Ulcerative Colitis Dietary Therapy
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General Advice
Here are the general recommendations that we gastroenterologists generally give to our ulcerative colitis patients.
- Smaller, more frequent meals – The lower intestine may handle foods better when smaller portions arrive there more frequently. Your body will let you know if 4 or 5 smaller meals work better for you.
- Fluids – Adequate fluid intake is a must if diarrhea is a significant symptom. For most people, the body tells you when you are thirsty and need fluid. Some authorities recommend eight glasses of water per day. The evidence for the need of this much water is sketchy.
- Caffeine – Caffeine in coffee, tea, soft drinks, and,power drinks, stimulates the colon to contract and promotes more bowel movements. Caffeine by itself is not known to damage the intestine or colon.
- Alcohol – Red wine and beer contain sulfates and may contribute to the malodorous smell of flatus.
- Allergies and food intolerance – True food allergies (hives, trouble breathing) is rather uncommon. Shellfish and peanuts can induce such serious problems in the allergic person. However, intolerance to certain foods is very common. If a certain food disagrees with you, avoid it.
- Junk food – Most fast food restaurants offer a variety of healthy choices. Dairy products, such as milk, milkshakes and yogurt are available. Pizza provides considerable protein and calcium.
- Lactose and dairy products – Milk and dairy products provide lots of good nutrition and calcium. If you think you are lactose intolerant, you may consider a simple test. Drink 16 oz. of fat free milk on a Saturday or Sunday morning and eat or drink nothing more. If symptoms of bloating, cramps or diarrhea do not occur in 3-4 hours, you likely are not lactose intolerant.
- Celiac Disease or sprue – This is a disorder whereby the gluten protein in wheat and certain other grains damages the small intestine. This disorder is much more common than we have thought in the past. The symptoms may be similar to those of ulcerative colitis. A simple blood test can usually screen for this disorder. Ask you physician about Celiac Disease.
