If you have ulcerative colitis, you know how hard it is to find food that doesn’t upset your body. As with any medical condition, not everyone with ulcerative colitis will benefit from the same diet. So it would be best if you plan an ulcerative colitis diet according to yours.
However, choosing what to eat is essential because the appropriate meals will give you essential nutrients without worsening your symptoms.
When undergoing a flare-up, some people alter their diet to minimize trigger foods, while others make long modifications.
If you are concerned about your health, you can visit a gastroenterologist in Delhi. You can find the list of the best gastroenterologists in Delhi on the Credihealth website.
What is ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a persistent disease that leads to an inflammatory reaction of the large intestine (colon) and the rectum and sores (ulcers) on the internal lining of the large intestine.
Many doctors believe that ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune illness, meaning that the body is attacking itself. Ulcerative colitis is one kind of inflammatory bowel illness(IBD).
It is different from Crohn’s disease, another kind of IBD. While ulcerative colitis only damages the colon and rectum, IBD can affect any region of the digestive system.
What are foods to include in your ulcerative colitis diet?
When experiencing an ulcerative colitis flare, most specialists advise you to reduce your fiber consumption.
Here are eleven items to include in your ulcerative colitis diet.
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Soft canned fruits and ripe bananas
Although most dietitians advise against eating raw fruit while experiencing a flare, you can have very ripe, mushy bananas. Bananas are a good energy source and have protein, lipids, and carbohydrates.
Additionally, canned soft fruits like pears or peaches may not irritate.
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Applesauce
Keep to soft, easy-to-digest foods like applesauce because your digestive tract is likely to be highly irritated during a flare. However, select an unsweetened type, as additional sugar can worsen inflammation.
Additionally, you can prepare your sugar-free applesauce by boiling peeled, sliced apples in water, letting the mixture cool, and then pureeing it.
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Avocado
It might be difficult for some individuals with ulcerative colitis to consume adequate calories. Avocados, high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and both nutrient- and calorie-dense, can help you fuel your body properly if you’re trying to lose weight.
Avocado can be chopped and added to an omelet or salad or mashed and spread over sandwiches to replace mayonnaise.
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Probiotic supplements
Yogurt can give you some protein and probiotics, which are live microorganisms that may aid the digestive system if you are not lactose intolerant. Make sure to purchase yogurt that bears the label “live and active cultures.”
Avoid yogurt with significant fruit bits because they could be challenging to digest. If the fruit blended into yogurt is soft and seedless, you can have it. You can take probiotic pills even if you are lactose intolerant.
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Eggs
Add eggs to your diet if you’re having difficulties acquiring enough nutrients. Eggs are a diverse food and an excellent protein source. Many dieticians highly recommend them since they are very simple to digest, which is advantageous for those with ulcerative colitis.
For even more nutritional advantages, look for eggs enriched with omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, eggs are a good source of selenium, an antioxidant, and B vitamins, which help turn food into energy.
For a quick, high-protein snack on the road, try scrambling them, adding them to an omelet with vegetables, or hard-boiling them.
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Instant oatmeal
Instant oatmeal can make a speedy and filling lunch or snack. Individuals with ulcerative colitis can usually easily digest this variety of grain.
Because it’s a little more processed than steel-cut oats, it has less fiber, making it a decent option when symptoms are acting up. Choose plain or low-sugar types, and if necessary, add a dash of cinnamon or fruit puree to make it sweeter.
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Cooked vegetables
Soft, cooked vegetables like spinach and carrots have essential vitamins A and K. To ensure that any potentially irritating fiber is broken down, ensure the vegetables are cooked through until you can mash them with a fork.
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Salmon
Add salmon to your ulcerative colitis diet during a flare-up if you have ulcerative colitis. You can also have salmon if you are lactose intolerant or want additional protein. Salmon is a fantastic protein source and contains beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, which may aid in lessening inflammation.
Many nutritionists advise you to refrain from frying salmon since it loses much of its nutritional content when you fry it. Instead, they advise baking, broiling, or sautéing salmon.
If you don’t like salmon, try alternative fish with many omega-3 fatty acids, like tuna or shrimp.
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White rice with turmeric
You might want to remain with bland options, like cooked white rice, if you can’t handle most foods in an ulcerative colitis flare.
Turmeric, a yellow spice whose main component, curcumin, has shown some potential in managing ulcerative colitis, can be sprinkled on top to enhance flavor.
In India, where inflammatory bowel disease is less common than in the United States or Europe, people often use turmeric.
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Butter made with nuts
Nut butter is an excellent source of protein and good fats, such as peanuts, almonds, cashew, and other varieties. If you want to avoid having to chew up challenging nut chunks, choose creamy peanut butter instead of chunky, which could aggravate your stomach during a flare-up.
Consider consuming peanut butter on bread or in a tortilla. Nut butter on saltines or other low-fiber crackers is another excellent option.
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Fluids like juice or sports drinks
It’s crucial to replace any fluids you lose due to frequent diarrhea throughout an ulcerative colitis flare. Every symptom you experience intensifies while you’re dehydrated.
Sports drinks mixed 1:1 with water can assist in replenishing lost carbohydrates and electrolytes. No-pulp fruit juice is a choice. However, it would be best to avoid prune juice due to its high fiber level.
FAQs
What foods make ulcerative colitis worse?
Foods like greasy and fatty foods, spicy foods, and foods heavy in sugar, coffee, alcohol, and carbonated drinks can worsen your symptoms.
Is ulcerative colitis treatable?
No drug is yet effective in treating ulcerative colitis (UC). The doctor must surgically remove the colon and rectum to treat the condition.
What causes ulcerative colitis primarily?
Although the specific cause of ulcerative colitis is uncertain, some items seem to cause or worsen it. It could entail an inappropriate immune response against a bacterium that also attacks your tissues. A function for genetics is also possible. If a first-degree relative has it, your risk increases.
Conclusion:
Some people with ulcerative colitis may experience worsened symptoms from food, especially during flare-ups. Still, the culprit foods can vary, which is why more than half of those with IBD avoid specific foods to avoid flare-ups, including dairy, spicy food, carbonated beverages, coffee, and alcohol.
Consulting a gastroenterologist in Delhi for more information might be wise because a balanced diet should satisfy your needs for calories, protein, and micronutrients.
