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Introduction
Ulcerative colitis is a long-term condition, which causes inflammation of the colon and rectum. It is estimated that around 1 in 420 people in the UK live with ulcerative colitis (source). In many cases, people who have this condition experience prolonged periods of mild symptoms interspersed with ulcerative colitis flare-ups, which cause severe symptoms. Common signs of ulcerative colitis include:
- Diarrhoea
- Needing to empty the bowels frequently
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
During a flare-up, additional symptoms may include joint pain, red, inflamed skin patches, mouth ulcers and itchy, irritated eyes.
Anti-inflammatory foods to help ulcerative colitis
Keeping an eye on your diet is beneficial when you have ulcerative colitis. Some people find that certain foods trigger or exacerbate symptoms. It’s helpful to keep a food diary to identify triggers so that you can avoid them or limit your intake.
If you experience a flare-up, following a low-residue diet while you have more severe symptoms can help to reduce the frequency of emptying your bowels. Examples include:
- Refined breakfast cereals
- White bread, pasta and rice
- Fish
- Lean meat
- Cooked vegetables (without the skin, peel, seeds or rind)
- Eggs
When your symptoms are stable, you can also add foods that have anti-inflammatory benefits to try to reduce symptoms and lower the risk of flare-ups. Examples include:
- Low-fibre vegetables: vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals, but some types are more difficult to digest for people with ulcerative colitis. If you have UC, it’s best to focus on low-fibre vegetables, including sweet potato, asparagus, courgette and butternut squash, rather than high-fibre vegetables, such as broccoli, kale and cabbage. These foods are gentler on the digestive tract and they are easier to digest. Take the time to peel and cook all vegetables before you eat them.
- Oily fish: oily fish contain essential fatty acids, which can help to reduce inflammation. Fish is also an excellent source of protein for people who don’t like meat or find meat harder to digest. Good sources of omega oils include salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines. Try to minimise additional fat content when preparing fish dishes. It’s best to grill or bake fish rather than frying fillets or steaks.
- Fermented foods: fermented foods contain good bacteria, known as probiotics, which aid digestion. Examples include kombucha, kefir and sauerkraut.
- Spices and herbs: some herbs and spices can help to tackle joint pain and inflammation caused by an ulcerative colitis flare-up. Good examples include ginger and turmeric. You can add herbs and spices as they are or take supplements.
If you are thinking about making changes to your diet, or you’re keen to explore new ingredients or food products, it’s always beneficial to seek advice from your doctor or care team.
Summary
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition, which occurs when the colon and rectum are inflamed. Many people experience flare-ups after periods of mild symptoms. If you have signs of a flare-up, it’s beneficial to think about what you eat. Some foods can trigger or make symptoms worse, while others can help to ease symptoms and reduce inflammation. Include anti-inflammatory foods in your diet and seek medical advice if you have questions or concerns.