Monday, May 19, 2014

Could You Have Ulcerative Colitis?

7. Can diet, like spicy or high-fiber foods, aggravate it?
Yes, but no one food triggers a flare-up for every UC patient. High-fiber foods such as bran, beans, nuts, seeds and popcorn may increase diarrhea and gas in some people with UC, as can spicy and greasy foods.

You may have to go easy on caffeine and liquor too.

Some people with UC can't eat any type of pepper – raw or as seasoning.

The trick is to find out which foods trigger your UC flare-ups and avoid them while trying to eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet.

Some doctors recommend "the specific carbohydrate diet," which is free of grains, milk products and sugar. Instead, it's loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, fish and natural cheeses and yogurt.

The theory is that carbohydrate sugars may fuel the growth of bacteria and yeast in the intestines, which interfere with digestion and produce toxins that could harm the small intestine.

Researchers are also exploring the benefits of probiotics – live beneficial bacteria available in some yogurts and as supplements – and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish like tuna and salmon, as well as in walnuts, flaxseeds and soybeans.