Ulcerative Colitis is a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), affecting the large intestine (colon) and the rectum. The most common symptoms include chronic abdominal cramps and pain along with diarrhea. Avoiding certain foods can help.
Learn What to Avoid
People with Ulcerative Colitis can gain great insight from keeping a food diary. Because everyone is different, certain foods affect one person but may not affect another. Determining when symptoms occur can help you learn which foods to avoid.
Dairy
Many people with Ulcerative Colitis and other types of IBD see improvement when they limit or eliminate dairy products. Lactose intolerance can aggravate IBD. But sometimes yogurt and low-lactose cheese, such as Swiss, can still be eaten without problems.
Fiber
Fiber can make diarrhea and gas worse. Some people with Ulcerative Colitis have problems after eating raw vegetables, particularly broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. High-fiber breads and cereals also can cause flare-ups and so can dried beans.
Additional Factors
You may find some relief by avoiding spicy foods and hot sauce. Popcorn, nuts and seeds can aggravate the condition. And you may also need to avoid caffeinated foods and beverages, such as chocolate and coffee.
Meat, Protein and Alcohol
A study published in a 2004 issue of the journal Gut found that eating red meat and high protein is associated with relapses in Ulcerative Colitis. Drinking alcohol was also shown to be a problem.
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