Colitis Dietary Guidelines

An inflammation of the colon leads to colitis. Prolonged colitis advances into ulcerative colitis which is characterized by inflammation and ulceration(s) of the colon. It has not been yet discovered and proved which dietary factors cause ulcerative colitis. However, dietary modifications can certainly help you manage the disease. If you follow the dietary guidelines religiously, there can be significant improvement in your health and you will be able to prevent the condition from worsening. Thus, serious complications of the disease can be prevented. The colitis dietary guidelines, presented below, will definitely help you design your own diet; but you should consult with your doctor and the nutritionist before opting for any diet.

Prolonged suffering with colitis can result in cancer. General symptoms of colitis are diarrhea, mucus formation, hemorrhoids, constipation, abdominal cramps, spasms, colon disfigurement, flatulence, abdominal and rectal pain, fevers and stomach distress. Numerous other non-local symptoms, such as weight loss, insomnia, depression, headaches, fatigue and rapid aging, can also be noticed. Doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic and immuno-suppressant medicines, which temporarily suppress the symptoms but always have some adverse effects, devitalizing the person's health. All the above mentioned symptoms along with painful ulcerations in the colon wall which can become cancerous, can be noticed in ulcerative colitis. Therefore it is essential to follow colitis dietary guidelines.

Healthy Diet

Various factors like inability to tolerate solid foods, decreased food intake, drug interference, increased nutrition loss due to diarrhea, blood loss, bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, etc. result in malnutrition. Monitor your body's needs and ensure that you opt for a healthy diet to get proper nutrition. Nutrient rich foods which will be able to provide plenty of vitamins, minerals, proteins and carbohydrates needed to maintain your health should be preferred. For instance, whole grain breads and cereals, lean meats, low-fat dairy products and fresh fruits and vegetables. A balanced diet with correct food pairing works great for colitis.

Diet Modifications

Diet modifications can help manage some of the colitis symptoms such as cramping, bloating, gas and diarrhea. But you should keep it in mind that dietary changes should not compromise your health. So regularly monitor your weight and energy levels and maintain a healthy relationship with food. It is recommended that colitis patients should follow the following strategies to slow stool output.

• Consume low fat foods. Keep a list of low fat foods handy.
• Use only those spices and seasonings which you find suitable for you.
• Consume more stool thickening (binding)foods.
• Reduce caffeine, alcohol and eliminate guarana.
• Adjust meal sizes and timing according to your body needs.
• Separate solids from liquids.
• Increase soluble fiber in your diet and opt for a high fiber diet.
• Chew foods well. Opt for fruit snacks between meals regularly. This can help reduce gases.
• Reduce simple sugars, fructose, sugar alcohols in your diet.
• Restrict dairy lactose in your diet. You may have to opt for a lactose intolerance diet.
• Opt for a natural vegan diet of soft foods.
• Stop eating cooked, fatty, high-protein foods such as meat including chicken and fish, dairy, roasted nuts, beans and related products.

Doctors also suggest specific dietary alterations and lifestyle changes. These changes can bring about a significant improvement in the condition of the patient. People with colitis should care for themselves. They should keep it in mind that quick fixes never lead to health. Surgical removal of the colon should be the last option; as most colitis patients can overcome their symptoms within a week and go on to create everlasting wellness if they are determined to be well.