As a type of inflammatory bowel disease that leads to the formation of ulcers and inflammation within the large intestine, rectum, and colon, Ulcerative Colitis is a serious condition that affects thousands of people. UC is one of the two primary inflammatory bowel diseases, and can cause bloating, pain and diarrhea during flare ups, while often prompting no symptoms whatsoever in the times between episodes. Although researchers aren’t sure what causes Ulcerative Colitis, they do believe that it’s caused by a misdirected immune reaction, and finding out which Ulcerative Colitis foods to avoid can help to reduce the pain and discomfort that patient’s experience.

Good Foods For Ulcerative Colitis:

  • Salmon
  • Yogurt
  • Squash
  • Eggs
  • Avocados
  • Nuts
  • Applesauce
  • Oatmeal
  • Lean Meats

Foods To Avoid For Ulcerative Colitis:

Beans:

Beans and legumes are high in fiber, which often leads to gas, making them one of the top ulcerative colitis foods to avoid. However, it’s worth noting that beans still make up an important staple in many diets, particularly for vegans and vegetarians. Rather than giving beans up completely, people with UC may be better served by preparing them differently and trying smaller portions.

Tea and Coffee:

Even within people who don’t have IBS, coffee has a significant reputation for leading to frequent bathroom breaks, and can make the management of symptoms particularly difficult for those with UC. Coffee is one of the most important ulcerative colitis foods to avoid, and the same goes for tea and other caffeinated beverages such as guarana, which is a stimulant frequently found in energy drinks.

Dairy:

If you’re lactose intolerant, then you may suffer from symptoms of IBS, but that doesn’t mean that everyone who has colitis should avoid milk. In fact, many doctors find that people automatically assume they’re lactose intolerant if they have colitis. The only way to determine whether you should avoid dairy is to try it in your diet and see how your body reacts.

Broccoli:

Stringy high-fiber vegetables like Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and broccoli are not easy for the system to digest, which can lead to cramping, bloating and gas. You may find that you can tolerate these foods quite well if they’re cooked properly and chopped into small pieces, but you may have to consider an alternative too.

Seeds:

If you’re having a flare up of ulcerative colitis, then you should avoid eating any whole seeds, even the tiny ones that are found in strawberries and other fruits. Stay away from seeds in the fruit themselves, as well as in smoothies, yogurts, and jams. You may find that some seeds are easily tolerated if they are ground fine enough, however.

Fatty Meats:

When it comes to painful symptoms of ulcerative colitis, fatty meats can be terrible for your system. The best option is to stick to leaner cuts of meat, and remember that the more you chew it, the less likely that you are to suffer as a result of worsened symptoms. Most of the time, meat that has already been ground for you, such as that in meatloaf, meatballs, and meat sauces will be much easier for you to tolerate than a tough steak. On the other hand, fatty fish can be a different story entirely, as many people have no problem with foods like salmon.