Paul Keller
Diarrhea occurs in ulcerative colitis, which can lead to a lack of minerals. A targeted diet can compensate for this deficiency.
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that progresses in phases. It can lead to malnutrition, which is why it is important to ensure adequate nutrient intake. The disease phases of ulcerative colitis also play a role in the right diet.
Ulcerative colitis – what influence does diet have?
The influence of a special diet on ulcerative colitis has not been sufficiently clarified. No scientifically proven diet reduces the risk of developing ulcerative colitis. If ulcerative colitis already exists, however, nutrition is of great importance. Because the disease not only leads to diarrhea but also damages the intestinal mucosa. This can then no longer properly absorb components of the food. This leads to malnutrition; Those affected often lack vitamins, trace elements, and minerals.
Which diet is suitable for a flare-up of ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis progresses in phases. The diet in acute ulcerative colitis, therefore, differs from the diet in the resting phases. During an ulcerative colitis flare-up, the diet should consist of bland foods. You should avoid high-fiber foods that stimulate intestinal activity. The inflamed colon should be relieved as much as possible.
What does a resting ulcerative colitis diet plan look like?
If you have fewer than three bowel movements a day, this is called the resting phase. A light full diet is recommended for this time. During this phase, the foods should be high in calories, vitamins, and fiber. Avoid fried, spicy, and fatty foods. These also put a strain on the intestines during the resting phase.
The following foods are suitable for diet in ulcerative colitis:
- Toast, fresh rolls, rusks, rice, pasta, semolina, boiled potatoes
- honey, maple syrup
- Bananas, blueberries, papaya, sweet melons, apples, pears, apricots, and other berries depending on individual tolerance
- mild vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, pumpkin, asparagus, fennel, kohlrabi, zucchini, tomatoes, lettuce
- butter, olive oil, linseed oil, walnut oil, and canola oil
- light sea and freshwater fish such as pollock, zander, cod, cod, plaice, trout, ling
- low-fat, light meat, ideally poultry
- light dairy and cream cheese
- still water, herbal teas (unsweetened)
In ulcerative colitis, these foods are not good for the diet:
- Grain rolls, pre-baked rolls, yeast-based pastries, processed potato products (French fries, crisps, croquettes), ready-made muesli mixes (too much sugar)
- Sweets, table sugar, sweeteners
- Citrus fruits, cherries, currants, gooseberries, and not fully ripe fruit
- flatulent vegetables such as onions, garlic, leeks, beans, all types of cabbage, peppers, aubergines, radishes
- nuts and seeds
- margarine, mayonnaise
- canned fish
- Red and/or fatty meat and sausages
- fatty dairy products such as cream, sour cream, crème fraîche or mature cheese
- Alcohol, carbonated drinks with a lot of sugar, fruit juices, and fruit teas, as they often contain too much acid for the diet in ulcerative colitis.
