When Dieting with Ulcerative Colitis, Watch Out for Malnutrition!

Anyone who has ever been on a diet knows three things. First, it is hard to lose weight. Next, every doctor will tell you (and you intuitively know), that it is not safe to lose weight too fast. Finally, you are not at all happy about the way you look and, because of that, are quite frustrated by the first thing and could care less about the second.

Most times it is alright to try and get the weight off as fast as possible anyway if for no other reason than so many of us fail at the attempt, however, when one is suffering from ulcerative colitis, you have to take weight loss seriously.

Diet does two very, very important things when we suffer from ulcerative colitis. It impacts the disease and it provides nourishment for our body to function the disease notwithstanding. Making poor choices with respect to diet can put our body in a compromised position and can also bring on "flares".

The important things in concert with ulcerative colitis are certain fish oils, carbohydrates and water. These elements are all conducive to weight loss so, as I said, typically if you are caring for your ulcerative colitis in the right way, you probably won't have to worry about losing weight.

The greatest danger with respect to dieting when you have ulcerative colitis is the possibility of malnutrition. If that does occur you lose the ability to fight the illness. The best way to battle that I have found is to use organic fruits and vegetables. They offer the most nourishment with the least amount of food and irritation to the bowel

One of the great breakthroughs has been the discovery of fish oils which has proven effect not only with ulcerative colitis but many illnesses.

What I found as good food under that flagship was white chicken, turkey, baked and boiled potatoes as well as mild pasta. The trigger for anything one ate was water. Water is what keeps people well hydrated. In addition to chicken and turkey and water are vegetables such as spinach and beets. It is important to watch eating too much gaseous vegetables. As I said, it is important they be organic.

The advice I would give to any one who is trying to lose weight is to try and increase water intake and exercise first. That simple combination truly enhances the healing and management of ulcerative colitis and will help you lose weight.

The most important thing I learned was not to try and go without eating because sooner or later you will "fall off the wagon".