A condition that affects the innermost lining of the large intestine, ulcerative colitis leads to inflammation and chronic ulcer formation. While dietary choices may not cause the condition, certain foods only trigger but worsen it as well. By identifying trigger foods, you can reduce the frequency and severity of the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Keep in mind that not all patients suffering from this disease have the same triggers. Given below are some dietary tips for ulcerative colitis that will help you prevent triggering it.

Foods to avoid when suffering from ulcerative colitis

• Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase the urge one has to pass stools, which can worsen the diarrhea already present due to the condition. This leads to more frequent trips to the bathroom and hampering of daily life. Caffeine is found in energy drinks, coffee, tea, and chocolate.

• Carbonated beverages

Drinks like soda and beer are carbonated, which means they irritate the digestive tract and cause gas. They also contain ulcerative colitis triggers like sugar, caffeine and artificial sweeteners.

• Alcohol

In most cases, alcohol stimulates the intestines and trigger diarrhea. However, it is tolerated better by some than others and may not aggravate their ulcerative colitis to the same extent. However, to be on the safer side, it is best to avoid alcohol completely.

• Meats

Fatty meats are known to be triggers of ulcerative colitis. Red meat is high in sulfate and causes gas and the excess fat it contains may not be absorbed in the body during a flare-up and will worsen the symptoms.

• Foods with sulfur or sulfate

Such foods can cause excess gas and great discomfort. It is found in foods like beer, wine, dairy milk, cheese, eggs, dates, dried apples, wheat pasta, bread, cruciferous vegetables, peanuts, raisins, prunes, some fruit juices, and red meat.

• Dried legumes, beans and peas

According to dietary tips for ulcerative colitis, such foods are high in fiber and increase bowel movement, gas, and abdominal cramping, making it essential to avoid them.

• Dry fruits

Berries, dried fruits, and pulp or seeds are also foods that have high fiber content and could trigger ulcerative colitis symptoms.

• Dairy products

Though not everyone is lactose intolerant, dairy products should be avoided if you fall under the other category. These food items can trigger symptoms similar to ulcerative colitis and aren’t good for the digestive system.

• High fiber foods

Foods high in fiber including whole grains increase bowel movements, abdominal cramping, and gas.

• Popcorn

This fiber-rich food does not digest completely in the small intestine, causing diarrhea.

• Crunchy nut butter and nuts

Seeds that are not ground smoothly can cause severe abdominal cramping, bloating and diarrhea. If you are having a flare-up, even a tiny seed, like strawberry seeds in jam, would trigger symptoms.

• Vegetables

The high fiber content in raw vegetables can make them difficult to digest and lead to gas, bloating, and abdominal cramps. Most people suffering from this condition find it hard to digest corn and mushrooms, stringy vegetables, like broccoli, cabbage, celery, Brussel onions, and sprouts as well.

• Gluten

Foods like wheat, rye, barley, and some oats trigger symptoms like ulcerative colitis, especially if you have gluten sensitivity.

• Refined sugar

This type of sugar pulls in more water into the gut, causing diarrhea. One of the top dietary tips for ulcerative colitis is to avoid refined sugar.