Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel condition that causes the inner lining of the colon to become inflamed and ulcerated. Symptoms like cramping, urgent bathroom trips, and even bloody stools can affect one’s daily life. Patients might experience periods of remission where the symptoms get better. However, the flare-ups that follow can be exhausting. While there’s no cure, effective treatments and a thorough understanding of ulcerative colitis can help people manage their symptoms.

Keep away from dairy-based foods
There is no strong evidence to prove that one’s nutrition choices cause ulcerative colitis. Yet, it has been observed that certain foods can worsen the symptoms, especially during flare-ups. One problematic food group is dairy, which comprises options like yogurt, milk, ice cream, and cheese. Dairy foods can cause gas and bloating and worsen abdominal pain, cramps, and diarrhea. So, gastroenterologists often recommend limiting or avoiding dairy-based eatables altogether, particularly during flare-ups. This approach can relieve the symptoms’ severity.

Skip fiber-based foods
Eating foods with fiber can be a painful mistake for some people with ulcerative colitis. Sure, these foods are quite nutritious, but they can worsen the symptoms because they also have insoluble fiber.  Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water but draws water into the stool. This makes the stool softer and easier to pass under normal circumstances, but if someone has an ulcerative colitis flare-up, insoluble fiber can trigger diarrhea or worsen it. 

So, anything that has insoluble fiber in higher percentages should be kept aside during flare-ups. It includes whole-wheat flour, wheat bran, nuts, seeds, corn, popcorn, and beans. Veggies like cauliflower, green beans, and potatoes must also be avoided. Many gastroenterologists also ask patients to say no to raw vegetables and fruits but eat grilled, roasted, steamed, or baked veggies instead. This way, one does not miss out on essential nutrients and still stops flare-ups from worsening.

Follow a low-residue meal plan
There is no quickest way to heal ulcerative colitis, but a low-residue meal plan can sometimes offer relief during flare-ups. This plan has a low amount of fiber, so it reduces the frequency and amount of stools passed and puts the digestive system into rest mode. People have less gas and bloating, which naturally prevents abdominal cramps that often cause pain and discomfort. There are many foods to eat with colitis flare-up, but only a select few are low-residue:

• White bread
• Refined or non-wholegrain breakfast cereals, such as cornflakes
• White rice
• Refined or low-fiber pasta and noodles
• Cooked vegetables without the peel, seeds, or stalks
• Lean cuts of meat, such as pork loin, beef top loin, and sirloin
• Ground beef
• Turkey
• Skinless poultry
• Fish like salmon, tuna, and shrimp
• Eggs

Patients should talk to a gastroenterologist to learn about the potential side effects before adopting a low-residue meal plan.

Eat smaller portions
Eating three square meals usually means loading the plate with large portions of food. Yes, a healthy person’s digestive system can handle the increased intake, but things can go south quickly for someone with ulcerative colitis. The large portions will put undue pressure on their already sensitive digestive system and worsen the symptoms, particularly during flare-up episodes.

So, doctors ask patients to eat smaller but frequent meals throughout the day. For instance, one can have five or six small meals instead of snacking between meals. And yes, each meal must be well-balanced with essential food groups and nutrients.

Drink a lot of fluids daily
Staying hydrated is essential for people with ulcerative colitis because fluids keep things moving in the digestive system. But, one should drink beverages that do not trigger gas, bloating, or diarrhea. In that sense, people should avoid anything with high amounts of sugar, caffeine, and preservatives. Coffee, iced tea, energy drinks, canned fruit juices, and soft drinks must be avoided. Instead, one can enjoy soups, broths, or soothing teas like chamomile or ginger tea. If nothing works, water is the best choice to keep up the daily fluid intake on any given day.

Follow regular exercise routines
Many gastroenterologists ask their patients to exercise regularly to manage ulcerative colitis. One can think about activities like biking, walking, and swimming. But, consult a health care team who can help create the right exercise plan that reduces the risk of injury while preventing the symptoms from worsening. Everyone can exercise their bodies, no matter their age. Some moving about can even make a person healthy overall and offer other benefits.

Learn to manage stress
Stress does not cause ulcerative colitis but can worsen the symptoms. Those wondering how they can cure their ulcerative colitis should remember that excessive stress can trigger flare-ups when one least expects it. One must learn how to control stress because it is impossible to avoid stressful situations. Meditation, yoga, therapy, and picking up favorite hobbies and activities are little ways to manage stress.