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       BETTER NUTRITION

Your diet did not cause your ulcerative colitis. There is no current evidence that diet causes ulcerative colitis. However, now that you've been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, paying attention to the foods you eat may help to manage your symptoms.

There is not a standard diet for all people with ulcerative colitis. Your food choices will depend upon the severity of your disease, whether it is active or in remission, the medications you're taking, your individual nutrient needs, and your individual food tolerances.

Determine your own food intolerances. Keep a careful food diary that tracks what you eat and your associated symptoms. Some foods to watch closely include dairy products, high-fiber foods, and foods that might cause an obstruction such as nuts, seeds, and popcorn.

Maintaining a healthy diet and meeting your nutritional needs is an important part of managing ulcerative colitis. This can be a challenge, especially during flare-ups. Use the U.S.D.A. Food Guide Pyramid as a tool, and eat a variety of foods that are nutrient dense. Nutrient-dense foods supply plenty of vitamins, minerals, protein, and carbohydrates that your body needs, making every bite count. Some examples include whole-grain breads and cereals, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Talk with your healthcare team about whether you should incorporate vitamin or mineral supplements into your diet.

There is no evidence that dairy products or high-fiber foods aggravate ulcerative colitis symptoms in all patients. It is a common recommendation that people with ulcerative colitis should follow a low-fiber, dairy-free diet. However, new research indicates that this traditional approach may unnecessarily restrict your food choices. Again, it's important to track your own reactions to these foods and discuss with your healthcare team.

Drink plenty of fluids. A myth exists that reducing fluid intake will lessen diarrhea in ulcerative colitis patients. Reducing fluid intake can leave you weak and exhausted because you're already losing water through diarrhea. Make sure you drink ample fluids (six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day or more if you exercise or drink caffeinated beverages) to make up for the water you lose through diarrhea. It's okay to meet part of your fluid requirement with fruit juices or decaffeinated soft drinks, but try to drink as much water as possible .

Try smaller meals and snacks. You may find that it's easier for you to meet all your nutritional needs, and possibly minimize your ulcerative colitis symptoms, by eating frequent small meals and snacks throughout the day.

Many people struggle to find the right diet to meet their nutritional and lifestyle needs. This includes all people, whether they have ulcerative colitis, another digestive condition, or trouble-free digestive systems. But managing nutrition is critical for those who are living with ulcerative colitis. It's important to help your body replace the nutrients it loses and it's important to supply your body with the strength to promote faster healing. And, finally, it's important to determine what dietary triggers, if any, may worsen your ulcerative colitis symptoms and then eliminate those triggers from your diet.

Always talk with your healthcare team before making dietary changes, or if you have any concerns.

Eating healthy is important when dealing with ulcerative colitis. While diet does not cause ulcerative colitis, you can improve your nutrition and diet by learning which foods cause you problems and avoiding them. Since there isn't one standard diet for all people with ulcerative colitis, consult your doctor before beginning a diet program or if you experience discomfort.
Healthy eating may be difficult when you are busy with many daily responsibilities and during hectic times such as holidays. Below are some ideas to help you eat well and stay well-nourished.

Avoid foods such as trail mixes or popcorn that may cause discomfort.

Spare yourself from extra fat! Many snack foods such as chips and dips are high in fat. Remember that low-fat or fat-free snacks provide healthier alternatives. When you feel hungry, eat low-fat, high-carbohydrate foods such as pasta or rice to help curb your appetite. Or try a low-fat dish or a salad.

Refuel your system regularly. Skipping meals can leave you feeling weak and fatigued. So refuel your body with three well-balanced meals a day.

Get those muscles working! A light, regular exercise routine such as walking will help keep calories under control and replenish your energy. Consult your doctor before starting an exercise program.

Watch your alcohol intake. Although it may not cause the colon to be inflamed, alcohol stimulates the bowel and can cause diarrhea for anyone. Avoid alcohol when your disease is active because alcohol can worsen the discomfort. Also, if you are sensitive to alcohol and if it consistently causes you discomfort, staying away from alcoholic beverages is a smart idea. Consult your doctor if you have any questions.

Don't give in to temptations. It's normal to crave foods that may cause you discomfort. Below are some ideas to help you fight the temptations.
   Last time I ate this food, I did not feel good afterward. I don't want to feel this way again, so maybe I should not eat it.
   I should not give up my healthy eating habits. I'd be hurting myself because I can't tolerate these foods. Plus, there are many other foods I can eat and enjoy.

By Lauren Niemes, RD, Executive Director, Cincinnati Nutrition Council.

Adapted from:
Living Better website.