Foods to Eat and Avoid for Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory disease that affects the rectum and colon. While the causes of UC are still not understood completely, but often recommend medications such as entyvio, stelara, and simponi. Diet also plays a critical role in disease management. Food can lead to flare-ups, so it is important to understand what you can eat and what you should avoid if you have UC:
Eat: Cooked vegetables
Cooking vegetables and consuming them is a good option for people with ulcerative colitis. You should consume vegetables such as spinach and carrots, which provide vitamins K and A. You should ensure the fiber is completely broken down.
Avoid: Nuts
Nuts are fibrous and so avoiding them can help you get relief during a flare. You should avoid eating nuts such as cashews, almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pecans, peanuts, hazelnuts, and macadamia nuts.
Eat: Applesauce
People with UC can easily digest applesauce and so this is one of the safe foods to eat even during a flare. You should opt for unsweetened applesauce as the sweetened version can lead to inflammation, making UC worse.
Avoid: Dairy
Many people with UC are intolerant to dairy. If you have found it to be a trigger, then it is best to avoid it. This means you should avoid eating foods such as cheese, butter, and milk, among other dairy products.
Eat: Peanut butter
Peanut butter is a rich source of healthy fats and protein. When you go grocery shopping, make sure you pick the creamy variety that is easily digestible. Instead of eating it plain, you can have it with bread.
Avoid: Whole grains
You should avoid eating whole-grain cereals, breads, and pasta. Whole-grain foods, such as wild rice, brown rice, spelt, oats, wheat-berries, and buckwheat, should be avoided because they can worsen a flare.
Eat: Yogurt
Yogurt is an excellent option for those who are not lactose intolerant. Yogurt contains probiotics and protein, which can help ensure proper digestion. You should avoid the variety that contains hard fruits in it because they are difficult to digest.
Avoid: Gluten
You should avoid foods that contain gluten, such as barley, wheat, and rye. Some prepared foods such as soups and condiments contain gluten, which you should avoid at all costs. Gluten is one of the common UC triggers.
Eat: Canned fruits
When you pick canned fruits, you should opt for peaches or pears because they are soft and easy to digest. Moreover, they don’t irritate like other fruits. If canned fruits are not an option, then opt for ripe bananas.
Avoid: Seeds
Seeds should be avoided when you have ulcerative colitis because they can make symptoms and flares worse. For example, they can lead to gas and bloating. You should avoid pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, millet, and sunflower seeds.
Eat: Salmon
Salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids and provides protein to lactose-intolerant people. Salmon can be consumed during a flare, as it helps manage and reduce inflammation. Salmon should be baked, sautéed, or broiled.
Avoid: Fiber-rich fruits
You should avoid fruits that are rich in fiber due to digestion problems. You must avoid those fruits that are dried, raw, and whose seeds cannot be removed, such as berries. You can consume fruit juice as long as the pulp has been removed.
Eat: White rice and turmeric
Doctors recommended bland foods during a flare. White rice with some turmeric is one of the best options out there. Turmeric contains curcumin, which is effective in UC treatment.
Avoid: Legumes
Legumes are high in protein and high in fiber, making it difficult for people with UC to digest them. You should avoid eating adzuki beans, all types of beans, and soy nuts such as edamame and soybeans.