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About Colitis Diet Restrictions

Ulcerative colitis is a medical condition that disrupts and affects the digestive system. Although one specialized diet isn't approved for all colitis patients (each patient has individualized dietary needs), people with colitis should avoid certain foods that make the symptoms of colitis worse.

  1. Dairy Products

    • Dairy products such as pasteurized milk, cheese and yogurt can irritate the gastrointestinal system. Sometimes patients take lactase enzymes to break down the lactose in dairy products, so that the lactose doesn't irritate the intestines.

    Caffeine

    • Caffeine is not recommended for colitis patients. Because of the stimulant effects, caffeine can irritate the stomach lining and make colitis symptoms worse.

    High-Fat Foods

    • People with colitis should avoid high-fat foods, such as red meat. Diets high in fat can cause flatulence (gas) and diarrhea in colitis patients.

    Raw Vegetables

    • Raw vegetables, such as cabbage and lettuce, can produce stomach irritation. Raw vegetables make the intestines work harder and cause symptoms such as colon spasms.

    Spicy Foods

    • Colitis sufferers should avoid spicy foods, such as curry and jalapeño peppers. Spice can cause immediate stomach flare-ups, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea and gas in colitis patients.

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