Patients with ulcerative colitis can take a balanced diet with an adequate combination of ingredients to reduce bowel inflammation and pain crises. The diet for ulcerative colitis is a feeding model that aims to decrease the symptoms of this inflammatory bowel disease. Its adoption can help control attacks so that they do not affect the quality of life of the patient. In fact, in many cases it is the best option to calm the irritation of the intestine, since it reduces the need to use medicines. In addition, it favors the regeneration process of tissues affected by ulcers, which minimizes episodes of pain.
Do you suffer from this condition? Although the diet can vary in each one, according to the age, weight and current state of health, in general there are some recommendations to eat better in case of having this condition. Discover in detail what foods to eat and what to avoid.
What is ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by irritation of the deeper lining of the large intestine and rectum. It is accompanied by one or several ulcers in the digestive tract, which can trigger other complications. In general, the symptoms do not occur suddenly, but they appear little by little with the passage of time. Although they can be controlled with medication, it is also necessary to modify the diet to avoid severe discomfort.
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis
The clinical manifestations of ulcerative colitis can vary in each person, depending on the severity of the inflammation and the affected region. In most cases they occur mildly or moderately, but some develop it on a chronic and recurrent level.
- Diarrhea, which usually has blood or pus
- Severe abdominal cramping
- Pain in the rectum
- Rectal bleeding
- Urgent need to defecate
- Notorious weight loss
- Feeling weak or fatigue
- Moderate fever
- Growth problems (in the case of children)
Diet for ulcerative colitis: allowed and forbidden foods
The need to improve the diet for ulcerative colitis is due to the effects of nutrition on the control of the disease. In the first place, it helps to prevent nutritional deficiencies, since sometimes there are problems due to dehydration and malabsorption. On the other hand, it supports the control of inflammation levels, since it proposes to limit the intake of some foods that are irritating. However, far from being a restrictive or hypocaloric regime, it is a balanced and healthy eating program.
The foods allowed in a diet for ulcerative colitis contain all the nutrients that the body requires. While some should be taken moderately, in general they provide carbohydrates, healthy fats, proteins and vitamins and minerals.
Fruit consumption is very beneficial for patients with ulcerative colitis. Due to its slight contribution of dietary fiber, water and antioxidants, they are ideal to stimulate a good digestion. They also fight irritation and regulate the pH of the stomach.
- Among the fruits that are best tolerated are apples, pears, mangoes and bananas. Another good option is avocado, which contains healthy fats, vitamin E and folic acid.
- The figs, apricots and cherries can be poorly assimilated.
Most vegetables can be consumed safely by having this condition. However, those that are most recommended are those that serve as a digestive soothing: pumpkin, potatoes, carrots or zucchini, among others.
The vegetables of orange color and intense green are quite advisable, since their contributions of beta-carotenes contribute to the repair of the intestinal mucosa. It is also good to eat cabbage, as it has healing properties and antacids that reduce ulcers.
The best tolerated cereal in case of ulcerative colitis is white rice. It is an energetic food that contains nutrients that repair the intestinal lining. Other alternatives are wholemeal pasta, bread and corn flakes.
Whole grains, including oats, can feel bad, especially in a crisis; they should be avoided to the maximum, like the legumes and the quinoa.
The omega 3 fatty acids and other healthy fats are essential in the diet for ulcerative colitis. Its absorption helps the regeneration of tissues affected by ulcers, producing a calming effect. The best options are:
- Coconut oil
- Nuts and seeds
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Wheat germ oil
- Peanut butter
Fish and meat
In order not to break the concept of a balanced diet, it is essential to know the recommended fish and meat. The best protein is white fish; however, it is also safe to eat chicken breast, turkey and rabbit meat.
Probiotic foods are those that contain healthy bacteria that regulate the gut microbiota. Its consumption helps to neutralize excess acidity and decreases the autoimmune response that is related to ulcerative colitis.
The most popular option is natural yogurt, but you can also get it through kefir, sauerkraut, miso or kombucha tea, among others.
Although avoiding certain foods does not prevent the development of ulcerative colitis, it is useful to reduce your symptoms. Some foods contain substances that worsen the level of inflammation in the intestine. You should avoid options like:
- Legumes (lentils, beans, beans, etc.)
- Whole grains
- Fritters and package snacks
- Meats rich in saturated fats
- Embossed meats
- Spicy or overly spicy foods
- Whole Dairy
- Fast and canned food
- Hydrogenated vegetable oils
Sample menu for the diet for ulcerative colitis
There are many ways to vary the menus on a diet for ulcerative colitis. The most important thing is to follow the previous recommendations and, of course, take into account the doctor’s considerations. Below we share a simple example:
Breakfast: a glass of apple juice; a scrambled egg and a slice of white bread.
Mid morning: green vegetable smoothie or banana chopped with chia seeds.
Lunch: bowl of vegetable soup or chicken broth; half a plate of white rice and one serving of grilled fish.
Snack: natural yogurt with probiotics and a handful of nuts.
Dinner: mixed salad with tuna and a serving of white rice.
A diet for ulcerative colitis proposes to include all groups of nutrients, limiting only foods that can be harmful. It is a balanced and safe type of nutrition that can relieve pain and inflammation.