People with ulcerative colitis should eat several small meals throughout the day, avoiding fatty foods and processed meats to better manage their condition.
Ulcerative colitis results from inflammation of the lining of the colon. Patients should take prescribed medication and avoid certain foods to reduce symptoms.
Eat several small meals.
Patients with ulcerative colitis who eat large meals that put pressure on the intestines may experience symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. They should eat several smaller meals throughout the day.
For people with loss of appetite and nausea, eating frequent meals can reduce nausea and help replenish food lost due to vomiting. These small meals should also provide sufficient protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals necessary for the body to avoid weight loss or malnutrition.
Foods to eat during an outbreak include bananas, white bread or sourdough bread, white rice, cereals, fruit juice, cheese (if lactose intolerant), peanut butter, cooked vegetables, and potatoes.
Avoid greasy, processed foods.
A 2019 review by the University of Texas, USA, based on 96 studies, showed that diets high in trans fats found in processed foods and fried foods are likely to cause inflammation and increase the risk of ulcerative colitis.
Conversely, people who consume more omega-3 fatty acids experience reduced inflammation in the colon and have a lower risk of developing gastrointestinal diseases. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce intestinal inflammation, maintain a healthy gut, and improve quality of life. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, mackerel, flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, and soybeans.
People with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease should limit red meat and processed meats, and instead adopt a healthy Mediterranean diet. This diet includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, skinless poultry, olive oil, beans, nuts, and no red meat or processed meats.
Fried foods high in fat are not good for people with ulcerative colitis. (Image: Freepik)
Consume fiber
Soluble fiber slows down digestion, absorbs water, and helps remove excess fluid from the intestines, thereby reducing diarrhea. Fruits and vegetables rich in soluble fiber include apples, oranges, pears, strawberries, blueberries, avocados, sweet potatoes, and carrots.
People with constipation should eat more insoluble fiber, as this can speed up digestion and reduce symptoms. Those who have had bone removal surgery, recently undergone surgery, or have narrowed intestines or are experiencing a flare-up of the condition should adopt a low-fiber diet.
See the doctor
Patients should be advised by their doctor on appropriate and nutritious foods, especially during symptom flare-ups. Patients should take medication as prescribed, at the correct dosage and for the full duration of treatment for more effective results.
Mai Cat (According to Everyday Health )
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