Consuming these Items Can Help Your Pain
Ulcerative colitis can cause pain, discomfort and distress to those who suffer from it. When people with colitis suffer a flare-up, symptoms include changes to bowel movements, stomach pain, swollen joints, mouth ulcers, irritated eyes and osteoporosis. Consider some treatment options like ZEPOSIA® (ozanimod), a prescription medication for adults that treats moderate to severe UC and relapsing MS.
Worst Foods for Ulcerative Colitis
- Spicy foods.
- High-fiber foods.
- Dairy products.
- Fatty or fried foods.
- Alcohol.
- Caffeine.
- Carbonated drinks.
- Processed foods.
- Raw fruits and vegetables.
- Red meat.
Ulcerative Colitis & Its Symptoms
Ulcerative colitis is a long-term, chronic condition in which the colon and rectum become inflamed. As the name suggests, small ulcers can develop on the colon’s lining. Sufferers tend to experience diarrhea, tummy pain and frequent need to pass stools.
Some people with ulcerative colitis can go weeks or even months without symptoms, but when symptoms rear their head, it’s known as a flare-up. The next time you experience a flare-up, it might bring you comfort to know you can reduce your symptoms by choosing the right food. Let’s get into it.
Things to Eat On an Ulcerative Colitis Diet
Wondering what are the best foods colitis reduction? Here’s a list of some foods that may help you feel better the next time your symptoms come along.
Low-fiber fruits
Some people find that eating too much fiber can irritate their ulcerative colitis, especially if that fiber is not easily digestible, such as the fiber found in wholemeal bread. One solution is to eat low-fiber foods.
Bananas tend not to be irritating, so it’s a good idea to add them to your diet regularly. Other fruits which are easier on the digestive system include peaches, strawberries, melon, watermelon, pineapple and nectarines.
Vegetables
Vegetables are great for general health and don’t tend to cause inflammation, so they’re a must in your diet. Veggies that tend to benefit from colitis include butternut squash, cooked carrots and green beans. If your colitis is worsened by fiber, avoid high-fiber vegetables such as chickpeas and lentils.
The health benefits of green leafy vegetables can also make a huge difference in helping you tackle unwanted colitis symptoms.
Blending fruit and vegetables can make them easier to digest since they act more like soluble fiber in the intestines.
Lean Protein
Instead of getting your protein from processed sources, such as sausages or bacon, look at leaner sources of protein, such as chicken, fish, turkey, eggs, yogurt or soybeans. While cheese is rich in fiber, dairy can cause digestive discomfort, so keep your cheese consumption to a minimum.
Omega-3 Rich Foods
Keeping your diet high in Omega-3 fatty acids is a great idea for those with ulcerative colitis. Foods rich in Omega-3 include chia seeds, walnut butter, flaxseed and fatty fish such as tuna and mackerel.
Minimise Trigger Foods
The trigger foods tend to be different from person to person, but typical triggers include alcohol, caffeine and fatty or fried foods. Foods such as red and processed meat and dairy fat are associated with inflammation, so they should be kept to a minimum.
Artificial sweeteners can sometimes have a laxative effect - especially when consumed in big quantities - so avoid these where you can.
Soluble vs. Insoluble Fiber
Not all fiber is created equally, and for some colitis sufferers, insoluble fiber causes more trips to the bathroom. To test if something is high in soluble or insoluble fiber, drop it into a glass of water and see how quickly it starts to dissolve. The quicker it dissolves, the more soluble it is.
Velsipity for Ulcerative Colitis
Velsipity is an oral medication designed to assist adults experiencing moderately to severely active Ulcerative Colitis. Notably, after 12 weeks of using Velsipity, a significant 27% of patients achieved clinical remission, demonstrating its efficacy in managing this condition. Additionally, the Copay Savings Program offers eligible commercially insured patients the opportunity to benefit from the treatment with potential out-of-pocket costs as low as $0. This dual advantage of clinical effectiveness and financial support underscores Velsipity's commitment to providing a comprehensive solution for individuals dealing with Ulcerative Colitis.
ZEPOSIA® (ozanimod) for UC and MS
ZEPOSIA® (ozanimod) is a prescribed medication tailored for adults, providing effective treatment for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC) and relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS), addressing diverse medical needs with a focus on enhancing overall well-being and managing these conditions thoroughly.
Top Tips for Living With Colitis
- Keep a food diary. Note when you experience a flare-up and which foods you’re eating around that time. This can help you identify potential triggers for your symptoms.
- Eat smaller meals. For people with ulcerative colitis, eating large meals can sometimes irritate them. During your next flare-up, try eating a few smaller meals daily instead of three large ones and see if it makes a difference.
- Take food supplements. If you regularly experience diarrhea, you could end up losing important nutrients from your diet. Plus, some vitamins and minerals might help your condition. Chat with your healthcare provider about which supplements to take.
- Minimize stress. Stress isn’t a direct cause of ulcerative colitis, but it can worsen symptoms. Try to minimize stress in your day-to-day life by sleeping enough and practicing relaxing pastimes like meditation and mindfulness.
Although the symptoms aren’t caused by eating a particular diet and the exact cause of colitis is unknown, the good news is that some foods help reduce the discomfort associated with ulcerative colitis.
Hopefully, with the help of a colitis-friendly diet, you can reduce your symptoms and feel more comfortable and confident during your next flare-up.
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