Full background of colorful roasted autumn vegetables, above view
There are several issues that people with ulcerative colitis have to deal with. One of those issues is the symptoms of a flare-up, which can include stomach pain, fatigue, diarrhea, and bleeding when using the restroom. While it’s important to prevent these flares, you must also learn how to take care of yourself if they occur. Choosing the right foods during that time can be a great way to do that.
If you eat the kinds of foods that put your digestive system under stress, your symptoms are likely to get worse. That’s why you should stay away from raw vegetables that are high in fiber such as broccoli, kale, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage.
It’s best to stick to cooked, bland vegetables like carrots, asparagus, cucumbers, and potatoes. You’ll know that all the fiber has been broken down when the vegetable is soft enough to be mashed with a fork.
Since nut butters have been processed to be creamy, it won’t take much for your stomach to digest them. Though nuts are usually a healthy snack, they can be difficult to manage during an ulcerative colitis flare.
Some options include peanut, almond, and cashew butter. You can have them on white bread or saltines, which also won’t upset your stomach.
While it’s generally advisable for you to avoid dairy products when you’re having a flare, studies show that yogurt can be helpful to settle an upset stomach. That’s because live microbial cultures in yogurt may encourage a healthy gut microbiome that in turn can ease abdominal cramps.
If you’re not comfortable with eating yogurt, probiotic supplements are another option.
RELATED: 4 Common Complications Of Ulcerative Colitis
As mentioned before, your digestive system can’t manage fiber well when you’re dealing with a flare. However, some fiber can be good. The best option is to reach for foods that have the minimum amount of fiber that your stomach can handle.
You can eat cooked fruits and honeydew melon. Generally, bananas aren’t recommended but doctors have found that very ripe bananas might not be as difficult to digest. It’s also recommended to eat unrefined grains like white rice, oatmeal, white pasta, and certain types of bread.
Another form of food that will provide nutrition without putting too much pressure on your stomach is lean protein. For this, you should choose lean pork, chicken, tofu, and eggs.
Fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon is also a good choice because these fatty acids have been shown to reduce inflammation.
As you’re planning your meals, don’t forget to keep hydrated as well. Aside from water, you can also drink sports drinks and fruit juices.
RELATED: 5 Foods That Cause Inflammation
The worsening of your symptoms characterizes an ulcerative colitis flare-up. Some things you may experience include painful bowel movements, abdominal pain, fever, dehydration, and an urgent need to use the restroom.
Though the severity of the symptoms can vary from one person to the other, they should resolve in less than 48 hours – especially if you have a management plan in place. If you’re still having digestive issues after 48 hours, you should see your doctor immediately.
A persistent flare could lead to a more serious level of dehydration that needs medical intervention. Additionally, it could be a sign that your current management plan or medication regimen isn’t sufficient anymore. It will be essential for your doctor to re-assess your care to determine if you need a different approach such as different medications or even surgery.
Over a million people get diagnosed with ulcerative colitis each year so you’re far from alone. Though there are certain steps you can take to prevent a flare-up, it can be difficult to avoid entirely. That’s why you have to learn how to manage them. Eating the right foods is one good option but don’t be afraid to go back to your doctor if your symptoms don’t improve.
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