Ulcerative Colitis Smoothies

One of the problems with having Ulcerative Colitis is that food can sometimes be hard to digest. Also, there are times that one doesn't have much of an appetite because their stomach is in a queasy state. Therefore, a food scientist such as me turns to the easily ingested and inoffensive smoothie.

For those people who may not know what a smoothie is, it is a combination of ingredients that are placed in a blender and literally smoothed together. Typically smoothies are used as a treat or a health food.

There have been many times that I have not felt like eating, but it is important to keep fluids and body defenses up for an Ulcerative Colitis sufferer because of the need to avoid dehydration and strength reservoir depletion.

A smoothie cannot be a dessert. Excess sugar makes me sick and can, in fact, cause somewhat of a flare. Further, what is often used as a smoothie base, ice cream or milk, doesn't make me feel well either. Most smoothie lovers who don't have Ulcerative Colitis base their smoothies on fruits such as strawberries and bananas.

I use bananas for high protein and they are simply one of the most complete foods available. I have found that I actually can tolerate a little pepper with it, which sounds gross but actually gives it some extra flavor. With the basis of a banana, I add vegetables that are non-gassy.

What I found was that I had better luck using two different methodologies.

If I used fresh vegetables, I used organic vegetables like use carrots and celery. Also, I would use a little cantaloupe. I found at that point I had to go one way or another. I had to get the mixture stable with respect to a vegetable flavor or a sweeter flavor.

At times, I use V8 Juice to give me a more complete grouping of vegetables. I have found that by using bottled V8, I get more vegetable content with less gas. The banana and cantaloupe flavors mix well.

The other direction I go is, if I am going to do some sweetening, I use honey which is natural and can effectively sweeten any concoction.

In either case, when I am ready to turn on the blender, I add some water. I don't notice the difference in the end result, but I know I'm getting fluids.

It is always good to try and experiment with ingredients of your own that work specifically for you. I assure you, if you don't feel like being creative, you can find plenty of ideas online.