Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA
Living with ulcerative colitis (UC) is challenging! Gastric distress, stomach pain, and cramping are unfortunate symptoms of UC that many people with the condition have to manage. These symptoms are not only uncomfortable but can make eating an anxious experience! Understanding why this happens and what steps you can take to reduce the risk of pain after eating can help. Here is an overview from PatientsLikeMe.
Stomach Pain and UC
As a chronic inflammatory disease, UC causes long-term inflammation and sores in the lining of your colon and rectum. This inflammation can lead to cramping, pain, and discomfort, especially after eating. When you eat, your digestive system has to work harder to process food, and the added stress can worsen inflammation, leading to pain and cramping. Certain foods can also irritate the digestive system, making the pain more intense after meals. For example, high-fat or spicy foods, dairy, and processed snacks are common culprits that can cause more cramping and discomfort.
Ulcerative colitis can cause gas to build up in the intestines. After eating, this gas can get trapped and create a feeling of tightness, pressure, or bloating. This can increase cramping and pain. UC often causes more frequent and urgent bowel movements. After eating, the need to empty the bowels may come on suddenly, causing cramping as your body tries to digest the food.
Common Symptoms of Stomach Pain
Stomach pain from UC can vary in intensity and type. Some people may have mild cramping or discomfort, while others have sharp or severe pains. Common symptoms are:
- Cramping or tightness
- Bloating
- Frequent bowel movements
- Pain on the left side
Managing Stomach Pain
Although ulcerative colitis is chronic, there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of stomach pain and cramping after eating.
Choose Your Food Carefully
There is no specific diet that causes UC, but some foods can trigger symptoms and increase inflammation. Keeping a food diary to track what you eat and how your body reacts can help you identify the foods to avoid. Common trigger foods are:
- Dairy products
- High-fat food
- Spicy food
- High-fiber food
- Processed food
Try softer, easy-to-digest foods like bananas, plain toast, or applesauce. Eating smaller, more regular meals instead of three large meals a day can also help with cramping and give your digestive system less to handle at once.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water is important for people with UC, especially after meals. Water helps digestion and can ease cramping by keeping things moving smoothly in your digestive system. Try for eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.
Use Medications
For mild pain, acetaminophen can help ease discomfort. Avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or aspirin, as they can irritate the stomach and make UC symptoms worse. Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids or mesalamine, to help reduce inflammation in the colon. There are several types of medications available, so work with your doctor to find the best option for you. Over-the-counter medications like simethicone (Gas-X) can help reduce gas and bloating, which are common after eating with UC. This can ease some of the pressure that contributes to cramping.
Manage Stress and Find Comfort
Stress doesn't cause ulcerative colitis, but it can trigger flare-ups and make symptoms worse. Finding ways to manage stress can help reduce pain and inflammation. Some effective techniques include breathing exercises, yoga or stretching, and guided meditation. Using a warm water bottle or heating pad on your stomach can help relax the muscles in your abdomen and relieve cramping. Just be careful to avoid burns by wrapping the heat source in a towel.
People with UC often have stomach pain and cramping after eating due to inflammation, food triggers, and stress. Managing your diet, taking medications, staying hydrated, and controlling stress can reduce discomfort and improve your quality of life. Always work with your doctor to find the best ways to manage your symptoms and pain.
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