Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease. It causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers in the intestines. Diet plays a very important role in preventing ulcerative colitis. In ulcerative colitis, the innermost lining of large intestine and rectum are influenced. Symptoms usually develop over time, i.e. slowly rather than immediately. Ulcerative colitis can be dangerous and can lead to life-threatening complications. As it has no known cure, treatment can reduce signs and symptoms. This disease can be improved by following some good dietary changes in life.
Depending on the severity of inflammation and where it occurs, symptoms of ulcerative colitis may vary. Signs and symptoms include diarrhea with blood or pus, abdominal cramps, pain, emergency to pass stool, loss of appetite, weight loss, etc. Ulcerative colitis includes mild to moderate symptoms. The course of the disease may vary, with different people having long periods of remission. It is mainly a food borne disease and caused by food poisoning and may include diarrhea with blood and can result in dehydration. It can also be caused by contaminated water such as water from rivers, lakes, swimming pool, or sometimes water from well. If your diet is good, you can prevent ulcerative colitis easily.
Foods that can be consumed in Ulcerative Colitis:
- Apple: Apple fruit kills the bacteria which causes ulcerative colitis. Drink freshly prepared juice of this fruit once or twice a day or eat an apple a day.
- Cabbage: Raw and fresh cabbage will help in soothing and improving this condition. Drinking cabbage juice once or twice a day gives wonderful result in colitis.
- Sweet potato: It has an anti-inflammatory property so it is beneficial in ulcerative colitis.
- Avocado: Avocadosare high in nutrients so do not aggravate symptoms of ulcerative colitis. These are rich in nutrients so it is considered a good food choice for people with ulcerative colitis.
- Yogurt: Yogurt is an excellent probiotic. The good bacteria in it aids proper digestion in patients of ulcerative colitis. Consume yogurt once or twice a day.
- Ginger: Ginger can offer a targeted and effective remedy for this potentially debilitating condition. Itis thought to offer wide-ranging health benefits.
- Apple cider vinegar:Dilute one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in drinking water. The properties in apple cider vinegar seem to have a probiotics effect which helps the good bacteria thrive in the digestive tract and reducing inflammation.
- Turmeric: Turmeric is easily available in your kitchen. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-tumor properties. It is very beneficial in ulcerative colitis.
- Plenty of fluid: People with conditions like ulcerative colitis need to drink extra fluid, as diarrhea can lead to dehydration.
Foods that should be strictly avoided in ulcerative colitis:
- Tomatoes: Raw tomatoesmay trigger ulcerative colitis because of the seeds. They’re also acidic due to which they can irritate your intestinal lining.
- Chicken: Fatty foods will increase the inflammation and pain which worsens the condition further. Avoid eating chicken as it can cause constipation which can worsen the condition more.
- Coffee: Coffee causes acidity, it can adversely affect the lining of your stomach and intestines. Some coffe may be bennefitial, but if you drink a lot of coffee over a long period, it may worsen the existing condition.
- Nuts: Seeds are hard to digest if you have ulcerative colitis. That means avoid high-fiber foods like nuts, seeds, and corn.
- Dairy products: As these products are heavy and not digested easily, so can worsen the condition by putting pressure on intestines.
- Bread/cookies/pasta: These are the high-fiber diets that are difficult to digest during ulcerative colitis which can irritate the lining of the stomach causing pain.
- Broccoli: Broccoli may trigger ulcerative colitis as it is very difficult to digest and can cause more inflammation.
- Alcohol: Alcohol may trigger ulcers in ulcerative colitis patients. It increases inflammation, pain, & acidity.
- High fiber foods: High fiber foods include dried beans, fruits, whole grains, berries, peas, and legumes. This food will increase the number of bowel movements, the amount of gas, and also abdominal cramps.
- Carbonated drinks: The carbonated drinks like sodas, cold drinks, and beers contain carbonation that can irritate the digestive system and cause gas. Many carbonated beverages also contain sugar, caffeine, or artificial sweeteners, which triggers ulcerative colitis.
Recommended reading:
https://www.itishealth.com/what-exactly-are-the-obstacles-in-good-care-of-patients-struggling-with-rectal-bleeding/
If you follow the above-mentioned diet you can easily manage the signs & symptoms of ulcerative colitis at home.
