Chinese Food & Ulcerative Colitis: What's Safe for Those with UC?

Doesn't everyone love Chinese food? I know that some people probably would rather have pizza, but I've always enjoyed just about everything on the menu. Of course, as a sufferer of ulcerative colitis, I have to be careful what I put in my mouth. The wrong food can send me rushing for the bathroom, and can lead to days of gastrointestinal agony. If you have ulcerative colitis, you might want to know what types of Chinese food are safe.

Although a healthy diet won't stop you from having ulcerative colitis flare-ups, the wrong diet can make things much worse. Spicy foods, for example, are hard on the digestive tract and can make bowel movements far more painful. If you love spicy Chinese food, you might want to stick to the less-fiery side of the menu. Spiced beef, spicy stir-frys and spicy eggplant shouldn't be on your list of things to order.

It is also a good idea to stay away from meat that might not be sufficiently cooked. My daughter, for example, loves sweet-and-sour pork, but that very dish wreaks havoc on my stomach. If you suffer from ulcerative colitis, it's best to stick with beef or chicken, or to avoid meat altogether.

If you're in the middle of an ulcerative colitis flare-up, however, certain Chinese food dishes can actually soothe your stomach and prevent you from dehydrating. Egg-drop soup, for example, is easy on the stomach and provides you with essential nutrients. It is also better to go with steamed rice rather than fried, and to avoid any vegetables high in fiber.

Much of the Chinese food available today is made with tofu, which is a desirable alternative if your stomach doesn't like meat between ulcerative colitis remissions. Dishes such as tofu and cashew chow mein, tofu potstickers, and tofu wraps are generally safe. It is also a good idea to stay away from noodles, so go with rice dishes or those with tofu.

If you're looking for Chinese food appetizers, my advice is to stay away from egg rolls and crab puffs because both are high in fiber and likely to set off your stomach if you have ulcerative colitis. Better solutions include Cantonese spring rolls, Mandarin crepes or the aforementioned tofu potstickers.

I would also stay away from fried Chinese food as much as possible, even though the sweet-and-sour chicken and egg rolls might look appetizing. Instead, look for healthier choices on the menu, such as chow mein and even moo shu beef wraps. With ulcerative colitis, however, you might have to special-order your dishes so that the chef leaves off some of the extra spices of which the Chinese are so fond.

Unfortunately, you'll find that one person's guide to Chinese food and ulcerative colitis doesn't entirely match your needs. You might not be affected by fried foods or spicy seasonings, in which case you'll have to feel your way until you understand your digestive system better. However, the blander the better, I always say, and don't attempt new foods when you're not in remission.