Ulcerative Colitis Diet Tips

Ulcerative colitis is characterized by inflammation of the colon (large intestine) and the lining of the rectum. Some of the more common symptoms of ulcerative colitis include, but are not limited to, abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding and blood in the stool, urgency to have a bowel movement, loss of appetite, weight loss, dehydration, and fatigue.

In terms of conventional medicine ulcerative colitis is usually treated with immunosuppressive drugs (such as Remicade, Humira, Purinethol, Azathioprine, and Imuran) or corticosteroids drugs (such as Prednisone). Although these medications work in the short-term and alleviate most symptoms, in the long-term they can be more harmful to a patient's overall health due to the numerous side effects that come with taking such medications.

Foods that have a high fat content, especially animal fat, can be harmful for someone who suffers from ulcerative colitis. These foods can trigger flare-ups and can cause quite a bit of discomfort. Modifying your diet to include more organically grown foods can help ease the discomfort associated with ulcerative colitis and can actually be beneficially in treating your disease.

The terms "organic" refers to the way farmers grow and process their agricultural goods. Organic foods are those that are grown without the use of the usual pesticides and artificial fertilizers that most food plants are treated with. For animals, it implies that the animal was reared without the use of antibiotics, growth hormones, or any sort of genetic modification. It also suggests that measures were taken to prevent disease in livestock.

Most health care professionals do no agree on any one particular diet when it comes to inflammatory bowel disease. In doing research on the Internet you'll find that most lists that have been compiled are by those who suffer from the disease themselves. There are, however, some basic guidelines that can be followed and may be helpful in preventing flare-ups.

A diet that is low in fat is probably the most important factor to consider. Ingesting foods that are high in fat can cause diarrhea and the loss of important nutrients. Artificial sweeteners and simple sugars have also been known to cause flare-ups for many patients suffering from ulcerative colitis. Reducing the intake of just these two food types will significantly decrease your chances of experiencing a flare-up and will help you to stay in remission.

When selecting organic meats for your diet make sure you are using animal products that do not contain hormones. Hormones have the potential to create stress on the body. Also use poultry and eggs that are range free. "Free Range" means that the animals were not contained in cages or confined in any way. This gives the animal a chance to live out its life in the most natural way possible.

When selecting fruits and vegetables for your organic diet make sure that you remove the seeds before consuming the fruit or vegetable. Those who suffer from ulcerative colitis generally have a harder time digesting the seeds and skins of fruits and vegetables. Some of the more popular fruits and vegetables amongst those who suffer from ulcerative colitis include:

-Bananas: rich in potassium.
-Broccoli: rich in iron and vitamin B12.
-Oranges: rich in vitamin C.
-Yellow Squash: rich in vitamins B1 and C, and folic acid.
-Avocados: rich in potassium and vitamin A.
-Melons: rich in vitamin C and B (especially thiamin, B6, and pantothenic acid).
-Beans: mung beans and kidney beans are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates.
-Tomatoes: rich in vitamins C and K, and carotenes (especially lycopene).
-Apples: rich in vitamin C and an excellent source of fiber.
-Papaya: rich in vitamins A and E, folic acid, potassium and fiber.

It may be helpful to keep a food diary that lists the type of food eaten, the amount of food eaten, and any side effects you may notice after consuming the food. Keeping a record of your daily food intake will help you to determine what foods you can or can't tolerate and will also aid in maintaining a balanced diet.

Sources

Cartwright, Peter. Coping Successfully with Ulcerative Colitis (Overcoming Common Problems). United Kingdom: Sheldon Press, 2005.

Dalessandro, Tracie M. What to Eat with IBD: A Comprehensive Nutrition and Recipe Guide for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Dublin, Ireland: CMG Publishing, 2006.

Scala, James. The New Eating Right for a Bad Gut : The Complete Nutritional Guide to Ileitis, Colitis, Crohn's Disease, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease. USA: Plume Publishers, Revised Edition, 2000.