Ulcerative colitis is the inflammation of the lining of the large intestine, causing small ulcers in the colon and rectum. A specific diet plan of easy-to-digest, non-spicy, and low-fiber foods mentioned below can help manage its symptoms and control flare-ups.

Ulcerative colitis diet

Any food that does not leave too much residue in the system must be included in the ulcerative colitis diet. This enables the digestive tract to rest and not work overtime, expelling the residue from the body. Low-fiber foods are a big part of this diet as they help slow down bowel movements and prevent chronic diarrhea caused by ulcerative colitis.

Foods that help with ulcerative colitis are:

Dairy

• Milk
• Cottage cheese
• Yogurt
• Butter
• Hard cheese

Grains

• White bread
• Refined (non-wholegrain) breakfast cereals, such as cornflakes
• White rice
• Refined (low-fiber) pasta and noodles

Meat

• Cooked eggs
• Well cooked poultry
• Salmon
• Mackerel

Vegetables

• Cooked vegetables (avoid the peel or seeds)
• Cucumbers
• Zucchini
• Cooked spinach
• Pumpkin
• Carrots
• Eggplant
• Potatoes

Fruits

• Pulp-less fruit juices
• Canned fruits
• Applesauce
• Ripe bananas
• Melons
• Cantaloupe
• Plums
• Peaches

Other

• Smooth nut butter
• Mayonnaise
• Smooth sauces
• Smooth condiments
• Maple syrup

Some foods to avoid with ulcerative colitis are:

• Processed meats
• Dried fruits
• Berries
• Figs
• Prunes and prune juice
• Spicy sauces, pickles, and chunky relish
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Popcorn
• Caffeine
• Cocoa

How to manage ulcerative colitis with diet

All the foods mentioned above can be had in moderation when suffering from ulcerative colitis. Getting the proper nutrients is vital to remaining healthy because ulcerative colitis can cause running diarrhea and extreme fatigue. During flare-ups, one must pay attention to what they eat and how the food is prepared. Each body reacts differently to the disease, and what might work for one might not necessarily work for the other.

A few ways to manage UC with diet are:

• Pay attention to what causes flare-ups
• Keep a food journal to maintain a record of foods that feel easy on the stomach
• Eat small meals
• Hydrate well
• Manage stress levels to reduce the frequency of symptoms

Recommended diet for ulcerative colitis

Inflammation of the colon’s inner lining can cause frequent bowel movements, bloody stools, rectal pain, and urgency to defecate. Following a diet plan as advised by a medically licensed professional can help alleviate pain and reduce flare-ups and discomfort. Recommended diet plans for those who have ulcerative colitis should include the following details:

• Must eat
  A list of must-eat foods to help curb symptoms and not aggravate them.

• Must avoid
  A good diet plan always includes a list of specific foods that act as triggers.

• Nutrition
  People with ulcerative colitis may struggle to receive adequate nutrition due to food tolerances. A recommended diet plan for those suffering from ulcerative colitis must focus on ways to include a specific food or food group so as to not lose out on nutritional benefits, instead of avoiding them completely.

• Meal plans
  This helps with reducing the chances of not having something appropriate to eat. Having a meal plan will help with sticking to recommended foods and meal prep so that one knows exactly what they need to eat at a given time. This goes for snacks as well.

While ulcerative colitis cannot be managed by diet alone, eating the right kind of foods to aid nutrition, putting minimal strain on the bowels and digestive system, and opting for an individualized diet plan that can help manage this chronic condition can go a long way.