Ulcerative colitis or UC is categorized as an inflammatory bowel disease that leads to colon ulcers which are excruciatingly painful. Although UC isn’t caused due to your diet, diet plays an important role in flare-ups. Here are the worst foods for ulcerative colitis that you should avoid at all costs.
Whole grains
Whole grains are a no-no for people with ulcerative colitis. Foods that contain whole grains have a high amount of fiber, and so they can worsen your symptoms during a flare-up. You should avoid foods such as popcorn, whole-grain bread, brown rice, and oatmeal if you want to keep symptoms at bay.
Beans and legumes
Beans and legumes might sound ideal, but they are one of the worst foods for ulcerative colitis. Beans and legumes are excellent sources of fiber, but they should be avoided if you want to avoid a flare–up. Some examples of beans and legumes that you should avoid include lentils and chickpeas. When you are having a flare-up, avoiding these foods is better.
Seeds and nuts
Seeds and nuts are difficult to digest, and although they are healthy for a person who doesn’t have ulcerative colitis, it is bad for people with the condition. Seeds and nuts can aggravate your symptoms as they can lead to flare-ups. When you consume seeds and nuts, you can experience symptoms such as cramping and bloating.
Dairy
Dairy products are some of the worst foods for ulcerative colitis. This is because dairy products contain lactose, which can cause UC flare-ups and worsen your symptoms. You should reduce or avoid taking dairy products altogether because this can lead to a reduction in gas, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
Raw fruits and vegetables
For healthy individuals, raw fruits and vegetables are often recommended. However, if you have ulcerative colitis, it is best to avoid raw fruits and vegetables. High-fiber foods can lead to problems in the gastrointestinal tract because of the high amounts of insoluble fiber that they contain. Some common symptoms these foods can cause include bloody stools, abdominal cramps, and pain.
Gluten
Gluten is found in foods such as barley, wheat, and rye, and these are some of the worst foods for ulcerative colitis. Gluten is one of the most common triggers that can lead to a UC flare-up and make your symptoms worse. Make sure you avoid anything that contains gluten such as pasta, baked products, cereals, and bread.
Fermentable Foods
Fermentable foods such as dried fruits, cabbage, and sauerkraut tend to affect your gut, which leads to the production of gas. This leads to symptoms such as bloating and cramping. You should avoid eating such foods if you want your UC symptoms to go away quickly otherwise, it can lead to a painful flare-up that won’t be comfortable.
Spicy foods
Spicy foods are one of the worst foods for ulcerative colitis. These foods can cause trouble in your digestive system and can lead to bloating and diarrhea. You want to avoid any product with loads of spices in it if you want to keep flare-ups at bay.
Sugar alcohols
Sugar alcohols include sorbitol, xylitol, and mannitol, and they can be found in desserts, soft drinks, and sugarless gums. Certain OTC medications contain these sugar alcohols too. Avoiding foods that have these can help lower your chances of a flare-up, and avoiding these foods during a flare-up can prevent your symptoms from getting worse.