Ulcerative Colitis Diet Plan: 19 Foods to Avoid

What is ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the large intestine (colon) and the rectum and sores (ulcers) on the inner lining of the large intestine. Ulcerative colitis is thought to be an autoimmune disease, that is, one where the body attacks itself. It is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is not the same as Crohn's disease, another type of IBD, which can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract whereas ulcerative colitis only affects the colon and rectum. It is also not the same as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which affects how the colon functions and does not cause inflammation.

Ulcerative colitis is estimated to affect nearly 600,000 Americans, and it affects males slightly more often than females. The disease is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40.

What causes ulcerative colitis?

The cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown but it is believed to be caused by a combination of several factors including an overactive immune system, genetics, and the environment.

Physical or emotional stress, and certain foods do not cause ulcerative colitis, however, they may trigger symptoms in a person who has ulcerative colitis.

Treatments for ulcerative colitis includes both medications and surgery; however, there is no medication that can cure ulcerative colitis. Medications that treat ulcerative colitis are

Treatment of ulcerative colitis with medications is similar, though not always identical, to treatment of Crohn's disease.

What is an ulcerative colitis diet?

A person with ulcerative colitis may find they need to modify their diet to help manage their symptoms. There is not a single diet or meal plan that fits everyone with ulcerative colitis, and diets are individualized for each patient. Depending on symptoms different types of diets may be recommended, such as:

Attention to nutrition is important for patients with ulcerative colitis, as the symptoms of diarrhea and bleeding can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and loss of nutrients. It may be necessary to take nutritional supplements if your symptoms do not allow you to eat a nutritionally balanced diet. Talk to your health-care professional about what supplements to take. Many people with ulcerative colitis find it easiest to eat smaller, more frequent meals rather than a few large ones. This can also help increase the nutrition absorbed from the foods you eat.

19 trigger foods to avoid with an ulcerative colitis diet plan

Dietary choices do not cause ulcerative colitis, but certain foods can trigger and worsen symptoms. Learning to identify trigger foods can help reduce the frequency and severity of ulcerative colitis symptoms. Not all people with ulcerative colitis have the same triggers, but a list of some of the most common include:

What foods help manage and soothe ulcerative colitis flares?

Avoiding foods that trigger ulcerative colitis symptoms is one way to help manage symptoms through diet. Another is knowing what foods to eat that may help relieve flares. Following is a list of foods that may help soothe ulcerative colitis flares:

How can I track foods that cause flare-ups and trigger symptoms of my ulcerative colitis?

The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America recommends people with ulcerative colitis to keep a food journal to keep track of what they eat. Note what you eat and drink, and how you feel afterwards, noting any symptoms that arise. Start to keep a list of any foods you suspect may trigger or aggravate your ulcerative colitis symptoms. A food diary will also help you figure out if you are getting adequate nutrition, and can help your doctor or dietician determine the right diet for you to manage your symptoms and prevent flares.

The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America also has an interactive food tracking tool. It is available online or as a mobile app.www.ccfa.org/gibuddy

What other things trigger ulcerative colitis symptoms and flare-ups?

In addition to foods that trigger ulcerative colitis flare-ups, there are certain environmental risk factors that may also trigger flares.

Which specialties of health-care professionals prescribe an ulcerative colitis diet?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist in disorders of the digestive tract and can prescribe a diet for ulcerative colitis. In addition, dietitians and nutritionists who are familiar with the disorder may also help create a diet and meal plan to manage ulcerative colitis.

References

Langan, R. C., MD., et al. "Ulcerative Colitis: Diagnosis and Treatment." Am Fam Physician. 2007 Nov 1;76(9):1323-1330.<http://www.aafp.org/afp/2007/1101/p1323.html>

Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America. "Facts about Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Published May 1, 2011.<http://www.ccfa.org/resources/facts-about-inflammatory.html>

Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America. "Diet, Nutrition, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease."<http://www.ccfa.org/assets/pdfs/diet-nutrition-2013.pdf>

Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America. "Living with Ulcerative Colitis."<http://www.ccfa.org/assets/pdfs/living_with_uc_brochure_final.pdf>

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Ulcerative Colitis Diet Plan: 19 Foods to Avoid