Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the rectum and colon. Patients with ulcerative colitis have an ulcerated colon.

Symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis include weight loss, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, rectal bleeding, nausea, and blood in stool. The definitive cause of the chronic inflammation of the bowel is still unclear. Researchers believe it is a misdirected immune response. Several conditions may exacerbate the disease, including some foods.

Diet is a crucial factor in managing ulcerative colitis. However, no one diet is appropriate for all patients suffering from this chronic inflammation. Hence, the need for individualized management. The worst and best foods for the condition will depend on whether an individual experiences a flare of ulcerative colitis. Note that it may take time to figure out the most suitable foods for you if you suffer from rectum and colon inflammation.

Medication Options for Ulcerative Colitis

Entyvio (vedolizumab) is a biologic medication used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. It works by targeting and blocking the integrin α4β7, a protein that allows inflammatory cells to travel into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. By inhibiting this pathway, Entyvio reduces inflammation in the gut, helping to control symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bleeding. Entyvio is administered as an intravenous infusion, typically every 8 weeks after an initial loading phase. It is designed for patients with moderate to severe cases of Crohn's or ulcerative colitis who have not responded well to conventional therapies like steroids or immunosuppressants. Entyvio is gut-specific, meaning it works primarily in the GI tract, reducing the risk of systemic side effects.

The following foods are believed to worsen ulcerative colitis. Hence, it would be appropriate if you avoided them.

1. High Fiber Vegetables and Fruits

Taking excess fiber-rich foods is associated with worsening of symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Because the patient’s body cannot digest fiber, it gets eliminated through bowel movements. Individuals with ulcerative colitis report cramping, bowel movements, and abdominal pain when they take foods rich in fiber.

Other foods to avoid alongside those rich in fiber are leafy greens, apples, cauliflower, and broccoli. During remission, you may consider incorporating some of the above foods into your diet. Note that the body finds it easier to digest vegetables and fruits peeled and cooked than raw produce.

2. Avoid Soda

Sugary and carbonated beverages can be troublesome, more so to individuals who have ulcerative colitis. Carbonation will irritate your colon and cause an accumulation of gas. Excess sugar is associated with diarrhea. Caffeine is a component of most sodas. It has a stimulatory effect on the gastrointestinal tract and leads to diarrhea and abdominal cramps. You may consider taking soda during remission. However, during flares, it would be best if you avoided it.

3. Avoid Alcohol

During flares, it is not advisable to drink alcoholic beverages. Mixed drinks, wine, and beer contain sugar and alcohol. These ingredients have some stimulatory effect on the intestine and may lead to diarrhea. Tomato juice, decaf tea, and water are better options during flare-ups. As you begin to eat/drink during remission, pay attention to your body signals and stop the intake when you notice worsening symptoms.

4. Avoid Dairy Products

Individuals with ulcerative colitis report excess gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea when they eat ice cream or drink milk. It is advisable to reduce the consumption of dairy products or eliminate them temporarily if you experience worsening of ulcerative colitis symptoms. Some ulcerative colitis individuals could be lactose intolerant, implying that they cannot digest the milk sugar. To alleviate some of the unpleasant symptoms, you may consider taking lactase pills before eating dairy products.

5. Avoid Seeds and Nuts

Seeds and nuts such as walnuts and almond nuts are rich in fiber which accelerate bowel movement, gas accumulation, and abdominal cramping. However, it may be easier to eat these foods when they are in ground form. Even minute seeds like those in raspberries or strawberries may exacerbate the symptoms during flare-ups of ulcerative colitis.

Other nuts to avoid are pistachios, macadamia, and hazelnuts because it is challenging to digest nut-based fibers. Like nuts, seeds comprise of insoluble fibers. They are known to worsen the irritating side effects. Some of the sources to avoid are wild rice seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pine nuts, millet, flaxseeds, and sesame seeds.

6. Sulfides and Sulfate

Sulfate is a critical nutrient in the human diet that helps in several body processes. Unfortunately, sulfate is also a nutrient to some bacteria leading to the toxic hydrogen sulfide gas in individuals with ulcerative colitis. Studies indicate that 90% of individuals with ulcerative colitis make hydrogen sulfide gas instead of methane.

If you experience malodorous gas and excessive bloating, it may indicate more of such bacteria within the colon as well as excess sulfides and sulfates. The following foods are rich in sulfides and sulfates. Consider reducing the intake of cruciferous vegetables, dried fruits, grape juice, apple, wine, and red meat.

7. Avoid Foods Rich in Gluten

Gluten is one of the compounds becoming intolerable for individuals with challenges in the digestive system. Gluten is a protein primarily found in barley, rye, and wheat. It is available in pasta, bread, processed proteins, soups, sauces, and condiments. If you have ulcerative colitis and suspect that gluten could be responsible for the worsening symptoms, it is advisable to avoid gluten-containing products, cereals, and grains.

8. Avoid Whole Grain Starches

Individuals with ulcerative colitis should avoid wild rice, oats, buckwheat, quinoa, and brown rice. Such grains contain the bran, germ, and endosperm that may irritate ulcerative colitis and cause worsening of the symptoms. More grains to avoid are bulgur wheat, wheat-berries, millet, and plain barley. A better alternative for individuals with ulcerative colitis is properly-cooked white rice.

Diet plays a crucial role in overall health. Although individuals with ulcerative colitis may have a restricted diet, they may consider the following options. The foods are not associated with a flare-up of UC symptoms.

9. Consider Hard Cheeses

Parmesan, Cheddar, and other hard cheeses have less lactose. Lactose is the milk sugar responsible for bloating and abdominal pain in lactose-intolerant individuals. You may consider these hard cheeses even if it means keeping off dairy products.

You can add cheese to salads, sandwiches, and egg dishes. Cheese is rich in calcium, an essential mineral in building strong bones. It would be best if individuals with ulcerative colitis ate foods rich in calcium because the condition weakens the bones.

10. Add Tuna and Salmon

Individuals with ulcerative colitis experience challenges tolerating foods rich in fats. Fatty meals may trigger gas build-up and abdominal pain. Most of the patients will evade the fatty cuts while focusing on lean protein sources like poultry. Note that tuna and salmon are exceptions. These proteins are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which possess an anti-inflammatory property. Individuals with ulcerative colitis are advised to eat these fish to alleviate the symptoms.

11. Add Yogurt

Fermented foods like yogurts contain probiotics, which are known as good bacteria. Probiotics enhance digestive health. Some studies reveal that probiotics could play a key role during remission among patients who have ulcerative colitis. Hence, consider adding probiotic-rich foods to your diet if you have UC. Consult your physician for the most suitable foods for you. There are some yogurts with excess sugar that may lead to diarrhea in patients with UC. Products with low sugar are the best.

12. Fruit Juice, Sports Drink, and Water

Diarrhea associated with ulcerative colitis may make an individual lose excess fluids, and it is necessary to replenish them. When dehydrated, every symptom gets amplified. A combination of sports drinks and water is effective in correcting the lost electrolytes and carbohydrates.

13. Add Bananas

Bananas have less fiber, are easily digestible, and are nutritious fruits. Individuals with ulcerative colitis can comfortably take bananas even when the symptoms exacerbate. Other well-tolerated fruits include honeydew melon and cantaloupe.

During flare-ups, such fruits are crucial sources of hydration, minerals, and vitamins. Frequent diarrhea could lead to hypokalemia and dehydration. Cantaloupe and bananas are vital sources of potassium and will replenish the lost potassium.

It would be best if individuals with ulcerative colitis worked with professional nutritionists to have individualized food plan. The meals will provide the necessary nutrients and calories without flaring up symptoms of rectum and colon inflammation.

Author: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice regarding health or finances. It is not intended to endorse any individual or company. This article is AI-generated and may contain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should consult a qualified professional for personal advice.