Keep Ulcerative Colitis In Check By Making 5 Simple Dietary Changes

Colitis, plainly put, is the inflammation of the colon.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic and often acute disease characterized by sores, inflammations, and ulcers forming on the walls of the digestive tract.

Typically, it begins gradually and worsens with time. Many people, however, experience remission periods which can last for years.

There is no cure for ulcerative colitis, but there are many remedies that can help soothe irritation and manage symptoms.

If you get frequent, acute abdominal pains, it could be an early symptom of this ailment.

Of course, abdominal pain can be caused by all kinds of things, but the pain from ulcerative colitis is frequent, as is cramping in the area.

The frequent need to poo is also a symptom of ulcerative colitis, but in a cruel twist of fate, despite feeling like you have to go, you may not be able to once you get to the bathroom.

So, the symptom is the feeling of urgently needing to go, but not actually being able to do so.

Colitis also causes diarrhea, often with blood or pus in it, and it can be painful to pass.

Rapid, unexplained weight loss is also a symptom of colitis, and no, that's not a good thing!

It's happening because your digestive system, in a state of distress, is not properly digesting food, meaning you're not getting the nutrients you need to stay healthy.

Unchecked, ulcerative colitis can lead to other issues throughout the body, including inflammation of the skin and eyes, sores in the mouth, liver damage, and dehydration.

Ulcerative colitis can also increase risks of colon cancer, blood clots, and bone loss.

So with all these unpleasant symptoms, it's best to keep your body as healthy as possible!

Caffeine and alcohol should be consumed in moderation even if you're in perfect health, but these, along with carbonated beverages, should be avoided even more strictly if you have colitis.

They can irritate the linings of your digestive system and exacerbate already inflamed areas even more.

While raw fruits and veggies are normally great, their fibrous nature can irritate the digestive system in cases of colitis.

Instead of opting for raw, try steaming, baking, or stewing them as a healthy, cooked alternative.

Broccoli and cauliflower are high in sulfur, with also irritates the bowels and can cause discomfort.

This also goes for foods that contain sulfate, so make sure to read ingredients!

Capsaicin is an irritant, and so it makes sense that this compound will irritate you all the way through.

Highly spicy foods can cause inner turmoil in your digestive system, so it's best to stick with milder foods, especially during symptom flare-ups.

These sweeteners aren't particularly good for you anyway, but if you're having digestive issues, it's best to ditch them altogether.

This also includes sorbitol, an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free gums and candies.

Probiotics are great for replenishing the friendly bacteria that lives in your gut and helps you with digestion.

You can find a lot of these in yogurt, but be aware that dairy is often linked to colitis flare-ups and irritation. If that's the case, try probiotics in the form of miso, kombucha, or sauerkraut.

Studies have shown that with an increase in omega-3s, colitis sufferers experienced lessened abdominal pain and less diarrhea.

Incorporating foods rich in these fatty acids, like salmon, is a great way to keep your digestive system healthy. If you're not a seafood person, you can also take a supplement.

Lentils, chickpeas, and black beans are all rich in folate, which helps the body make new cells, as well as supporting iron levels and good digestion.

Add some beans to your diet, or try asparagus, avocado, or beets. If you're feeling tender, steam the vegetables to make them easier to digest.

Ulcerative colitis, due to the poor digestion and blood loss it causes, is often a main cause of anemia, or iron-poor blood and diminished red blood cell levels.

Boost your iron with steamed leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard, or treat yourself to a steak.

There really seems to be nothing turmeric can't do. Its active ingredient, curcumin, is a great anti-inflammatory and soothes any inflammation along the digestive tract.

Studies have shown it helps heal the gut and its bacteria population, and doesn't have the same organ-damaging side effects found in some medications.

SHARE these tips with anyone you know suffering from this illness, and make their day a little more comfortable!