Understanding Ulcerative Colitis and Diet
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, weight loss, and fatigue.
While there is no known cure for ulcerative colitis, making dietary changes can help reduce symptoms during flares. Identifying and avoiding trigger foods is key, as is eating an overall nutritious diet.
Common Ulcerative Colitis Dietary Triggers
Some foods that commonly trigger ulcerative colitis symptoms that are best to avoid include:
- Alcohol
- Caffeinated beverages
- Carbonated drinks
- Dairy products
- Fatty and fried foods
- Foods high in fiber, especially insoluble fiber
- Nuts and seeds
- Raw produce
- Spicy foods
Recommended Foods for an Ulcerative Colitis Diet
Foods that tend to be better tolerated and provide good nutrition include:
- Cooked or canned fruits and vegetables
- Lean proteins like poultry, fish, eggs, and tofu
- Cooked whole grains like oatmeal, rice, quinoa
- Low-fiber bread
- Low-fat dairy alternatives like almond milk and coconut yogurt
- Herbs, spices, oil, broths, and other flavorings to enhance taste
7-Day Ulcerative Colitis Meal Plan
When experiencing an ulcerative colitis flare-up, eating a simple diet based on foods less likely to cause GI issues can help manage symptoms. Here is a 7-day sample meal plan:
Day 1
Breakfast:- Oatmeal made with almond milk, topped with cinnamon and sliced banana
- Hard boiled egg
- Herbal tea
- Broth-based vegetable soup
- Toasted white bread with olive oil for dipping
- Baked salmon fillet
- Brown rice
- Steamed broccoli and carrots
Day 2
Breakfast:- Avocado toast on white toast made with olive oil
- Poached egg
- Decaf coffee
- Warm chicken noodle soup with extra broth
- Saltine crackers
- Ground turkey tacos with corn tortillas, guacamole, rice, and beans
- Coconut milk rice pudding
Day 3
Breakfast:- Scrambled eggs with chives
- Hash brown potatoes
- Sliced cucumbers and tomatoes
- Chamomile tea
- Vegetable miso soup
- Sliced pear
- Panko-crusted cod fillet
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Sauted zucchini
Day 4
Breakfast:- Oatmeal with ground flaxseed and blueberries
- Hard boiled egg
- Ginger peach tea
- Lentil soup with white rice
- Soft whole grain roll with olive oil for dipping
- Chicken cutlet with lemon thyme sauce
- Baked sweet potato fries
- Steamed green beans
Day 5
Breakfast:- Scrambled egg wrap with spinach, tomato, avocado in whole wheat tortilla
- Fresh peach slices
- Ginger tea
- Creamy potato leek soup
- Soft pretzel stick
- Poached salmon with dill sauce
- Quinoa pilaf
- Sauted carrots
Day 6
Breakfast:- Banana nut oatmeal made with almond milk
- Turkey bacon
- Ginger green tea
- Clear brot made with chicken stock, rice noodles, bok choy, shredded chicken
- Chicken parmesan with gluten-free pasta and tomato sauce
- Steamed broccoli
- Vanilla coconut milk pudding
Day 7
Breakfast:- Scrambled eggs
- Gluten free waffles with peach compote
- Peppermint tea
- Split pea soup
- Blue corn tortilla chips with guacamole
- Turkey meatballs with marinara sauce
- Quinoa
- Sauted zucchini
Tips for following an Ulcerative Colitis Diet
Making dietary changes can help manage ulcerative colitis symptoms, especially during a flare-up. Here are some diet tips:
- Keep a food diary to identify triggers then avoid them
- Opt for low fiber foods cooked soft or well-done
- Stay hydrated by sipping water, broths,herbal teas, juices between meals
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals every 3-4 hours
- Listen to your body and allow extra rest after eating
- Avoid eating 2-3 hours before bedtime
- Work with a registered dietitian knowledgeable about IBD for personalized nutrition advice
The Takeaway
What you eat can impact ulcerative colitis symptoms. Following an ulcerative colitis diet tailored to your specific triggers can promote gut healing and help you feel your best.
FAQs
What foods should I avoid with ulcerative colitis?
Foods most likely to trigger ulcerative colitis symptoms that are best to avoid include: alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, dairy products, fatty/fried foods, high fiber foods (especially insoluble fiber), nuts, seeds, raw fruits and vegetables, and spicy foods.
What are the best foods to eat with UC?
Some of the best foods for an ulcerative colitis diet include: cooked fruits and vegetables, lean proteins like chicken, fish, eggs and tofu, cooked whole grains like oatmeal and rice, low-fiber grains like white bread or rice cakes, low-fat dairy alternatives, broths, herbs and spices.
What should I eat during an ulcerative colitis flare-up?
Focus on a simple, low-fiber, low-fat diet during a flare up. Try the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) or easy to digest foods like broths, soups, boiled vegetables and fruits, lean proteins, and limit high-fiber foods.
Can certain diets cure ulcerative colitis?
There is no "cure" diet for ulcerative colitis. Diet cannot resolve the underlying immune system dysfunction and inflammation causing UC. However, paying close attention to trigger foods and making dietary changes tailored to your body can help manage symptoms.
Should I see a dietitian for ulcerative colitis?
Yes, consulting a registered dietitian knowledgeable about inflammatory bowel disease can provide personalized advice based on your symptoms, medical history, food intolerances, preferences, and more. They support dietary changes to minimize triggers.
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.
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