Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease that affects the digestive system. The condition causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the large intestine, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, bleeding, and weight loss.

While there is no cure for ulcerative colitis, dietary changes can help relieve symptoms and manage the condition. In this article, we’ll discuss some dietary approaches that can be helpful for managing ulcerative colitis.

1. Low-Fiber Diet

A low-fiber diet can be beneficial for people with ulcerative colitis. High-fiber foods can be difficult to digest and may aggravate symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Foods low in fiber include white bread, white rice, pasta, skinless potatoes, and cooked vegetables. It’s important to note that while a low-fiber diet may help manage symptoms, it’s not recommended as a long-term solution as it can lead to nutritional deficiencies.

2. Avoid Dairy

Dairy products can be difficult to digest for people with ulcerative colitis, especially during flare-ups. Milk and other dairy products contain lactose, a type of sugar that can cause diarrhea, gas, and bloating.

It’s best to avoid dairy products during flare-ups and limit them in general when managing the condition.

3. Gluten-Free Diet

There is some evidence to suggest that a gluten-free diet can be helpful for managing ulcerative colitis. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye that can cause inflammation in some people.

While there is no conclusive evidence that gluten causes or aggravates ulcerative colitis, some people find that eliminating gluten from their diet helps manage their symptoms.

4. Low-Fat Diet

A low-fat diet can be beneficial for people with ulcerative colitis, as high-fat foods can be difficult to digest. Fried foods, fatty meats, and creamy sauces should be avoided. Instead, choose lean meats, fish, and poultry.

It’s important to note that while a low-fat diet may be helpful, it’s not recommended to eliminate all fats from the diet, as some fats are important for overall health.

5. Small, Frequent Meals

Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day rather than three large meals may be helpful for people with ulcerative colitis.

This approach can help manage symptoms such as abdominal pain and cramping by reducing the amount of food the digestive system has to process at once. It’s also important to eat slowly and chew food thoroughly to aid digestion.

6. Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help promote a healthy digestive system. They are found in foods such as yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables like sauerkraut and kimchi. Probiotic supplements are also available over the counter.

While there is some evidence to suggest that probiotics can be helpful for managing ulcerative colitis, more research is needed to determine the best strains and dosages.

7. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of healthy fat found in fish, walnuts, flaxseed, and chia seeds. Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation in the body, including inflammation in the digestive system.

While it’s not clear how much omega-3 fatty acids are needed to manage ulcerative colitis, it’s a good idea to incorporate these healthy fats into the diet.

8. Avoid Trigger Foods

It’s important to avoid foods that trigger symptoms during flare-ups of ulcerative colitis. Common trigger foods include spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and high-fiber foods.

Keeping a food diary can be helpful for identifying trigger foods and avoiding them in the future.

9. Stay Hydrated

Diarrhea and vomiting can cause dehydration, so it’s important to stay hydrated when managing ulcerative colitis. Drinking plenty of water and electrolyte-rich fluids such as sports drinks and coconut water can help prevent dehydration.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can contribute to dehydration.

10. Work with a Healthcare Provider

It’s important to work with a healthcare provider when managing ulcerative colitis. A provider can help develop an individualized treatment plan that includes dietary changes, medication, and other therapies as needed.

It’s important to discuss any dietary changes with a provider to ensure that they are safe and effective.