John Peterson
If you are searching for information about an effective ulcerative colitis diet, you may find yourself very confused. There is no diet for ulcerative colitis that is agreed upon by all healthcare professionals. Most eating plans that are advertised as an ulcerative colitis diet were designed by those who suffer from the disease or those who love them. One man who sells a cookbook for his ulcerative colitis diet plan says that he was told by a doctor of “oriental medicine” (his words, not mine) that he should eat no meat, no fish, no egg yolks, no fruits and no nuts. While another diet for ulcerative colitis control, developed by a doctor and a biochemist recommends meat, fish, eggs, fruits and nuts. It may be wise and most effective to design your own ulcerative colitis diet, taking into account any known food allergies or sensitivities.
A symptoms and food diary may be helpful to use as you are designing your diet for ulcerative colitis control. Try to note not only what you ate, but what you drank. While there is little agreement about what foods should be included in an ulcerative colitis diet, there are certain products (like caffeine, alcohol, high fiber cereals, some fruits and some fruit juices) that are known to have a laxative effect, cause cramping and diarrhea, even in people who do not have an inflammatory bowel disease like ulcerative colitis. Diet is important. A healthy diet is important for overall good health and sense of well being. For those who suffer from ulcerative colitis, diet is particularly important.
Chronic diarrhea may lead to malnutrition, weight loss, weakness and dehydration. For these reasons a diet for ulcerative colitis control should be well-balanced, with adequate amounts of protein, carbohydrates and good fats. Including vitamin supplements, particularly D, B12 and iron is recommended.
Simple sugars and artificial sweeteners cause flare ups in some people. No matter what your food preferences, it is important when designing your ulcerative colitis diet to be honest with yourself. It may be hard to give up sodas, coffee, candy and muffins, but your goal should be to control your symptoms. Ulcerative colitis is considered a chronic disease that has a tendency to go into remission and then flare up again over time. Mild to moderate symptoms may be controlled with an ulcerative colitis diet, supplements, herbs and medications, but severe ulcerative colitis can only be cured with surgery. Since cases rarely begin as severe, keeping your symptoms under control decreases the likelihood that surgery will be necessary.
One thing to consider when designing your ulcerative colitis diet is stress and anxiety. While stress and anxiety are not believed to cause ulcerative colitis, it is believed that they can aggravate the condition. Many people who suffer from ulcerative colitis also suffer from anxiety. It may be that the condition causes people to be more anxious, never knowing when they may have to find a bathroom, always worrying about a flare up, etc. Symptoms of anxiety include rapid pulse, trembling, shaking, sweating and nausea or abdominal distress. If you experience symptoms of anxiety, in addition to symptoms of ulcerative colitis, diet considerations are similar, but there are other suggestions. These include eating smaller meals more frequently, chewing thoroughly and eating slowly.
