Ulcerative colitis is a serious health condition where the inner lining of your colon gets inflamed, and you may even develop small ulcers in the colon. It can cause you to experience abdominal pain and a need to empty your bowels at regular intervals.

Doctors are still not sure what causes ulcerative colitis, but there are various treatment options to mitigate some of the symptoms. Your doctors may want you to opt for a certain diet so as to mitigate some of the symptoms.

Dietary tips on what to eat and what not to eat

• Lean meats and proteins: You will need to consume more lean meat and proteins such as skinless chicken, fish, turkey etc. Since ulcerative colitis is an inflammation of the colon, it makes sense to opt for food items that can help to reduce the inflammation. For example, fish contains Omega 3 fatty acids that are quite effective in reducing inflammation. Keep in mind that your diet can help improve your chances of remission.
• Cooked food: It is important that you consume well-cooked food at all times. Unevenly cooked food or consuming half cooked meat or vegetables can cause you to experience gas and bloating, which can cause discomfort and abdominal pains.
• Avoid spicy foods: Since you are suffering from ulcerative colitis, you need to avoid spicy foods at all costs. You must opt for bland food instead.
• Consume smaller portions: Since you have an inflamed colon, you may want to opt for smaller-sized meals. This can help your body process the food effectively and simultaneously ensure that your intestines are not overworked.
• Keep a diet diary: It is important that you document your diet regularly and share the same with your doctor as well as your dietician. They can help regulate your diet better and even provide you with tips and suggestions
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Both caffeine and alcohol are gastric irritants and substances that you need to avoid when suffering from ulcerative colitis. This includes caffeinated drinks as well, from coffee to energy drinks.
• Avoid high fiber legumes and some vegetables: Since you are suffering from ulcerative colitis, you may want to avoid certain high fiber legumes, such as beans, and cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, as they can irritate your stomach.
• Avoid processed food: Given your current condition, it makes sense to choose organic food as opposed to processed food. Always try to eat organic food and avoid processed food in all forms.

These are some of the dietary tips that you need to adhere to, in order to deal with your current condition. Make sure that you maintain your diet diary as it can help streamline your treatment for ulcerative colitis.