Ulcerative Colitis: Problem Foods to Avoid
Ulcerative Colitis: Problem Foods to Avoid
Which foods cause problems for your ulcerative colitis (UC)? The answer is different for everyone.
To figure out what makes you feel worse, do some detective work. For several weeks, keep a diary of what you eat and when you have flares. Then look for patterns. Avoid things that seem to cause cramps or a trip to the bathroom. See if your symptoms get better or go away.
Make an Ulcerative Colitis Diet Plan
Foods don’t cause UC, but some can trigger flares.As you avoid those, it’s also important to make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need. It pays to know what foods you can turn to during a flare and which ones make you feel your best.How to keep it all straight? Make a diet plan so you can manage your condition more easily.
Read the Make an Ulcerative Colitis Diet Plan article > >
Talk to your doctor about what you notice. Your goal should be to eat as many types of healthy food as you can, so your diet is as balanced as possible.
Many people with UC have trouble with the same items. You may want to cut these out for a while and see if your symptoms ease up:
Just because a food is on your problem list doesn't mean you have to give it up. You have choices.
Try a switch from full-fat to low-fat dairy. Or tweak your cooking method -- bake or broil meats instead of frying them. Bake or stew vegetables rather than eating them raw or lightly cooked.
You can also swap out items in the main food groups.
Grains
Common problem foods:
Better choices:
Vegetables and Fruits
Common problem foods:
Better choices:
Meat and Protein
Common problem foods:
Better choices:
Milk Products
Common problem foods:
Better choices:
To figure out what makes you feel worse, do some detective work. For several weeks, keep a diary of what you eat and when you have flares. Then look for patterns. Avoid things that seem to cause cramps or a trip to the bathroom. See if your symptoms get better or go away.
Recommended Related to Ulcerative Colitis
Make an Ulcerative Colitis Diet Plan
Foods don’t cause UC, but some can trigger flares.As you avoid those, it’s also important to make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need. It pays to know what foods you can turn to during a flare and which ones make you feel your best.How to keep it all straight? Make a diet plan so you can manage your condition more easily.
Read the Make an Ulcerative Colitis Diet Plan article > >
Talk to your doctor about what you notice. Your goal should be to eat as many types of healthy food as you can, so your diet is as balanced as possible.
Problem Foods
Many people with UC have trouble with the same items. You may want to cut these out for a while and see if your symptoms ease up:
- High-fiber fare like bran, nuts, seeds, and popcorn
- Fatty, greasy items and sauces
- Dairy products
- Alcohol
Better Choices
Just because a food is on your problem list doesn't mean you have to give it up. You have choices.
Try a switch from full-fat to low-fat dairy. Or tweak your cooking method -- bake or broil meats instead of frying them. Bake or stew vegetables rather than eating them raw or lightly cooked.
You can also swap out items in the main food groups.
Grains
Common problem foods:
- Whole-grain breads, bagels, rolls, crackers, cereals, and pasta
- Brown or wild rice
Better choices:
- Products made from white or refined flour
- White rice
Vegetables and Fruits
Common problem foods:
- Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts
- Leafy greens, including mustard, turnip, and collard greens, and spinach
- Most raw fruits
- Raisins and other dried fruits
- Canned cherries and berries
Better choices:
- Well-cooked vegetables without seeds
- Ripe bananas, peeled apples, and melons
- Soft, canned fruits without added sugar
Meat and Protein
Common problem foods:
- Fried meats, such as sausage and bacon
- Luncheon meats, like bologna and salami
- Hot dogs
- Dried beans, peas, and nuts
Better choices:
- Tender, well-cooked meats and poultry
- Fish
- Eggs
Milk Products
Common problem foods:
- Whole milk
- Half and half
- Sour cream
Better choices:
- Buttermilk
- Evaporated milk
- Low-fat or skim milk
- Powdered milk
