Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA
For people living with ulcerative colitis, managing symptoms during flare-ups is a key concern. One way to help your digestive system during these times is by sticking to a low-fiber diet. This diet is sometimes recommended by doctors to give your intestines a break. It can reduce irritation and help minimize symptoms like diarrhea, cramping, and frequent bowel movements. But how exactly does a low-fiber diet work, and what can you safely eat? Let's dive in.
Low-Fiber and Ulcerative Colitis
A low-fiber diet gives the digestive system a rest by reducing the bulk of bowel movements and lowering irritation in the intestines. Since fiber passes through the intestines mostly undigested, it can sometimes aggravate symptoms like diarrhea, gas, bloating, and cramps. By lowering your fiber intake, you may have less discomfort and fewer trips to the bathroom. This diet is especially useful during flare-ups when your intestines are most inflamed. The low-fiber approach helps prevent blockages in cases where the bowel has narrowed due to strictures. It can also be helpful after surgery, giving your gut time to recover. When on a low-fiber diet, make sure you:
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol
- Choose low-fat options
- Plan your meals carefully
Once your UC symptoms are under control, your doctor may recommend slowly adding fiber back into your diet. Do this slowly to avoid shocking your system and causing discomfort. Start with soluble fiber foods, like oatmeal, peeled apples, or carrots, which are gentler on the gut. Your doctor or dietitian can help explain how to transition back to a normal diet safely.
Benefits of a Low-Fiber Diet
When you have UC, inflammation in your colon can make digesting food hard. This is especially true during flare-ups. Fiber, which is found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, is a part of food that your body cannot fully break down. As a result, it can be too much for the digestive system to handle when it is inflamed. A low-fiber diet can lower the amount of undigested material passing through your intestines. This means fewer and smaller bowel movements. In turn, this eases the strain on your digestive system, letting it rest and heal during times of active inflammation. While this diet won’t cure UC, it can help manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Who Might Need a Low-Fiber Diet?
If you have ulcerative colitis, your doctor may recommend a low-fiber diet in the following situations:
- During a flare-up when symptoms worsen
- After certain types of bowel surgery
- If you have a history of intestinal strictures or narrowing of the bowel
A low-fiber diet is usually temporary and is only needed during flare-ups. Once your symptoms are under control, your doctor may suggest adding fiber back into your diet.
How to Start
It's important to know what foods are safe and which should be avoided when following a low-fiber diet. Above all else, make sure you talk to your doctor first! Here are guidelines to help.
Dairy Products
- Safe choices: Yogurt, kefir, cottage cheese, milk, pudding, and smooth cheese.
- Limit: If you are lactose intolerant, go for lactose-free products or avoid dairy altogether.
Breads and Grains
- Safe choices: Refined white breads, white pasta, and cereals like puffed rice or corn flakes.
- Avoid: Whole grains like whole-wheat pasta, brown rice, oats, barley, and high-fiber cereals.
Vegetables
- Safe choices: Carrots, spinach, potatoes (without skin), and yellow squash.
- Avoid: Raw vegetables, fried vegetables, and any vegetables with seeds or skins.
Fruits
- Safe choices: Ripe bananas, melons like cantaloupe and honeydew, applesauce, and fruit juices without pulp.
- Avoid: Fruits with skins, seeds, or dried fruits like prunes, berries, and figs.
Protein
- Safe choices: Chicken, fish, turkey, eggs, and smooth peanut butter.
- Avoid: Tough or fatty meats, hot dogs, sausage, beans, nuts, and crunchy peanut butter.
Fats and Oils
- Safe choices: Butter, margarine, oils, and smooth sauces and dressings.
- Avoid: Very spicy or acidic foods, chunky condiments, and deep-fried foods.
A low-fiber diet can be a good way to manage the symptoms of ulcerative colitis during flare-ups. You can help ease the strain on your intestines and give them a chance to heal. Remember that this diet is temporary and should only be followed under the guidance of your doctor. If you are not sure about which foods to eat or avoid, or if you are concerned about getting enough nutrition, talk to your doctor! The low-fiber diet can give you relief during the toughest times of ulcerative colitis, helping you feel more comfortable and in control of your health.
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