Diet For Ulcerative Colitis: What You Should Eat

Patients with ulcerative colitis can eat a balanced diet with a suitable combination of ingredients to reduce inflammation of the intestine and pain crises.

The ulcerative colitis diet is an eating model that aims to reduce the symptoms of this inflammatory bowel disease. Its adoption can help control the attacks so that they do not affect the quality of life of the patient.

In fact, in many cases it is the best option to calm the irritation of the intestine, since it reduces the need for medication. In addition, it favors the regeneration process of the tissues affected by ulcers, which minimizes episodes of pain.

Does this condition afflict you? Although the diet can vary in each one, according to the age, weight and current state of health, in general there are some recommendations to eat better in case of having this condition. Find out in detail which foods to eat and which to avoid.

What is ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by irritation of the deeper lining of the large intestine and rectum. It is accompanied by one or more ulcers in the digestive tract, which can trigger other complications.

In general, symptoms do not occur suddenly, but gradually appear over time. Although they can be controlled with medications, it is also necessary to modify the diet to avoid severe discomfort.

Symptoms of ulcerative colitis

The clinical manifestations of ulcerative colitis can vary in each person, depending on the severity of the inflammation and the affected region. In most cases they occur in a mild or moderate way, but some develop it at a chronic and recurrent level.

Symptoms include:

• Diarrhea, which usually has blood or pus
• Severe abdominal cramps

• Pain in the rectum
• Rectal bleeding
• Urgent need to defecate
• Noticeable weight loss
• Feeling weak or fatigued
• Moderate fever
• Growth problems (in the case of children)

Diet for ulcerative colitis: foods allowed and prohibited

The need to improve the diet for ulcerative colitis is due to the effects that nutrition has on controlling the disease. First of all, it helps prevent nutritional deficiencies, as problems sometimes arise from dehydration and malabsorption.

On the other hand, it supports the control of inflammation levels, since it proposes limiting the intake of some foods that are irritating. However, far from being a restrictive or hypocaloric regimen, it is a balanced and healthy eating program.

Allowed foods

The foods allowed in a diet for ulcerative colitis contain all the nutrients that the body requires. While some should be taken in moderation, they generally provide carbohydrates, healthy fats, protein, and vitamins and minerals.

Fruit

Fruit consumption is very beneficial for ulcerative colitis patients. Due to their slight contribution of dietary fiber, water and antioxidants, they are ideal to stimulate good digestion. They also fight irritation and regulate the pH of the stomach.

• Fruits that are best tolerated include apples, pears, mangoes, and bananas. Another good option is avocado, which contains healthy fats, vitamin E, and folate.
• Those that can be poorly assimilated are figs, apricots and cherries.

Vegetables

Most vegetables can be safely consumed with this condition. However, those that are most recommended are those that serve as a digestive calming: pumpkin, potatoes, carrots or zucchini, among others.

Vegetables of intense orange and green color are quite advisable, since their contributions of beta-carotenes contribute to the repair of the intestinal mucosa. It is also good to eat cabbage, as it has healing and antacid properties that reduce ulcers.

Cereals

The cereal that is best tolerated in case of ulcerative colitis is white rice. It is an energy food that contains nutrients that repair the intestinal lining. Other alternatives are whole wheat pasta, bread, and cornflakes.

Whole grains, including oats, can feel bad, especially in a crisis; they should be avoided as much as possible, like legumes and quinoa.

Healthy fats

Omega 3 fatty acids and other types of healthy fats are essential in the diet for ulcerative colitis. Its absorption helps the regeneration of tissues affected by ulcers, producing a calming effect. The best options are:

• Coconut oil
• Nuts and seeds
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Wheat germ oil
• Peanut butter

Fish and meat

In order not to break the concept of a balanced diet, it is essential to know the recommended fish and meats. The best protein is white fish; however, it is also safe to eat chicken breast, turkey, and rabbit meat.

Probiotics

Probiotic foods are those that contain healthy bacteria that regulate the intestinal microbiota. Its consumption helps neutralize excess acidity and decreases the autoimmune response that is related to ulcerative colitis.

The most popular option is plain yogurt, but they can also be obtained through kefir, sauerkraut, miso, or kombucha tea, among others.

Forbidden food

Although avoiding certain foods does not prevent the development of ulcerative colitis, it is helpful in reducing its symptoms. Some foods  contain substances that worsen the level of inflammation in the intestine. Options such as:

• Legumes (lentils, beans, lima beans, etc.)
• Whole grains
• Fried foods and packaged snacks
• Meats rich in saturated fat
• Sausage meats
• Spicy or overly spicy foods
• Whole dairy
• Fast and canned food
• Hydrogenated vegetable oils

Sample menu for ulcerative colitis diet

There are many ways to vary the menus on an ulcerative colitis diet. The most important thing is to follow the above recommendations and, of course, take into account the considerations of the doctor. Here is a simple example:

• Breakfast: a glass of apple juice; a scrambled egg and a slice of white bread.
• Mid-morning: green vegetable smoothie or chopped banana with chia seeds.
• Lunch: bowl of vegetable soup or chicken broth; half a plate of white rice and a portion of grilled fish.
• Snack: natural yogurt with probiotics and a handful of nuts.
• Dinner: mixed salad with tuna and a portion of white rice.

Note: Remember to drink plenty of water between meals. The ideal is to drink about 8 glasses a day.

In summary

A diet for ulcerative colitis proposes to include all groups of nutrients, limiting only the foods that can be harmful. It is a balanced and safe type of diet that can relieve pain and inflammation.