Foods are not the cause of ulcerative colitis but they can certainly be the reasons behind flares. If you want to know what you should do and what you should avoid when it comes to diet for ulcerative colitis then keep reading.

Eat small meals
You can make your gastrointestinal system work harder when you eat a few large meals. Instead, eat six smaller meals throughout the day. This will ensure you get the same amount of nutrition but your gastrointestinal system doesn’t get taxed in the process. This can help effectively prevent a flare.

Favor lean meats and fish
You should focus on eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids because these are effective in reducing inflammation. Although fatty foods can lead to intense inflammation this is not true when it comes to good fats. You should eat protein-rich foods such as turkey, fish, and skinless chicken rather than opt for red meat.

Avoid high-fiber vegetables
High-fiber vegetables might be great for many people but not for those with ulcerative colitis because they can worsen your symptoms. For example, cruciferous vegetables are difficult to be broken down by your digestive system. Instead, opting for a low-fiber diet can help as it will ensure your symptoms don’t get worse during a flare.

Eat nuts with caution
When you consume nuts you should make sure you chew them for some time. Else, blending them is another option you can try. Nuts and seeds contain high fiber, healthy unsaturated fats, and protein. However, for some people the fiber content can be an issue and so starting with a little bit is better.

Opt for bland foods
Bland foods such as avocados, sourdough bread, potatoes, and bananas are excellent. Spicy foods, on the other hand, can cause your colon to get irritated which can exacerbate your symptoms. Especially when you are having a flare, reach for a bland food instead. You should opt for any food that is low on fiber.

Avoid processed foods
Emulsifiers are used in processed foods which can cause gut inflammation which is bad news for anyone with ulcerative colitis. You should avoid processed foods as often as you can. That means restricting how much greasy food you eat and how much sugar you consume. You should stay away from artificial sweeteners too.

Cook your vegetables
While eating raw food might be popular, it won’t do you any good when you have ulcerative colitis. In fact, eating raw vegetables can cause digestion problems and cause a flare. You should cook your vegetables before you eat them. You can use the water you used for cooking vegetables for cooking rice so you don’t lose out on nutrients.

No more dairy
People with ulcerative colitis are better off without consuming dairy because many people experience discomfort when they consume it. There are times that dairy can lead to diarrhea, gas, and cramps. If you want to have milk then you can look for other options such as almond milk or lactose-free milk.

Say no to caffeine and alcohol
The less you consume alcohol and caffeine the better for you because these can worsen your flares by irritating your gastrointestinal system. You should also avoid consuming carbonated drinks because they increase gas which can further irritate your system and lead to flares. You want to restrict how much gas and air you consume.