Dietary considerations for ulcerative colitis: What to eat and dietary recommendations
Feb 23, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Chao
Introduction
Dietary considerations for ulcerative colitis generally include avoiding spicy, irritating, hard-to-digest, and high-sugar foods to prevent gastrointestinal irritation, reduce digestive burden, and avoid increased gastric acid secretion that may worsen symptoms. It is recommended to consume mild, easily digestible, and nutrient-rich foods, which help minimize gastrointestinal irritation, ease the digestive load, and provide energy and nutrients to support recovery.
Dietary considerations for ulcerative colitis generally include avoiding spicy and irritating foods, hard-to-digest foods, and high-sugar foods. Patients can choose to eat mild foods, easily digestible foods, and nutrient-rich foods.
I. Dietary Considerations
1. Spicy and Irritating Foods
Spicy and irritating foods typically include chili peppers, alcohol, etc. Consuming these may irritate the gastrointestinal tract and worsen gastric damage in patients with ulcerative colitis.
2. Hard-to-Digest Foods
Hard-to-digest foods usually include fatty meats, nuts, etc. These should be avoided to prevent increased digestive burden on the gastrointestinal tract, which could further impair digestive function and delay recovery.
3. High-Sugar Foods
High-sugar foods commonly include cakes, sugarcane, etc. These may stimulate excessive gastric acid secretion if consumed, thereby worsening gastric mucosal damage.
II. Recommended Foods
1. Mild Foods
Mild foods generally include vegetables, tofu, etc. These not only help supply essential nutrients but also minimize gastrointestinal irritation.
2. Easily Digestible Foods
Easily digestible foods typically include white rice porridge, noodles, etc. These can help reduce the digestive burden on the gastrointestinal tract and promote mucosal healing.
3. Nutrient-Rich Foods
Nutrient-rich foods generally include fish, eggs, etc. Consuming these helps provide energy and essential nutrients, enhances immune resistance, and supports disease recovery.
In addition, patients with ulcerative colitis should also avoid high-fiber foods and maintain a pattern of eating small meals frequently. Overeating or binge eating should be avoided to prevent symptom exacerbation.
