Ulcerative colitis can be extremely painful and even temporarily disabling. Knowledge of proper dietary guidelines for people with ulcerative colitis is a significant factor in achieving and maintaining remission.

At first when I learned that I was going to spend the rest of my life with Ulcerative Colitis I did not realize the impact food would have on my daily life. Although food is not the cause of ulcerative colitis some foods will make the symptoms of ulcerative colitis worse. When I watch what I eat and eliminate certain foods I find that my body feels so much better. I try to stay away from processed foods and to eat foods that are easy to digest.

Although we follow up with our doctors and our doctor’s advice and take our medication, we are still responsible for ourselves, making small changes step by step in our daily lives will bring big results.

THE FOLLOWING FOODS CAN IRRITATE THE SYMPTOMS OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS:

• Processed foods, bouillon cubes, instant soup bases
• Products containing yeast
• Flours, baking powder, corn-starch, arrowroot and other starches
• Artificial sweeteners, all products made with refined sugars, syrups,
• Processed meats, red meats
• Any form of dairy including, cheese, butter, milk, dried milk, chocolate, yogurts, sour cream, ice cream, cream cheese
• Avoid sautéed, fried or breaded foods
• Nuts, mung beans, fava beans, chickpeas, parsnips, corn
• Potatoes, yams
• Instant coffee and tea, caffeine, carbonated soft drinks and any drink with sweeteners, and acidic juices

THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF FOODS THAT ARE SAFE:

• Fresh and frozen vegetable, legumes
• Fresh or frozen white meat (poultry, pork,)
• Fresh or frozen Seafood (Stay away from raw sea food)
• Non-dairy cheese – feta cheese made from goat or lamb
• Eggs (in some cases the yoke can be intolerable)
• Brown rice, whole grain products,
• Fruits in their own juices, organic juices, herbal teas, green tea, soya milk, almond milk, rice milk, diluted fruit juices and drink at least eight glasses of water per day.

When it comes to our diet it can be a trial and error situation and that is why keeping a daily record of what we eat is important. During a flare up I try to avoid too much fiber even though it is recommended and raw vegetables and fruits. If you have any questions or comments, I can be reached at the following e-mail addresses:

Angella Gaskin: ulcerativecolitisliving@gmail.com