Organization says researchers tested the affects of fish oil on people suffering from mild to moderate cases of ulcerative colitis and found that some patients saw clinical improvements in inflammation. More studies are being conducted for definitive results. Fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel are some of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acid.