If you or a loved one is one of the million Americans who suffer from ulcerative colitis (UC)[ https://www.medscape.com/answers/183084-13777/what-are-the-prevalence-and-incidence-rates-of-ulcerative-colitis-uc-in-the-us ], you would know how the disease goes through the bouts of uncomfortable symptoms and painful flare-ups. While there is no cure for ulcerative colitis, eating habits and certain foods can help ease and worsen the symptoms.
Today, we’re going to talk about the foods that can aggravate the symptoms of ulcerative colitis and hence, should be avoided.
What Should You Not Eat with Ulcerative Colitis?
Dietary recommendations may vary for each patient with ulcerative colitis. However, certain foods are known triggers of UC symptoms. These include:
1.Dairy Products
Milk, or even ice cream, is known to cause or intensify abdominal pain, gas, and diarrhea in many people with UC. This could be due to lactose intolerance. But, it isn’t always the case. Cut back on dairy to see if your symptoms improve. Those with lactose intolerance can try taking a lactose pill before eating dairy to see if it helps avoid the negative effects.
2.Raw Fruits and Vegetables
Since ulcerative colitis affects the digestive tract, it can make certain foods hard to digest. These include raw fruits and veggies. They can cause or worsen stomach pain, bloating, and gas. Cook your fruits and vegetables to avoid any digestive complications.
3.High-Fiber Foods
Foods with a lot of fiber content, insoluble fiber, in particular, can cause abdominal pain, cramps, and increased frequency of bowel movements. They can also worsen the symptoms of ulcerative colitis during a flare-up. Therefore, doctors recommend limiting the intake of whole grains, nuts, seeds, cruciferous vegetables, and fruits with skin and seeds. You may need to completely avoid these foods during a flare.
4.Alcohol and Carbonated Beverages
Alcohol, sugar, caffeine, and the fizz in these drinks are not good for people with ulcerative colitis. They can cause (and worsen) abdominal discomfort, gas, cramping, and diarrhea. While you may be able to consume them in limited quantities when the disease is in remission, swap these beverages with soothing herbal teas or infused waters during a flare-up to manage your symptoms.
5.Foods Containing Sulfate and Sulfides
In people with ulcerative colitis, sulfates can serve as the feed for hydrogen-sulfide-producing bacteria. Excessive bloating and foul-smelling gas indicate an excess of these bacteria in the colon and/or high amounts of sulfates and sulfides in your diet. Foods rich in sulfates and sulfides include dairy milk, red meat, apple, cruciferous vegetables, grape juice, dried fruits, cheese, egg, wine, and beer. Depending on the severity of your disease and symptoms, your doctor may advise limiting or completely stopping the consumption of sulfate and sulfide-rich foods.
The Sum Up
It’s important to note here that while certain foods can help prevent certain symptoms and reduce the intensity of others in people with ulcerative colitis, there is no single diet that helps everyone with inflammatory bowel disease. Therefore, every patient needs to closely monitor their food intake and the effects of each food to identify their triggers. Maintain a food diary and talk to your doctor to fine-tune your diet plan with ulcerative colitis.
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