Ulcerative colitis or ulcerative is a type of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation of the lining of the large intestine and the colon wall. Its causes are unknown, and patients can manifest from mild symptoms that do not compromise their daily life to a great extent to more intense signs that affect them more significantly. Taking care of your diet is especially important to avoid discomforts associated with this condition, such as diarrhea or pain; this recommendation is critical in the active stages of the disease when symptoms occur frequently. In this FastlyHealarticle, we suggest a diet for ulcerative colitis with some general guidelines to treat this condition.
Table of Contents
Recommendations if you suffer from ulcerative colitis
When the patient is in the remission phase, without symptoms or discomfort, they can lead an everyday life with a regular diet, always avoiding fatty ingredients and preparations, foods with high fiber content such as legumes or whole grains, controlling the ingestion of stimulating foods such as coffee, tea or chocolate and avoiding the consumption of milk and derivatives in the case of being lactose intolerant.
When ulcerative colitis is in an active phase, presenting the symptoms of this condition, it is advisable to take into account some suggestions to avoid episodes of severe discomfort:
- Eat 5-6 meals a day in small portions rather than three times larger portions. It is recommended to have breakfast, lunch at mid-morning, lunch, snack, dinner, and, if possible, eat something after dinner.
- It is essential to eat in a relaxed environment, free of tension, slowly and chewing your food well.
- Never lie down after eating.
- Staying adequately hydrated is very important, especially if there is profuse diarrhea. It is recommended to drink small but frequent sips of water; if there is very intense diarrhea, homemade oral serum and isotonic drinks can be good allies for hydration. Do not consume water during meals; this can make digestion difficult and increase inflammation.
- Always consume food and drinks at room temperature or warm. Very hot or icy food can cause discomfort.
- Control the presence of stress. It is recommended to do physical exercise frequently to drain tension; activities such as yoga or Pilates can help reduce stress.
Prohibited foods in the active phase of ulcerative colitis
During the active phase of this disease, it is essential to monitor the intake of certain foods and preparations that can increase inflammation, so it is recommended:
- Avoid very fatty foods and practices. Fried foods, snacks, sausages, overflowing or breaded should be eaten in small quantities occasionally. He prefers fish or lean meats such as chicken, turkey, rabbit, or specific cuts of beef and pork.
- Legumes such as lentils, beans, chickpeas, or beans can increase stools due to their high fiber content, so they are not recommended during inactive phases of the disease.
- In the same way, the intake of whole grains and seeds is not convenient.
- Reduce the consumption of stimulating food such as coffee, tea, soft drinks, energy drinks, and chocolate.
- Avoid whole milk, aged cheeses, or yogurt with fruit, which are not usually well tolerated. Opt for calcium-fortified plant-based drinks, skim milk in small amounts, plain yogurt, and fresh cheeses.
- Choose simple preparations such as cooked, steamed, baked, or grilled foods. Do not use seasoning excessively and avoid spicy or savory ingredients such as curry, turmeric, garlic, etc.
What to eat for breakfast with ulcerative colitis
Breakfast option 1
- Two slices of toasted white bread accompanied by quince paste.
- Apple or pear compote.
- One cup of linden or chamomile infusion. If tolerated, a glass of warm skim milk can be added.
Breakfast option 2
- 2 slices of toasted white bread.
- 2 pieces of turkey.
- 1 ripe banana.
- 1 cup of linden or chamomile infusion. If tolerated, a glass of warm skim milk can be added.
Breakfast option 3
- Sandwich made with toasted white bread, turkey, and fresh cheese.
- A ripe, skinless apple or pear.
- 1 cup of linden or chamomile infusion. If tolerated, a glass of warm skim milk can be added.
What to eat with ulcerative colitis
Food option 1
- Hake, halibut, or any steamed white fish.
- Mashed potatoes without butter and preferably without milk or with little quantity. You can also opt for cooked or roasted potatoes without much seasoning.
- We baked skinless apples.
Food option 2
- Baked chicken or turkey without skin.
- Steamed carrots are whole or pureed.
- Baked pear without skin or pear compote.
Food option 3
- Salmon or tuna with papillote accompanied by carrot and zucchini cooked with the same method.
- Ripe banana or plantain compote.
You can alternate potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, zucchini, pumpkin, and white rice as side dishes.
Dining options with ulcerative colitis
Dinner option 1
- Pumpkin cream is preferably prepared without milk.
- White fish al papillote.
- 1 cup of linden or chamomile infusion.
Dinner option 2
- Carrot, pumpkin, and potato soup in a low-fat broth.
- Turkey stuffed French omelette made with very little oil, only if the egg is tolerated.
- 1 cup of linden or chamomile infusion.
Dinner option 3
- Grilled lean beef.
- Zucchini sautéed with a drizzle of olive oil.
- 1 cup of linden or chamomile infusion.
To eat between meals.
To eat in mid-morning or as a snack, you can choose the following foods:
- Baked apple or pear without skin.
- Apple, pear or banana compote.
- Whole pear or apple always without skin.
- Ripe banana.
- Yogurt without fruits or cereals.
- Two slices of a light sausage such as turkey or chicken breast.
- Two rice crackers with quince paste.
- Soda cookies or crackers.
- Maria types cookies.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Diet for ulcerative colitis , we recommend that you enter our Digestive System category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.