If you have ulcerative colitis (UC), you may know which foods to avoid. For example, this usually includes temporarily limiting foods high in fibre, which can be hard on a sensitive gut.
But figuring out what to add to your diet is equally important, because the right foods will provide you with key nutrients without aggravating your symptoms.
Remember that it’s wise to contact your healthcare provider before making any drastic changes to your diet. Know, too, that what works for one person may not work for everyone with UC.
“It’s important for people with ulcerative colitis to work with a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist to develop an individualised meal plan,” says Shannon Szeles, RDN, owner of PostGlo Nutrition & Wellness in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. “This can help provide specific calorie and nutrient goals [because] all bodies tolerate foods differently.”
However you might want to consider eating these eight foods during a UC flare.
1. Apple Sauce
Because your gastrointestinal system is irritated during a flare, you may want to stick with soft, easily digestible foods, such as apple sauce.
Be sure to choose one without added sugar, though, because added sugar can trigger UC symptoms.
You can also make your own sugar-free applesauce by cooking peeled, sliced apples with some water and then pureeing the mixture.
2. Ripe Bananas and Canned Fruit
Although dietitians generally recommend avoiding raw fruit during a flare, you may find that you can tolerate very ripe, soft bananas.
Bananas are also a good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy.
Also, fruit canned in their own juice, such as pears or peaches, may not be irritating, says Szeles.
3. Cooked Vegetables
Soft, cooked veggies such as carrots and spinach are not only gentle on the gut, but they can also provide important nutrients, such as vitamins A and K.
Just make sure the vegetables are cooked until they can be mashed with a fork, Szeles says, so that any potentially irritating fibre is broken down.
4. Yogurt
If you can tolerate lactose, unsweetened yogurt can provide you with some protein and probiotics, which are live bacteria that may help the digestive system.
“Just be sure to buy yogurt that includes live and active cultures”, Szeles says.
Avoid yogurt that contains large chunks of fruit, which could be hard to digest. “It’s fine if yogurt has fruit that’s soft, seedless, and blended in,” Szeles says.
5. Nut Butters
Peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, and other nut butters are another gut-friendly source of protein and healthy fats. Choose creamy peanut butter instead of chunky to avoid having to digest difficult nut pieces, which could cause further irritation during a flare.
Try eating peanut butter on low-fibre crackers, Dr. Nandi says, or spread it on a tortilla.
6. White Rice and Turmeric
If you can’t tolerate most foods during a UC flare, you may want to stick with bland choices, such as cooked white rice. If you want to add flavour, try sprinkling it with turmeric. Some research suggests curcumin may be beneficial for UC, though more studies are needed to confirm this.
7. Water and Sports Drinks
When diarrhoea accompanies a UC flare, you can lose a lot of fluids that you must replenish. “Sports drinks combined with water in a 1:1 ratio can help replace lost carbohydrates and electrolytes,” Nandi says.
SOURCE: Everyday Health
