Ulcerative Colitis is characterised by inflammation and scarring in the inner lining of the large intestine or colon which leads to mucus and bloody diarrhoea. The main cause of ulcerative colitis is still unknown.
What Causes Ulcerative Colitis?
There are three major factors which causes ulcerative colitis:
- Genetic Factor
- Autoimmune disorder
- Environmental factors
Main symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis
Since ulcerative colitis is a chronic ailment, the symptoms develops over the years. Some of the major symptoms of ulcerative colitis are as follows:
- Severe abdominal pain and cramps
- Fatigue and fever
- Weight loss and anaemia
- Rectal bleeding
- Loss of appetite and dehydration
- Liver disorders
- Bloody diarrhoea
Healthy Diet To Treat Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative Colitis can be treated successfully with the help of medications and a healthy diet. In stomach ailments diet plays a very important role. Ulcerative colitis can be managed by medications such as antibiotics, painkillers, steroids, anti inflammatory drugs and anti diarrhoeal drugs. Balanced diet controls the sAvoid ymptoms of ulcerative colitis which is most important for improving overall health. Though diet doesn’t help to get rid of ulcerative colitis, it definitely brings symptomatic relief and better control over the body. Let us see the diet regimen for ulcerative colitis which may help to manage this condition.
1. Drink Green Tea Or Tulsi Tea
Opt for Green tea or Tulsi tea instead of black tea, coffee and alcohol. Avoid smoking or chewing Tobacco as these may worsen the disease. Refrain from eating very spicy food, sour food and fatty food as it may cause burning sensation. Fats are difficult to digest so choose healthy fats like canola oils and olive.
2. Consume Boiled Vegetables
Eat plenty of boiled vegetables such as Bottle Gourd, Pointed Gourd, Loofah, Spinach. Avoid eating Radish, Cucumber, Melon and Tamarind. Don’t eat raw vegetables and fruits as they are difficult to digest. Try steaming or stewing them.
3. Indulge In Protein Rich Foods
Vegetarian food works wonders so refrain from eating fish and meat. Eat protein rich diet. Eggs, soy, peanut butter are some of the great sources of protein. Reduce the intake of dairy products such as milk, curd, cheese, sweets as it worsens the symptoms. Try dairy options such as Almond milk, soy cheese, soy milk, Goat’s milk and Coconut milk.
4. Drink Pomegranate Juice
Drink one cup of Pomegranate juice before lunch. Eat lighter meal at night as this will not burden the digestive system. Eat smaller and more frequent meals during the day to ease the digestion process. Heavy meals may worsen ulcerative colitis. Include gluten free food, rice, hotchpotch and vegetable soups in your diet. Avoid eating fried food and oily food. Take a walk after lunch and dinner.
5. Drink A Lot Of Clean Water
Drink plenty of water as ulcerative colitis causes dehydration. Always drink boiled water. Opt for seasonal fruits and fruit juices which have cooling effect on the body such as Papaya, Grapes, Apple, Orange and Grapefruit. Orange juice works wonderfully in curing ulcers. Consume cooked raw Banana with a pinch of Asafoetida. It heals the ulcers.
6. Include Omega 3 Fatty Acid
Avoid high fibre diet, caffeine, soft drinks with sugar and carbonated drinks as it may stimulate bowel activity and frequently produce gas. Include more Omega 3 fatty acid in diet as it has anti-inflammatory properties. Steroids are widely used to treat ulcerative colitis which results into low levels of calcium and vitamin D. To compensate this loss include calcium rich food in your diet. Carrot, flaxseed or flaxseed oil, sunflower seeds helps in reducing the inflammation. Dietary source of vitamin D includes cereals, eggs and fortified milk.
Since bloody diarrhoea and bleeding ulcers may cause anaemia and fatigue, eat iron and folate rich food to boost up the blood iron levels. Spinach and raisins are the great source of iron.
7. Eat Soft Bland Food
Soft bland food is recommended in ulcerative colitis as it prevents the irritation to digestive tract. Puffed rice, mashed Potatoes, brown rice and oatmeal are the some of the soft bland foods. Include vitamin E, vitamin C rich food in your diet. Vitamin C and E are very powerful anti inflammatory nutrients. Vitamin E is a fat soluble whereas vitamin C is a water soluble. It acts as an antioxidant and also quickens healing process and reduces swelling. Almond, Walnut, sweet Potatoes are the sources of vitamin E. Good sources of vitamin C includes Strawberries, Spinach, Potatoes, Citrus fruits and Bell Peppers.
