Eating Out When You Have Ulcerative Colitis

Having Ulcerative Colitis is different for every person; what foods bother me may not bother someone else as much. High-fat foods and high lactose foods seem to be the common culprits in UC irritations. Eating out can be difficult, especially when I am having a flare-up. Making choices that will be beneficial to me can sometimes be difficult, especially when I am out with other people.

I always make sure that I have some form of medication on hand. I always keep some in my purse, so if I end up eating out without pre-planning it I am always prepared. If I am having a good day, I will eat pretty much anything I am in the mood for. I just eat it slow and not finish my plate. I ALWAYS know where the bathroom is, just in case! For me, if I am not having a long meal, it isn't so much of a problem. It takes about 30 minutes to an hour before any problems start to show.

If I am having a flare up, I try to be a little more choosy when I pick foods. I will try to have a leaner steak, no salad, and nothing fried. I ended up having a problem once when out with my husband and friends when I chose a before-dinner drink, fried appetizer and steak. I sat at the table unable to enjoy the conversation because I was frantically trying to think of a way to get to the bathroom without having to explain my problem. It was a pretty embarrassing situation, and one that I try to avoid now at all costs.

Because I have had UC for several years now, I am more aware of what bothers me and what doesn't. Sometimes (as I mentioned above) I can make mistakes when I feel like I am having a good day. It can be pretty frustrating having to think about every single thing that I put in my mouth, especially when I am not at home. Picking leaner meats, not drinking any alcohol, and avoiding high gas-producing foods (i.e. broccoli, beans, popcorn, carbonated drinks, etc.) makes a big difference for me. If I know that I have to be somewhere else after I eat out, I definitely make sure that I am especially careful, and I will use the bathroom before I leave.

There are a lot of "ifs" when having this condition. Preparation is key, and having medication on hand is essential. I always keep over the counter anti-gas pills, anti-diarrhea pills, and any prescription pill that I have. I will take the anti-gas pills before I eat, just in case. If I find I have to use the bathroom when eating out, I will tell myself that I have to get over the embarrassment. There are a lot worse things to be diagnosed with, and stress will only make it worse. Everyone has had to do more than urinate in a public bathroom before, whether they have UC or not!