Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation in the lining of the large intestine and, eventually, results in colon ulcers. Dietary choices can affect the symptoms of ulcerative colitis, so it’s best to stay away from trigger foods without compromising your daily nutritional requirements. Here are a few dietary tips that help manage ulcerative colitis effectively.

Foods to eat

Foods that are low in fiber
These foods are easily digestible, which helps manage this condition to a great extent as it is caused by digestive issues. These foods include:

• Refined grains
  White bread, pasta, noodles, macaroni, crackers, pancakes made from refined white flour, cereals like puffed rice, white rice, and sourdough bread and pasta have low fiber content and are beneficial.
• Low-fiber fruits
  Fruit juices without pulp, peeled and cooked fruits like applesauce, canned fruits, raw fruits like very ripe and soft bananas, avocados, watermelon, papayas, peaches, and plums, are good options.
• Skinless, seedless, cooked, non-cruciferous vegetables
  Since vegetables are high in fiber, consume only skinless, seedless, and properly cooked or canned veggies. Pureed vegetable soups can also be consumed. Asparagus tips, potatoes, and squash are also recommended for people with ulcerative colitis

Lean protein
Fish and skinless and tender chicken or turkey are the best sources of lean protein, and so are eggs.

Foods rich in linoleic acid
Olive oil, coconut oil, and egg yolks can fight inflammation in the digestive tract and are great for managing ulcerative colitis.

Foods with omega-3 fatty acids
This nutrient reduces inflammation and is available in fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, so adding them to your plate is an excellent dietary tip for managing ulcerative colitis.

Foods to avoid

Foods high in insoluble fiber
It can be difficult for people with ulcerative colitis to digest these foods.

Whole-grain foods
Whole-grain bread, pasta, noodles, macaroni, cereals, brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat, oats, wild rice, barley, millet, wheat, berries, and bulgur wheat aggravate the symptoms and should be avoided.

Nuts, seeds, and legumes
As the fiber present in nuts and seeds like walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, cashews, peanuts, flaxseeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds is tough to digest, they should be avoided. Legumes like beans, lentils, chickpeas, soybeans should also be avoided.

Fibrous fruits
Some fruits have a good amount of fiber, so steer clear of fruits that are raw, dried, or have seeds that are difficult to remove.

Fibrous vegetables
Vegetables are packed with fiber, so refrain from raw, green, and undercooked vegetables, along with cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli to manage ulcerative colitis.

Dairy products
Lactose present in milk, yogurt, butter, cream, and cheese make them trigger foods, so avoiding them is a helpful dietary tip for managing ulcerative colitis.

Alcohol and caffeine
Alcoholic beverages and caffeinated drinks can cause gastric irritation.