Ulcerative colitis refers to the inflammation of the large intestine and rectum. It is considered to be an autoimmune disease that may be caused by a combination of factors such as the environment, genetics or an overactive immune system. Following a few dietary tips for ulcerative colitis can aid in the management of this condition. And this involves knowing about those foods that can trigger the problem too.

Pay attention to the amount of fiber being consumed
During a flare-up of this condition, a low-fiber diet may prove to be beneficial in relieving symptoms and quickening recovery. However, at all other times, a high-fiber diet should be followed.

Avoid whole grain foods if you’re on a low-fiber diet
Whole grain foods are usually harder to digest as they contain a lot of fiber. Avoid foods such as bread, cereal, macaroni and noodles made from whole grains. You should also avoid quinoa, brown rice, oats, buckwheat, and wild rice.

Eat lean meats
Since fiber intake is limited, choosing the right meats is one of the important dietary tips for ulcerative colitis. Lean meats and fish are ideal. These foods have good fats that do not increase bad cholesterol levels and have omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce inflammation.

Always eat cooked vegetables
Raw vegetables and fruits can be difficult to digest. They may also cause bloating and stomach aches. Thus, fruits and vegetables should always be peeled and cooked. If you do not want to lose nutrients, the water used to cook the vegetables can be utilized to cook rice.

Choose bland foods
Most dietary tips for ulcerative colitis focus on choosing bland flavors over spicy ones. Spicy foods can irritate the colon and intestines. Hence, bland flavors are always better, especially during a flare-up. Bananas, avocadoes, potatoes, and sourdough bread would be ideal.

Eat small meals
When you’re experiencing a flare-up, have more frequent, smaller meals instead of the typical three large meals. This eases the pressure on the digestive system. Many people find 6 small meals much easier to handle.

Maintain a food journal
An easy way to keep track of dietary tips for ulcerative colitis is to maintain a food journal. This would also help you understand how your body reacts to particular foods and to recognize what to avoid. Your journal should also keep track of mealtimes and how much you’re eating.

Quit alcohol and caffeine
Alcohol and caffeine can irritate the intestines. Thus, they should be avoided as far as possible. By doing this, you can minimize the flare-ups and regulate your digestive health. If possible, you should also avoid carbonated drinks to limit the gas and air in the digestive system.

Minimize consumption of processed food
Processed foods are not good for your overall health and can aggravate ulcerative colitis. One of the important dietary tips for ulcerative colitis is to limit your intake of processed foods. This is because these foods contain high levels of emulsifiers that can cause intestinal inflammation. You should also avoid foods that have high sugar levels.