Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition causing inflammation in the colon and rectum. It affects millions of people worldwide, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and rectal bleeding that can make day-to-day life challenging.
While diet doesn’t cause this disease, it can help manage the symptoms. To follow an ulcerative colitis diet plan, you must eat certain foods and avoid others.
This guide will introduce you to some of the best anti-inflammatory foods for ulcerative colitis. We will also show you what you can and can’t eat while experiencing flare-ups and managing your disease with total parenteral nutrition (TPN).
The Role of Diet in Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis flare-ups can be debilitating and put unnecessary stress on the colon. Although you can eat while on TPN and deal with these flare-ups, the type of diet you follow is important.
An optimized ulcerative colitis diet plan can reduce the stress on your colon and help you overcome flare-ups more quickly.
A good diet consists of low-residue foods. These foods will leave less undigested grit in the stool and cause less irritation while exiting the rectum. Binding foods are also ideal for those with ulcerative colitis.
Meanwhile, foods that cause inflammation or disrupt the balance of helpful bacteria in the gut can worsen the symptoms. Below are some foods you should eat and foods you must avoid to manage your symptoms as best as possible.
Foods To Include in Your Ulcerative Colitis Diet Plan
Here are some of the best anti-inflammatory foods for ulcerative colitis that can make living with TPN and managing symptoms easier.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Studies show that foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can alleviate ulcerative colitis symptoms such as intestinal inflammation.
Some of the foods you can eat for more of these healthy fats include:
- Fish oil supplements
- Fatty fish (mackerel, salmon, etc.)
- Plant oils (flaxseed oil, walnut oil, etc.)
Probiotics
Probiotics are another group of foods you should include in your ulcerative colitis diet plan. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeast that encourage remissions and help the body experience fewer flare-ups.
You can get more probiotics by eating:
- Kefir
- Yogurt
- Kimchi
- Sourdough bread
Protein
Protein-rich options are some of the best anti-inflammatory foods for ulcerative colitis. Foods high in protein can help repair tissues that have been damaged from inflammation and prevent ulcerative colitis flare-ups.
Opt for lean protein options like the ones below to manage your symptoms:
- Tofu
- Eggs
- Turkey
- Chicken breast
- Lean cuts of beef
Legumes are another food group high in protein. However, they can trigger flare-ups in some people, so, it’s best to limit them. Instead, add proteins from the list above to your ulcerative colitis diet plan.
Cooked Fruits and Vegetables
People with ulcerative colitis should avoid fibrous foods such as fruits and vegetables. However, they can opt for the cooked versions of these food groups that allow for easier absorption of nutrients.
Some of the safest cooked fruits and vegetables you can include in your diet are:
- Pears
- Apples
- Carrots
- Pumpkin
- Potatoes
- Bananas
Foods To Exclude from Your Ulcerative Colitis Diet Plan
Those with ulcerative colitis must eliminate the following foods from their diets.
Insoluble Fiber Foods
Insoluble fiber foods are foods containing fiber that doesn’t dissolve in water. These foods can worsen ulcerative colitis symptoms, so it’s best to avoid them.
Some foods high in insoluble fiber include:
- Raw fruits and vegetables
- Nuts (almonds, walnuts, etc.)
- Seeds (sunflower seeds, chia seeds, etc.)
- Whole grains (oats, barley, quinoa, brown rice, etc.)
Processed Meats
If you’re looking for the best anti-inflammatory foods for ulcerative colitis, you can’t find them in processed meats. You should exclude processed products like sausages, ham, bacon, and salami from your ulcerative colitis diet plan.
Studies show that reducing red meat consumption and eating white meat alternatives can also benefit ulcerative colitis patients.
Lactose Products
Lactose is another substance you should avoid if you have ulcerative colitis. This sugar is found in dairy products like milk and cheese and can trigger symptom flare-ups in some individuals.
Alcohol and Sugar Alcohols
Alcoholic drinks like beer and wine can worsen ulcerative colitis symptoms. It’s best to avoid them and opt for healthier beverages instead.
You should also limit sugar alcohols such as sorbitol and xylitol. These substances are found in sugar-free products like candies and chewing gums and cannot be digested by your digestive tract.
Carbonated Drinks
You should also remove carbonated drinks from your ulcerative colitis diet plan. Carbonated drinks like sodas can irritate your digestive system and cause gas.
Some studies even show a link between drinking these beverages and developing ulcerative colitis.
Sugary Foods
Sweets and sugary foods can also cause flare-ups. Some sweets you may want to avoid if you’re dealing with ulcerative colitis include:
- Cakes
- Juices
- Honey
- Pastries
- Ice creams
High-Fat Foods
Foods high in saturated fats can be a source of flare-ups. It’s best to remove high-fat foods in the list below from your ulcerative colitis diet plan:
- Butter
- Margarine
- Fried foods
- Fast food items
- Coconut oil and palm oil
Spicy Foods
Spicy foods are not among the best anti-inflammatory foods for ulcerative colitis. They can cause irritation and worsen your symptoms.
Some of the spicy foods you may want to avoid include:
- Chillies
- Hot sauces
- Hot peppers
- Spicy seasonings
- Spicy pickles and relishes
Gluten
Studies show that gluten, a protein in foods such as wheat and barley, can worsen inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms.
While ulcerative colitis is not the same as IBD, patients can still suffer from gluten consumption, especially since they can also have a gluten intolerance.
The Best Ulcerative Colitis Diet Plans
While following the above guidelines is a great place to start, there is no one-size-fits-all diet for this autoimmune condition. What works for others may not work for you, and vice versa.
However, research shows that certain anti-inflammatory diet plans may be more beneficial than others for individuals with ulcerative colitis. Let’s look at some of these diets.
Mediterranean Diet
There is notable research suggesting that the Mediterranean diet can benefit those with ulcerative colitis. This anti-inflammatory diet is rich in nutritious plant foods, seafood, and olive oil while limiting red meat and alcohol consumption.
A 2021 study showed that the Mediterranean diet lowers disease activity in those with inflammatory disorders. Another study suggested that this diet plan for ulcerative colitis can reduce inflammatory markers and alleviate symptoms in children with IBD.
Low FODMAP Diet
The low FODMAP diet is another diet rich in some of the best anti-inflammatory foods for ulcerative colitis.
FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. These are all substances that may cause symptoms flare-ups in people with ulcerative colitis.
A diet low in these compounds may alleviate the symptoms and keep the disease from worsening.
Paleo Diet
Paleo is another effective diet plan for those with ulcerative colitis. The paleo diet’s concept is to consume foods similar to what our hunter-gatherer ancestors used to eat.
That means limiting refined foods, whole grains, and dairy products while eating more fish and lean meats, which are among the best anti-inflammatory foods for ulcerative colitis.
Studies evaluating the effects of the autoimmune protocol (AIP) diet (an extension of the paleo diet) on IBD patients showed significant remission rates in a short period.
While more research is necessary to confirm the beneficial effects of the paleo diet for ulcerative colitis, the current findings are promising. You can speak with your doctor and give the paleo diet a try if they deem fit.
How To Know Which Foods in Your Ulcerative Colitis Diet Plan Are Triggering Flare-ups?
Just like you should track TPN’s metabolic complications and side effects, you should also monitor which foods worsen your symptoms.
Keeping a food journal is the best way to identify foods that are causing flare-ups. Write down everything you eat and drink throughout the day and any immediate reactions or symptoms you experience.
Recording your foods can help determine the safest dietary options for your condition. You can also share your food diary with your physician to give them further insight and allow them to make more informed decisions for your health needs.
Receive At-Home TPN Therapy for Ulcerative Colitis from AmeriPharma™ Specialty Pharmacy
Now that you know which foods to eat and which to avoid, you can create an optimized ulcerative colitis diet plan for yourself. Try the best anti-inflammatory foods for ulcerative colitis and use our guide to manage symptoms.
If you’re looking for at-home TPN treatments for ulcerative colitis, AmeriPharma™ Specialty Pharmacy can help.
We discreetly package TPN home infusion materials and deliver them to your door. Our specialty pharmacy can also send specialized infusion nurses to your home to administer the treatment and help you troubleshoot any problems.
Contact us now to receive specialty care at home and meet your dietary needs with our full-service coordination, 24/7/365 support, and copay assistance.
