Snack Foods For Ulcerative Colitis

Foods To Eat During An Ulcerative Colitis Flare

Avoiding certain foods is only half the battle. Heres how to get the nutrients you need during an ulcerative colitis flare.

Jeff Wasserman/Stocksy

If you have ulcerative colitis, you may already know which foods worsen your flares. But figuring out what to include in your diet is equally important, because the right foods will provide you with key nutrients without aggravating your symptoms.

Most experts recommend that you limit your fiber intake when youre having an ulcerative colitis flare. A general rule is to replace high-fiber foods, such as nuts, seeds, and raw fruits and vegetables, with more easily digestible fare. Here are eight foods to eat during an ulcerative colitis flare and the reasons they can help.

1. Applesauce: Since your gastrointestinalsystem is experiencing a lot of irritation during a flare, you may want to stick to soft, easily digestible foods like applesauce. Be sure to choose an unsweetened variety though, because added sugar can cause more inflammation. You can also make your own sugar-free applesauce by cooking peeled, sliced apples with some water and then pureeing the mixture.

3. Cooked vegetables: Soft, cooked veggies like carrots and spinach can provide important nutrients, such as vitamins A and K. Just make sure the vegetablesare thoroughly cooked until they can be mashed with a fork, Szeles says so that any potentially irritating fiber is broken down.

Additional reporting by Nina Wasserman

Foods Rich In Sulfur And Sulfites

Foods like beer, wine, shellfish, some dried fruits, white bread, and cured meats containsulfur, producing excess gas in the colon. Even without these foods, UC patients produce more hydrogen sulfide than usual, and they have difficulty breaking the gas down due to inflammation of the colonic wall. Hence, ingesting more foods with sulfur causes more damage to the colon.

Banana ‘ice Cream’ For Potassium And Magnesium

This snack is simple to prepare and surprisingly indulgent. Roughly chop two overripe bananas and freeze them. Then, just add the banana slices and 1 tablespoon of smooth natural peanut butter, and a pinch of salt to a blender, stopping and pushing the ingredients toward the blades, as needed. The result is a rich and creamy dessert thats a rich source of potassium and healthy fats, a good source of magnesium, and completely lactose-free, although youd never know it from the taste!

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What To Eat During Flare

Low-fiber foods are easiest to digest and are less irritating to the gut, especially with symptoms like abdominal pain or diarrhea. Choose:

• Grains/starches: White foods, instead of wheat or whole-grain, and those with less than 2 grams of fiber per serving
• Cooked vegetables: Well-cooked vegetables such as green beans, carrots, mashed potatoes without skin, steamed asparagus tips and pureed squash.Use fresh or frozen.
• Canned or soft fruits: Peeled apples, ripe bananas, cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon, and canned fruit in fruit juice or light syrup

Be sure to eat enough protein — Inflammation causes increased protein needs. Choose:

• Tender, well-cooked meats: Poultry, salmon or other fish, lean beef and pork prepared without added fat
• Deli meats: Low-sodium and low-fat varieties
• Eggs: Well-cooked
• Tofu
• Smooth nut and seed butters: Peanut, almond or sunflower seed

Drink plenty of fluids — Aim for eight cups a day, and consider using oral rehydration beverages as needed. Try to limit caffeinated, sugar drinks and beverages made with sugar substitutes.

Limit added fats and oils — Focus on oils instead of solid fats, and limit intake to less than eight teaspoons per day.

Consume adequate calcium, vitamin D, probiotics, and prebiotics — Sources include:

I Have Heard That Fiber Is Good For Ulcerative Colitis What Does Onpoint Say

• We encourage you to eat a medium/high fiber diet when you are not experiencing a flare up. A high fiber diet is almost always encouraged in all adults, part of maintaining a healthy gut as well

• If you decide to increase your fiber intake, increase it gradually, even if you are not having GI or IBD issues presently

• You may find a “Low Residue” approach helpful. We have seen it work well for some people

• Increase or be aware of hydration and fluid intake. Try to drink at least 64 oz of water per day

• Some studies show that a higher fiber diet can improve IBD conditions

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Ulcerative Colitis Diet: What To Eat To Manage Symptoms

• Food preparation and meal planning

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease in which the immune system is thought to attack the gut lining, failing to recognise it as part of the body. A focused ulcerative colitis diet may therefore help with the management of symptoms. With the guidance of an IBD team or a dietician, those suffering from ulcerative colitis can be put on an elimination diet in order to identify potential trigger foods, or may be encouraged to keep a food diary in order to track links between certain foods and symptoms.

Those who have undergone surgery or are struggling with an ulcerative colitis flare up may be put on a low residue diet or a low fiber diet in order to manage symptoms and lessen the burden of their disease.

However, ulcerative colitis diets are often unique to the individual, so some experimentation under medical supervision may be necessary to find the right eating pattern for you. An ulcerative colitis diet may not work at all either, so it is important to collaborate with your medical team in order to properly manage your condition.

Proper Nutrition Is Important For People Who Have Ulcerative Colitis

Good nutrition is important for everyone, but even more so if you have an inflammatory bowel disease . When you have ulcerative colitis , it can be difficult to figure out what to eat which foods contain the valuable nutrients your body needs without putting you at risk for a flare up.

Proper nutrition can improve response to medication, reduce risk for flares, and improve recovery time when sick, says Kelly Issokson, RD, a clinical dietitian with the Nutrition and Integrative IBD Program at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles.

Healthy eating becomes especially difficult with UC when youre on the move, and who isnt these days?

To help keep you on the path to eating well, here are 13 dietitian recommended snacks for people with UC.

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Ulcerative Colitis Facts At A Glance

Image: Shutterstock

• Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulceration of the innermost lining of the colon and rectum .
• About 1.6 million Americans and 2.5 million Europeans are affected by this disease .
• The root cause of this inflammatory disease is not confirmed, but scientists have hypothesized that it may be caused due to the presence of pathogenic bacteria or virus in the gut or an immune system attack on normal gut bacteria .
• The most common symptoms are diarrhea, cramps, rectal bleeding, fever, loss of appetite, joint pain, liver disease, and eye problems.
• Ulcerative colitis can be diagnosed by X-ray, CT-scan, white blood cell scan, complete blood count, liver function, inflammation markers like C-reactive protein, vitamin B-12 levels, colonoscopy, and antibody blood test .
• It stays lifelong and can flare up from time to time.
• It can affect anyone at any age and may lead to colon cancer if you have the disease for more than 10 years .
• Medicinal treatments include steroids and medicines that help reduce inflammation, the overreaction of the immune system, and diarrhea.
• Sometimes, the affected part of the colon is removed to reduce the risk of developing colon cancer .

Now that we have got the facts straight, lets look at which foods you should avoid.

Cereal With Low Fat Milk

High fiber bran and wheat cereals could set off a bout of diarrhea and other ulcerative colitis symptoms. But you dont have to cross cereal off the snack list. Its still a good source of vitamins and minerals.

You do want to choose your cereal wisely, though. Lower fiber options like corn flakes and rice puffs are easier on your gut.

Yogurt is often easier on your gut if lactose causes ulcerative colitis symptoms. Or opt for a dairy alternative like soy or rice milk. Top your bowl of cereal with sliced bananas to ramp up the nutrition.

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What Foods Should You Eat With Ulcerative Colitis

If you have Ulcerative Colitis, very minor changes to what you eat can make a BIG difference in your symptoms. Consider keeping food logs or adjusting foods that trigger your symptoms. You may also want to work with your doctor or dietitian to work through an elimination diet. Generally, you should try to:

In terms of specific food recommendations, go with these:

During a flare up, you many find it more comfortable to eat bland, soft food, otherwise limiting spicy foods. During periods of remission, you should eat all of your usual items with the omission of known offenders.

Friendly Foods For Managing Ulcerative Colitis

Do you have ulcerative colitis ? This chronic condition affects nearly 700,000 Americans every year, and while its cause is still unknown, chances are youve met someone with Colitis.

UC is one of the more common forms of inflammatory bowel disease . Not to be confused with Crohns Disease, Colitis is characterized by inflammation of the large intestine, which can cause painful sores and ulcers in the digestive system. Currently, there is no known cure for Ulcerative Colitis, but dont worry! One way many colitis patients manage their symptoms is through food.

Since everyones experience with Colitis is different, theres no single meal plan guaranteed to reduce symptoms. As a general rule, its a great idea to rule out foods that aggravate your symptoms as you notice them. Caffeine, alcohol, dairy products, chocolate, spicy foods, and foods that are high in fiber are all good ideas to avoid, as they tend to wreak havoc during a flare-up. Nuts, certain fruits/vegetables, and starches like whole-grain bread can all irritate the colon due to their high-fiber content as well.

Since we know firsthand how difficult managing colitis day-to-day can be, heres a list of UC-friendly foods to help keep your body happy and healthy.

Squash

Yogurt

Salmon

Have no fear, salmon is here! Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been known to reduce inflammation. Swapping other proteins for salmon is a great way to promote digestive health, especially during a flare-up.

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Eat Smaller Meals More Often

You may have eaten two or three large meals per day before being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. The intestines must work hard to handle digesting large meals. Those who have ulcerative colitis often find it easier to tolerate smaller meals.

Instead of eating three large meals daily, eat five small ones every three to four hours.

This will give your bowels time to digest the food you eat, and you may find your symptoms have been reduced.

Cabbage Celery And Brussels Sprouts

Avoid eating cabbage, celery, and Brussels sprouts because they are high in fiber and potential colon lining irritants. Instead, have sweet potato, potato, carrots, and squash.

NOTE: Dairy is not mentioned in this list because a few people do not get ulcerative colitis flare-ups while others do. So, check with your doctor to find out if you can consume dairy products.

It may seem like you have run out of options to eat, but thats not the case. Here is the list of foods that you can eat.

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What Should I Eat If I Have Ulcerative Colitis

If you have ulcerative colitis, you should eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Talk with your doctor about a healthy eating plan.

Ulcerative colitis symptoms may cause some people to lose their appetite and eat less, and they may not get enough nutrients. In children, a lack of nutrients may play a role in problems with growth and development.

Researchers have not found that specific foods cause ulcerative colitis symptoms, although healthier diets appear to be associated with less risk of developing IBD. Researchers have not found that specific foods worsen ulcerative colitis. Talk with your doctor about any foods that seem to be related to your symptoms. Your doctor may suggest keeping a food diary to help identify foods that seem to make your symptoms worse.

Depending on your symptoms and the medicines you take, your doctor may recommend changes to your diet. Your doctor may also recommend dietary supplements.

The Best Foods To Eat And Avoid For Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease is a treatable, yet chronic and lifelong condition. IBD is a broad term that refers to the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and includes specific conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease.

No plan has been proven to prevent or control IBD. But managing your diet can help manage your disease during flares and periods of remission. Be sure to talk to your physician or a registered dietitian about your nutrition needs and managing IBD.

Here are diet recommendations for managing IBD flares and remissions from UH Outpatient Nutrition Services.

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Omelet Cups Pack A Protein Punch

Protein is one of the key nutrients that someone with UC needs. For this grab-and-go snack, simply add a few cooked veggies to the bottom of a muffin tin and top with whisked eggs. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees until theyre set and stick them in the refrigerator or freezer so that you can grab one on the way out the door. This is a quick-and-easy way to get in some much needed protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

How Can I Live With Chronic Ulcerative Colitis

If you are struggling with colitis or another type of irritable bowel disease, help is available at Gastroenterology Associates of Southwest Florida, PA. Our team provides compassionate, expert care to help patients suffering from these types of chronic conditions. Find out how we can help you live with chronic ulcerative colitis

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Ulcerative Colitis: This Is Why You’re Here Right

• Why did you get Ulcerative Colitis? The short answer is that scientists still don’t know. Genetics are a major risk factor, but some people without a family history develop the condition
• Ulcerative Colitis is caused by an autoimmune response from your body
• Your symptoms may include:
• GI: loose and urgent bowel movements, bloody stool, abdominal pain and cramps, persistent diarrhea
• Non-GI: appetite loss, weight loss, nausea, low energy, anemia
• There are flares and periods of remission throughout disease course UC is different from other types of colitis because tiny ulcers form, causing long term inflammation

Snack Ideas From Mycrohnsandcolitisteam Members

Fortunately, MyCrohnsAndColitisTeam members have shared their top foods to fuel their bodies and beat cravings. Some of their tips include:

• Since I have a lot of abdominal scar tissue, all of my meals have to be snack-sized. So, I snack all throughout the day. I used to snack on raw veggies, but I cant anymore. Instead, I drink green drinks. I like tomato juice, as well as peanut butter crackers, cheese crackers, Airheads, and Rice Krispies Treats.
• My favorite snack is creamy peanut butter, rice cakes, and carrots.
• Ensure Plus and hard and soft cheeses can be hard on us, a registered dietitian told me. I cook an apple and put plain yogurt on it.
• Gluten-free cookies and crackers, organic apples, and organic almond butter work well for me.
• I like saltines , Carrs Entertainment Cracker Collection crackers with some slices of Jarlsberg cheese, and Social Tea biscuits. Also, peeled pears when perfectly ripe are delicious!
• Right now, my favorite snack foods are rice cakes, applesauce, and vanilla yogurt.

Also Check: Why Do I Have Ulcerative Colitis

It Can Be Challenging To Differentiate Between Crohn’s And Ulcerative Colitis

Our summary of the two conditions is below. You can also read a more detailed explanation about the differences between Colitis and Crohn’s Disease here.

Our summary of the two conditions is below. You can also read a more detailed explanation about the differences between Colitis and Crohn’s Disease here.

The Secrets Of Snacking Safely

Tips to top up your energy levels, from specialist dietician Lisa Macleman

The key to a healthy balanced diet is to eat the right amount of food for how active you are. While snacking can be part of a healthy diet, it can also lead to exceeding your body’s energy needs. Choosing snacks when you have Inflammatory Bowel Disease can be challenging, but by planning ahead you can make the right choices.

Excess calories can result in weight gain. If you are underweight, this can be a positive change. However, if you are a healthy weight or if you are overweight, you may want to avoid increasing your calorie intake.

Maintaining a healthy weight is important for general well-being and can improve recovery from flare-ups, while limiting the risk of infections and other illnesses. It is common for people with IBD to have weight fluctuations, representing the periods of remission and active disease. Patients can fall into the habit of eating high-fat, high-sugar snacks during remission. During a flare-up, these types of snack can help meet increased energy needs, but during remission they can lead to people consuming excess calories. Some people with IBD find certain foods aggravate their symptoms. The main triggers can be fibre and dairy products, so it is best to aim for low-fibre and low-lactose snacks.

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