Ulcerative Colitis Dietary Therapy
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Fiber
Fiber is a special consideration for ulcerative colitis patients. Food fibers are healthy and should be well understood so they can be used in an effective and healthy way. All plants rely on fiber for their structure. Each plant food has both insoluble and soluble fiber. Some will be predominantly one type or the other. For instance, wheat is mostly insoluble fiber, oats are about half and half and psyllium powder is 90% soluble.Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water; it is not digested by the small bowel and is not fermented by colon bacteria. It does, however, retain water and so produces large, bulky stools. Soluble fiber, on the other hand, does dissolve in water. It is fermented by the colon bacteria and is used as a fuel source to maintain a healthy environment in the colon. However, if too much is taken, soluble fibers will promote harmless colon gas and flatus.
Discuss your food fiber intake with your physician. Fiber Content of Food provides specific information on the amount of soluble and insoluble fiber in most foods.
