Diets for Ulcerative Colitis, Diabetes, Salt Reduction & Weight Loss

Humans are complex beings. The lifestyle in the United States is a complex lifestyle. As a result of that, we find ourselves overweight with high blood pressure, adult onset diabetes and although typically not our own fault, ulcerative colitis.

Sometimes dealing with one problem can create issues with another problem if you happen to have multiple conditions.

When you are trying to lose weight of course calories and "fat grams" are key issues. Ulcerative colitis responds well to light fluids such as soup and small meals. Adult onset diabetes has to be fed by "balanced meals", not just "sugar free" meals; low sugar can cause low blood sugar as well.

If we examine a potential problem for example, what if you are overweight and have adult onset diabetes? You eat less food in order to lose weight and suddenly find yourself dizzy when you try and rise. You have low blood sugar.

If you have high blood pressure and eat a lot of low fat foods, there is a chance that the food may be high in sodium and you find yourself with a blood pressure spike.

Don't forget the possibility of an adjusted sugar diet only to have an ulcerative colitis flare. You can't win for losing, right?

First, the common need for all these illnesses is water and exercise. Water fills up a person so that they have less of an appetite. Water maintains blood volume so that a chance for hypotension is less likely. Water cleanses the bowel and keeps it from flaring to some degree and, water removes sodium from the body; sodium creates retention of salt. Finally, water keeps blood volume at a good level so that sugar ups and downs are minimized with respect to dizziness.

Exercise is a factor that has a positive impact on all illnesses as well as keeping the circulatory system moving.

So, besides water what are good foods that deal with all four illnesses?

Each illness requires protein so that the body maintains defenses without adding weight. Small helpings of white meat such as turkey and chicken fit the bill. Further puffed rice and gentle bulk adds "fill" without adding calories or sodium. Staying away from canned foods in favor of fresh foods keeps sodium at a minimum. In fact, I have found that organic foods are even better.

Fruits such as peaches and applesauce add healing factors to the bowel without adding a lot of calories or a lot of sodium and it keeps the sugar under control. Vegetables like asparagus provide the same type of defenses.

As an adult diabetic it is imperative that you take your blood sugar on a regular basis. If you have hypertension then it is imperative that you find a way to routinely take your blood pressure.

The basics for a multi-faceted diet are a viable source for what foods to eat. The library or a dietician provided by your doctor both are good sources.

At that point it is a matter of knowing the correct amount of helpings. When you have multiple conditions, it is a good idea to get a final "stamp of approval" from a professional like a dietitian so you don't inadvertently hurt yourself,

Finally, there has to be effective monitoring with each condition.

As long as you have good basic information; you have a "food game plan" and, you have a good basis for monitoring your eating results, you should be fine.