7-Day Anti-Inflammatory Diet Plan for Ulcerative Colitis

Understanding Ulcerative Colitis and Diet

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. Food choices can help reduce or worsen symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and fatigue.

Certain foods may trigger ulcerative colitis flares, but the specific problematic foods vary widely from person to person. Working with a dietitian to identify personal trigger foods is recommended.

An overall healthy, balanced diet focused on getting proper nutrition from fruits, vegetables, lean protein, dairy, and whole grains is important.

Tips for Eating with Ulcerative Colitis

Here are some diet tips that can help manage ulcerative colitis:

• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Choose low-fiber foods during flares
• Limit dairy if you have lactose intolerance
• Reduce fatty, sugary, processed foods
• Keep a food journal to identify triggers

7-Day Anti-Inflammatory Ulcerative Colitis Meal Plan

Here is a 7-day sample ulcerative colitis meal plan focused on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory foods to help reduce symptoms.

Day 1

Breakfast:

• Gluten-free oatmeal with almonds, blueberries, cinnamon
• Scrambled eggs with spinach and tomatoes

Lunch:

• Turkey burger on gluten-free bun with lettuce, avocado
• Baked sweet potato fries
• Non-dairy yogurt with mango

Dinner:

• Broiled salmon with rice pilaf and green beans
• Berry sorbet

Day 2

Breakfast:

• Poached egg with gluten-free toast, spinach, tomato
• Banana nut smoothie

Lunch:

• Quinoa chickpea salad
• Pear

Dinner:

• Chicken coconut curry with brown rice
• Steamed broccoli

Day 3

Breakfast:

• Avocado toast on gluten-free bread
• Grapefruit

Lunch:

• Tuna salad sandwich on gluten-free bread
• Vegetable soup

Dinner:

• Turkey meatballs with marinara sauce, spaghetti squash
• Roasted brussels sprouts

Day 4

Breakfast:

• Scrambled eggs with spinach and feta
• Melon

Lunch:

• Grilled chicken salad with chickpeas and avocado
• Gluten-free crackers

Dinner:

• Baked cod with herb quinoa and asparagus
• Frozen yogurt with blueberries

Day 5

Breakfast:

• Omelet with peppers, onions, spinach
• Gluten-free toast with peanut butter

Lunch:

• Turkey wrap with lettuce, tomato, avocado
• Vegetable lentil soup

Dinner:

• Stuffed peppers with ground turkey, brown rice
• Steamed kale

Day 6

Breakfast:

• Buckwheat porridge with bananas, walnuts, cinnamon
• Hard boiled egg

Lunch:

• Shrimp and avocado salad
• Brown rice cake with almond butter

Dinner:

• Broiled lamb chops with sweet potato mash and peas
• Fruit salad

Day 7

Breakfast:

• Smoked salmon and cream cheese on gluten-free bagel
• Grapefruit

Lunch:

• Chicken quinoa salad stuffed tomato
• Gluten-free crackers

Dinner:

• Veggie fajitas with brown rice flour tortillas
• Guacamole
• Berry sorbet

Tips for Sticking to an Ulcerative Colitis Diet

Making big dietary changes can be challenging. Here are some tips:

• Make a meal plan each week
• Prep ingredients in advance
• Batch cook for quick meals
• Keep gluten-free snacks on hand
• Eat before you get too hungry
• Drink fluids between meals, not during
• Allow yourself occasional treats
• Follow triggers but don't obsess over food

Focus on finding an eating pattern that provides good nutrition and reduces ulcerative colitis symptoms. Work closely with your doctor and dietitian to find the right dietary approach for your unique needs.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.