Foods that Help Soothe Colitis Flare Ups

Foods that Help Soothe Colitis Flare Ups

Ulcerative colitis is a disease that affects the bowels when the intestines become inflamed and ulcers form inside the digestive tract. The internal lining of the large intestine and rectum are affected. Symptoms are not quickly detected, but rather occur gradually. The pain and discomfort involved with ulcerative colitis can weaken and exhaust the sufferer and make it difficult to do simple tasks.

Before embarking on a life-changing dietary plan, see your doctor and ensure you have a bowel disease severe enough to change your routines. If you do not have ulcerative colitis or other bowel diseases, it is inadvisable to alter your eating regimen. Your doctor can give you the best advice based on the diagnosis. Though the disease is serious, there are holistic approaches that can help reduce the symptoms and debilitating effects, in addition to doctor-prescribed medication and therapies:

1. Reduce fiber intake
An ulcerative colitis diet includes foods that are low residue. Low residue foods are any foods that are low in fiber. Fiber is a nutrient that solidifies stool and increases its mass. Though it works to soften stool, the increase in mass and solidification of watery stool can exacerbate the symptoms and lesions typical with the disease.

2. Avoidance foods
Foods you should avoid include processed deli meat, high-fiber cereals like oatmeal, dried fruits and berries, uncooked vegetables, nuts and popcorn. You should also eliminate caffeinated beverages.

3. FODMAP diet
A low-FODMAP diet is a strategy that removes fiber from the diet. FODMAP is an acronym for fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyols. This medical term organizes fibrous carbohydrates that cause digestive problems like bloating, intestinal gas and cramping. Research has found that a low-FODMAP diet is beneficial to people who suffer from bowel diseases. The benefits include reduction in ulcers, bloating and pain as well as increasing energy.

4. Reduce fiber intake
Like with any habit-altering behavior, there is a process that should be followed to reduce fiber intake. It is strongly advised to begin this diet when you are in a comfortable, stable setting. Do not begin this diet if you intend to travel. Eliminate oats, dairy that contains lactose, processed meats, seedy fruits and vegetables, and whole-grain breads. Expect to eliminate these items for anywhere from 3 to 8 weeks. However, after this time, some fiber-rich foods should be reintroduced at a lower level because of its necessity in a balanced diet.

5. Reintroduce fiber gradually
At this point, you do not know which fiber-rich foods your body will accept so introduce one type. For example, if you like cheese and milk products, begin by returning these in low quantities to your diet. If your symptoms do not return in three days, you can include it in your diet. It is recommended to secure advice from a dietician who understands the process. Though you are introducing FODMAP foods into your diet, you should still maintain a low intake of fiber.

6. Personalize your diet
After you have cleansed your body of FODMAPs and have learned which fiber-rich foods your body can tolerate without symptoms returning, it is time to create your own dietary plan. You should plan meals that give you flexibility and variety. If you try to maintain an unenthusiastic low-FODMAP plan, you will be less likely to maintain it.