Foods For Colitis Prevention

Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is all too common yet often misunderstood. It is a form of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBD) that can have a debilitating effect on your digestive system, leading to a slew of unpleasant symptoms that can drag down your quality of life. Don't let UC win - learn more about it and fight back.

Don't wait any longer - take action now to safeguard your wellbeing! Ignoring your Colitis can cause a plethora of health issues, including persistent fatigue, a heightened danger of colorectal cancer, Osteoporosis, and even toxic megacolon. Fortunately, medication, surgical procedures, treatments, and even straightforward dietary shifts can help manage your symptoms. The quicker you act, the more advantageous it will be for you.

Foods to Avoid

Before uncovering the most advantageous foods to aid in managing colitis symptoms, it's essential to remember that some foods may worsen your condition and may trigger flare-ups. To keep your symptoms in check, aim to stay away from these as much as you can.

● Alcohol

● Caffeine

are unhealthyCarbonated drinks can be detrimental to your health.

If you're lactose intolerant, consuming dairy products could be a risky decision.

are a healthy snackDried fruits make for a delicious and nutritious snack!

● Meat

Nuts and crunchy nut butters are a delicious way to nourish your body!

● Popcorn

Indulge in sugar-free gum and sweets made with sorbitol for a guilt-free treat!

causes health risksRefined sugar can be detrimental to one's health, posing a range of risks.

● Seeds

can be very enjoyableSpicy foods can be a tantalizing treat for the taste buds!

Having an expert to accompany you on your journey to wellness can be an invaluable asset. Seeking counsel from your doctor or a certified dietitian can be an integral part of finding the right nutrition plan that works best for you and your Ulcerative Colitis. Make sure to stay in communication with them, letting them know how you feel and what you eat, so they can adjust your plan accordingly. Don't forget to inquire about the effects of food on your health and ask any other questions that come up. Working together, you can create a dietary balance that helps you manage your condition.

If you're struggling to create a nutritious, flavourful diet that fits your dietary requirements, supplements could be the answer. Talk to your doctor to learn which vitamins and minerals you may need to add to your meal plan, like calcium, folic acid, and vitamin B12.

Rather than just eating three big meals a day, why not try spacing out your food intake into several smaller meals? This can be a great way to stay on track with your dietary plan if you have colitis. Planning ahead and carrying nutritious snacks can also help you avoid unhealthy temptations. Of course, not all diets are the same, and your eating habits may change over time. Keeping a food diary can be really useful for understanding which foods work best for you and your colitis.

Are you looking for relief from the unpleasantness of colitis flare-ups? Keep reading to uncover strategies for controlling this uncomfortable condition.

Applesauce

Soothe your irritated gastrointestinal system with soft, easy-to-digest foods like applesauce during a flare-up. Remember to opt for unsweetened varieties, though - added sugar can actually worsen the inflammation. Get creative and make your own sugar-free applesauce at home by cooking peeled and sliced apples with a bit of water and then pureeing the mixture.

Ripe Bananas or Canned Fruits

Dietitians typically advise avoiding raw fruit during a flare, but Colitis patients may find ripe, soft bananas quite easy to digest. Not only are these a great source of energy-boosting carbohydrates, but canned pears or peaches may also be a gentle, nourishing option for those with Colitis, according to Shannon Szeles, a registered dietitian from York, Pennsylvania.

Cooked Vegetables

Savor the flavor of these delicious carrots and spinach! Not only do they provide essential vitamins A and K, but they are also easy to prepare: just make sure to cook them until they are tender enough to mash with a fork. This helps break down any fibrous bits for a smoother taste. Enjoy!

Salmon Or Other Fish Rich In Omega-3 Fatty Acids

If you're living with UC or have lactose intolerance, or simply want to increase your protein intake, salmon is the perfect option! Not only is it a great source of protein, but the omega-3 fatty acids in salmon can help reduce inflammation. If you don't like salmon, why not try tuna, shrimp, or any other omega-3-rich fish for a delicious and nutritious meal to enjoy during a flare?

Dr. Neilanjan Nandi, a gastroenterologist and assistant professor at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, recommends baking, broiling, or sautéing salmon as an optimal way to preserve the vital nutrients it contains, as frying it can have a detrimental effect.

Yogurt

If you're not lactose intolerant, yogurt can be an amazing addition to your diet! It's a fantastic source of protein and also provides beneficial probiotics, which help with digestion. When buying yogurt, look for labels that say “live and active cultures”, and avoid yogurts with large chunks of fruit, as those can be tricky to digest. If you're looking for a fruit-flavored yogurt, go for one with soft, seedless fruit and make sure it's been blended well. And if you are lactose intolerant, probiotic supplements are also an excellent choice.

White Rice With Turmeric

Are you facing a major flare and unable to stomach most foods? Cooked white rice is a safe, bland option, but if you're feeling bold, why not add some turmeric for a zesty change? Not only does this yellow spice taste great, but its active ingredient, curcumin, may even help relieve your ulcerative colitis symptoms.

A groundbreaking meta-analysis published in the November 2019 edition of the Annals of Gastroenterology has uncovered that combining curcumin with an anti-inflammatory medication can be more successful in alleviating ulcerative colitis than relying on an anti-inflammatory alone.

Final Thoughts

Suffering from UC can be incredibly debilitating and even life-threatening if not properly managed; however, with the right treatment plan, you can reduce the symptoms significantly, improve your quality of life and prevent it from deteriorating further.

Before altering your medical or health care habits, it is essential to always consult a certified medical professional or dietician.