Colitis occurs when the large intestine, or colon, becomes chronically inflamed. This is a dangerous condition that often leads to ulcers and inflammation of the inner lining of the colon. Many people who have colitis experience severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding.
In most cases, colitis occurs in conjunction with Chron’s disease, another type of inflammation of the intestines. Together, this results in inflammatory bowel disease, a painful condition that can last for years if not treated properly.
Sometimes, doctors will recommend a diet called the Colitis Diet to help them control their disease. People who go on the Colitis Diet may experience relief of their symptoms. The Colitis Diet simply encourages foods that are easy on the digestive system and eliminates those that aren’t.
What to Eat on the Colitis Diet
While on the Colitis Diet, dieters are encouraged to drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet that consists of the following foods:
Meat or alternative sources of protein such as eggs and nuts
Dairy products, excluding milk and milk products
Cereal and grains
Plenty of fruits and vegetables
Water. Drinking plenty of water is highly recommended while on the Colitis Diet. People with colitis often experience diarrhea, which can severely dehydrate the body. That is why it’s important to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
In addition, there are a number of foods to avoid while on the Colitis Diet. These include:
Milk and milk products such as ice cream and yogurt. Yogurt and hard cheeses, like sharp cheddar and swiss, should also be avoided. These foods and beverages can lead to bloating, bas, and diarrhea, which only serve to worsen the effects of Colitis. People who are lactose intolerant or those who are on the Colitis Diet should severely limit or avoid these products altogether, or make sure they take a lactose enzyme pill like Lactaid to help minimize the effects of these dairy products.
Fattening foods, including butter, margarine, fried foods, or greasy foods. These foods trigger the symptoms that make Colitis so unpleasant. In addition, processed snack foods like cookies, potato chips and snack crackers should also be avoided. People with colitis often have trouble absorbing fats, which results in cramping and diarrhea, so these foods should be avoided.
Food high in fiber tend to worsen the symptoms of colitis and cause stomach cramps. In addition, people with colitis have trouble digesting foods high in fiber, resulting in diarrhea. High fiber foods include beans of any kinds, spaghetti and other pastas, peas, pears, oatmeal, and artichokes.
Alcoholic drinks and caffeinated beverages. These beverages should be avoided on the colitis diet, as they only serve to cause diarrhea and stomach cramping.
Dieters are encouraged to eat small meals throughout the day, only eat when hungry, and drink fluids while eating. In addition, doctors recommend that those on the colitis diet eat when relaxed rather than on the run, as this can worsen symptoms. In addition, many doctors will recommend people on the Colitis Diet take a supplement or multivitamin, as the frequent diarrhea from Colitis can deplete the body of nutrients and vitamins.
Overall, the colitis diet is not as limiting as many other diets. In addition, people on the colitis diet will find it easy to adhere to since it helps relieve many of the unpleasant symptoms and results of colitis.