The Ulcerative Colitis Diet: When to Seek Professional Nutritionist Advice

Diet and nutrition plays a key role in our overall health and can have a profound impact on the long term health of those with digestive disorders. If you have been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, it is important to become very familiar with the dynamics of an ulcerative colitis diet and how a nutritionist or dietician can play a role in your positive health outcomes.

Ulcerative colitis is a life altering digestive health complication that causes a variety of digestive health issues, including abnormal bowel movements, nausea, vomiting, muscle wasting, and can lead to issues with chronic diarrhea and suppressed immune system. In patients with ulcerative colitis, diet plays a key role in not only improving digestive health but also in exacerbating symptoms of this digestive disease. Just like an irritable bowel syndrome diet, a diet for ulcerative colitis should be followed to improve long term health.

Upon receiving your diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, it is not uncommon to be prescribed medications that are used to keep the digestive health at optimal levels and to minimize bacterial proliferation. A nutritionist, therefore, is essential to helping you choose foods that will improve your digestive health but also help with normal absorption of the medications that have been given to you as well.

Foods high in fiber, vitamins and nutrients can be expected and most nutritionists will recommend avoiding dairy products, avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and eating as few high carbohydrate foods as possible. The key to optimal digestive health will come by choosing foods that are high in protein and provide the bulk needed to help your digestive system move evenly and progress slowly.

If your doctor does not recommend a nutritionist or dietician when you are diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, be sure to seek out this professional immediately. Even without a doctor's orders, you can use a dietician and most insurance companies will pay for such services as part of your ulcerative colitis diagnosis. Never attempt to create a dietary plan on your own, after receiving this diagnosis, as the daily challenge of keep your digestive health in place will be difficult without professional guidance.

Sources: What to Eat with IBD, by Tracie Dalessandro