Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the inner lining of the large intestine and rectum. While there is no cure for the condition, a healthy nutrition regime is key to managing and alleviating the symptoms and avoiding flare-ups. Since there is no one particular nutrition plan for people with ulcerative colitis, there are certain foods that one should add to their meals to help keep the symptoms at bay.
Yogurt
Yogurt contains probiotics, which are live bacteria that have health benefits. Probiotics are thought to help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut, and they may also help reduce inflammation. While more research is needed, it is found that probiotic-rich foods like yogurt may help improve the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. One can include yogurt to their daily meals by adding it to their breakfast smoothie or even as a healthy evening snack.
Low-fiber foods such as bananas
One food group that’s recommended to help alleviate the signs of ulcerative colitis is low-fiber foods. Bananas are a great example of a low-fiber food that can be helpful for those with ulcerative colitis. They’re easy on the digestive system and can help provide some much-needed relief from the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Other low-fiber foods that may be helpful include white rice and cooked vegetables. If someone is looking for suggestions to help manage ulcerative colitis, these foods may be a good place to start. However, it is recommended to talk to the doctor before making any major changes to the daily nutrition.
Salmon
Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and protein, which have anti-inflammatory properties. This means they may help reduce the inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis. Some other fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids are sardines, mackerel, and herring.
Lean meat
Packed with protein, lean meat can be helpful for people with ulcerative colitis. Lean meat is also a good source of iron, which is important for people with ulcerative colitis because they are at risk of developing anemia.
Green beans
Green beans are not only good for keeping the symptoms of ulcerative colitis at bay but are also a perfect addition to any healthy meal. They are packed with nutrients and antioxidants that can help in reducing inflammation and improve gut health. Plus, they are low in calories and fat.
Although it is crucial to watch what one eats if they have ulcerative colitis, it is equally important to check with their doctor before adding or removing any food from their daily nutrition. Apart from the foods mentioned above, one can also include berries rich in antioxidants such as strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries, peeled and shredded carrots, cooked kale and spinach to their daily meals.
Moreover, one may opt for treatment options prescribed by the doctor. One such prescribed treatment option is STELARA®, which is used to treat moderate to severe ulcerative colitis in adults. It targets two proteins – interleukin 12 (IL-12) and interleukin 23 (IL-23) that are known to cause inflammation in ulcerative colitis.
5 foods to eat to manage ulcerative colitis
