Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA
If you are living with ulcerative colitis (UC), doctors recommend focusing on your diet and living the healthiest life possible. While food cannot cause UC, there are certain things that can trigger flare-ups and make symptoms worse. Having a balanced diet that delivers the nutrients you need is a key part of managing your condition! While there is no one-size-fits-all diet for UC, certain foods are better than others. Here are some diet tips from PatientsLikeMe for anyone with ulcerative colitis.
Building a Balanced Diet
Finding a balanced diet that works for you is crucial. Everyone is different, both in terms of foods they like to eat and what is good for their body. As a general rule of thumb, the best foods to eat with UC are those that lower inflammation while still delivering high levels of vitamins and minerals. These include:
- Fruits: bananas, raspberries, applesauce, cantaloupes
- Vegetables: squash, carrots, green beans
- Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids: fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel), chia seeds, flaxseed oil, walnuts
- Refined grains: potatoes, white rice, oatmeal, white pasta
- Lean Protein: chicken, eggs, firm tofu
Now remember this is not a hard and fast rule. Like any diet, it is about the long-term effect food has on your body. Individual meals will not solve or worsen UC to the point it cannot be reversed.
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods can trigger UC symptoms and should be avoided, especially during a flare-up. Again, these foods vary person to person. Here are certain groups of foods and drinks that you should keep an eye out for.
- Insoluble-fiber: raw kale, sunflower seeds, apple skin
- High-fiber: brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, asparagus
- High-lactose: cow's milk, cream, ice cream, custard
- Added sugar: cookies, pastries, honey, maple syrup
- High-fat: butter, fried foods
- Spices: sriracha, chili powder
- Beverages: alcohol, caffeine, soda, juices
You should also be careful with any foods associated with increased inflammation. Watch out for red meat or processed meats like bacon and hot dogs. Certain oils, like coconut oil and dairy fat can also cause inflammation. Again, like any diet this is a good rubric to follow but not a hard and fast rule. The food you eat will have an impact on the course of your UC. Find a balance that works for you and helps you manage your condition.
Hydration
Dehydration is a common result of ulcerative colitis. UC can cause you to have frequent bowel movements or diarrhea, both of which cause your body to lose water rapidly. Inflammation of the intestine can also prevent it from absorbing fluid. If you are losing water faster than you can replenish it, this can lead to kidney damage. Signs of dehydration include a headache, dry mouth, lack of energy, and dark urine. If you get dizzy, experience muscle cramps or a rapid pulse, or are confused, see a doctor!
Staying hydrated is a must! You should also pay attention to your electrolyte balance. Things like salt, potassium, and magnesium are lost when you have diarrhea. Just drinking water may not be enough, you should add electrolytes into the mix need be. You can get these from sports drinks, fruit juice, broth, or certain low-fiber fruits. Be sure to work with your doctor.
Eating During a Flare-Up
An ulcerative colitis flare-up is when symptoms return after being absent for an extended period. When experiencing a flare-up, it’s important to choose foods that are easy on the digestive system. For the most part you can stick to the section above on a balanced diet. However, there are a few additional steps you can take to help you through this period.
Increasing the amount of protein you are consuming is a good first step. Your body needs more protein when it is dealing with inflammation. You may also need to hydrate more, depending on how much your bowel movements are impacted.
Meal Prep
Planning your meals can help you maintain a balanced diet. Again, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to meal prep, but here are a few suggestions to make life easier.
- Try eating 5-6 small meals instead of 2-3 large meals a day
- Prepare meals in advance
- Have some quick meals ready for days you are too tired to cook
- Keep your pantry stocked with non-aggravating foods
- Review menus ahead of time when going out
- Keep a food diary - tracking what you eat can help identify patterns
- Count your calories and nutrients
Supplements and Vitamins
A well-balanced diet is the best way to get your body the nutrition it needs. However, everyone reacts differently to certain foods, and you may need to supplement your diet to make sure your body is well-fed. Before taking any vitamins or supplements, talk to your doctor or a dietician to figure out the best approach. Here are some common supplements people with UC may need to take.
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamins A, E, and K
- Calcium
- Iron
- Folate or Folic Acid
- Zinc
Managing ulcerative colitis means you must pay attention to how your body reacts to different foods. While there’s no universal diet for everyone with UC, these guidelines can help you make choices that ease your symptoms and support your overall health. Always work with your doctor or a registered dietitian before making changes to your diet.
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