Foods to avoid if one has colitis
Foods to avoid if one has colitis
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease of the colon and rectum, which make up for a major part of the large intestine. It can cause symptoms like bleeding from the rectum, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. These can flare up due to various triggers, with food being one of the major ones. A low-fat, low-salt, high-calorie, low-fiber and gluten-free diet is the best diet to follow for those who suffer from colitis.
There are certain foods can result in the aggravation of the symptoms of the condition, read on to know more.
- Gluten
Foods that have gluten, like wheat, rye, and barley can cause allergies in some people. It can also lead to the development of symptoms similar to those seen in ulcerative colitis in those who have gluten sensitivity. This is why the ingredient is high on the list of foods to be avoided. - Alcohol
Alcohol can irritate the stomach and worsen the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. It must be avoided or consumed in moderation and ideally, one should either drink alcohol with a meal instead of on an empty stomach. - High-fiber foods
High-fiber foods like adzuki beans, peas, lentils, and legumes can cause bloating and gas and can worsen the symptoms of colitis. Fibrous vegetables can be consumed after skinning and deseeding them as the skin contains most of the fiber content. If they are cooked until they become soft, they can be eaten safely as this prevents problems after consumption. - Fibrous fruits that are raw, dried, and have seeds can cause problems and must be avoided. Fruit juice can be consumed, except prune juice.
- Sulfur
Sulfate is an essential nutrient that assists in many body processes. But, in individuals with ulcerative colitis, its presence can feed bacteria that creat H2S toxic gas which can lead to bloating and discomfort. Food like red meat, dairy products, beer, wine, grape juice, eggs, and cheese contain sulfate and sulfides. Hence, should be avoided or eaten in moderation. - Nuts and seeds
Those who have been prescribed a low-fiber diet should avoid nuts and seeds. They can be difficult to digest and can cause bloating, diarrhea, and gas. Seeds like sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, peanuts, pistachios, and hazelnuts should be avoided. - Dairy
Milk and milk products can cause problems for those having colitis. Lactose intolerance in people increases symptoms of the condition, making it important to avoid things like milk, cheese, butter, and yogurt. - Caffeine
The caffeine present in coffee and tea can irritate the stomach and can cause diarrhea. All caffeinated beverages may need to be avoided by those having colitis. - Spicy food
Food that is high in spices or uses chili, peppers, and other such ingredients can cause severe irritation in the stomach. This can severely aggravate the symptoms of colitis and must be avoided. - Sugar and chocolate
Sugar can cause diarrhea in some people who have colitis. Sugary and carbonated drinks are considered bad for those having colitis and must be avoided. Aside from this, chocolate has both sugar and caffeine, which make it a must-avoid for those with the condition.
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