Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a long-term, chronic condition that causes inflammation along your digestive tract. Colitis symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever and fatigue, and a loss of appetite. Curing it is impossible. The most that can be hoped for is effective management. Like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis can be controlled by limiting or eliminating the intake of foods that trigger flare-ups and inflammation. This article investigates potential ulcerative colitis dietary triggers:
1. Raw vegetables
Many vegetables are notoriously difficult to digest during an acute episode, and their high fiber content has been linked to symptoms such as stomach bloating and cramping. Vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage contribute to digestive gas. Individuals with ulcerative colitis often tolerate cooked veggies better than raw vegetables.
2. Butter or margarine
Individuals with ulcerative colitis should avoid butter as well as margarine. Butter contains high levels of saturated and trans fats, which can irritate the lining of the intestines and cause other symptoms such as stomach discomfort, diarrhea, and bloating. Margarine is not much better, so stick to cooking with healthier fats like extra virgin olive oil.
3. Carbonated beverages
Carbonated drinks are a common trigger for ulcerative colitis. These drinks can cause digestive system irritation and flatulence. Additionally, most carbonated drinks are sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners, which can exacerbate symptoms. Instead of reaching for the soda or beer, try flavoring your still water by adding fruit slices.
4. Coffee or caffeine
Caffeine or coffee can be a trigger for ulcerative colitis. This may be related to the high acidity of coffee and its effect on the colon’s lining. Caffeine can cause cramping, diarrhea, and abdominal pain in some people. Additionally, coffee and caffeine can increase the inflammation in the intestines of people with UC, worsening symptoms. Caffeine is found in many products, including coffee, tea, chocolate, soft drinks, and energy drinks.
5. Corn
This is a difficult food to digest. People consume it and chew it, but most of the time, the maize kernels pass through their bodies unbroken. This might induce gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhea in individuals with ulcerative colitis. Thus, many opt to avoid it during an acute episode.
Doctors recommend that individuals having symptoms of ulcerative colitis stick to a low-residue diet. This includes avoiding foods like maize and roughage like broccoli which may not be digested completely.
6. Dairy products
Since the small intestine does not produce enough of the digestive enzyme called lactase, those who suffer from lactose intolerance have trouble digesting lactose, the sugar in milk and dairy items. Although dairy consumption does not appear to trigger episodes of ulcerative colitis (UC), lactose intolerance can induce symptoms including bloating, gas, and diarrhea that are often misdiagnosed as UC. You can alleviate these symptoms by avoiding dairy intake or using lactase supplements.
It is almost impossible to determine if a cause of UC is the delayed reaction to food. However, those with UC should not blame the foods they eat in their diet as the root cause of the disease. Controlling what you eat can help you to have a much healthier body that helps decrease the chance of having UC. It does not mean that the food makes you sick, but it does mean that the food can trigger ulcerative colitis and make it worse by not allowing your body to stop the symptoms that flare up.
