9 Healthy Foods for Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease which causes inflammation and soreness or ulcers in your digestive tract.

If you are suffering from ulcerative colitis and are looking for a diet which is appropriate for the disease, then you should eat foods which are rich in nutrients and at the same time they don’t irritate your digestive tract.

The type of food that you eat has an effect on ulcerative colitis. It is better to understand and know which foods affect it in a bad way and which foods affect it in a good way.

These dietary tips from health experts can help you manage the foods you eat while living with an Ulcerative Colitis. #ulcerativecolitisdiet #healthproblems

Image: HealthyVogue

The foods that you eat don’t cause or cure ulcerative colitis but they surely help you with the symptoms in getting better or worse. While plotting out a diet plan, it is better to consult your doctor or nutritionist.

Let us have a look at some of the foods that are healthy for ulcerative colitis.

1. SQUASH

Squash is very healthy. Butternut, spaghetti, acorn and zucchini are all different types of squash and tend to be healthy. Squash is rich in fiber and has the antioxidant beta carotene. It also has vitamin C. Beta carotene helps in reducing the inflammation while fiber maintains the healthy gut flora. You can cook squash in various ways; you may roast it and then mash it or make puree. You can also use the strands of squash as a substitute for noodles.

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2. APPLESAUCE

Applesauce is also a healthy option to add in your ulcerative colitis diet. Apples are rich in vitamins and minerals. However, keep it in mind that the fiber present in apples is a little difficult to digest thus eating them should be avoided during an ulcerative colitis flare-up. It is better to buy unsweetened applesauce. You can even make it at home by peeling off the skin and cooking the apples.

Best Apples to Use for Applesauce

3. YOGURT

Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, miso and sauerkraut contain probiotics. Probiotics are the good gut bacteria which are very beneficial for us. Eating foods that contain live bacteria keep our gastrointestinal tract healthy. While buying yogurt, look for the label which reads “live active cultures”.

It is better to eat unsweetened yogurt as it has more live culture and is healthier. You can add honey or fruits for a better taste.

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4. LEAN MEAT

Studies have shown that you should increase your protein intake during or after having experienced inflammation. Saturated fats harm your digestive tracts so it is always better to eat lean cut meat.

Lean cut meat is low in saturated fats. Some extra lean cuts are beef top loin, sirloin, pork loin and poultry without giblets.

Is steak good for diet

5. EGGS

Eggs are a great option if you want lots of nutrients while suffering from ulcerative colitis. They are rich in protein and your body won’t react towards them even during the flare of ulcerative colitis.

Eggs contain vitamin B and selenium; an antioxidant. Vitamin B converts your food into energy and selenium reduces inflammation.

You can eat eggs in various ways. You can make an omelet, eat them boiled and scrambled too.

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6. AVOCADOS

Avocados are richly packed with nutrients. They also have monounsaturated fats which are healthy for the heart. A study conducted in 2014 showed that almost 85 per cent of people suffering from ulcerative colitis are malnourished.

Avocados provide lots of nutrients and hence help in recovering from malnourishment. You can use avocado spread in sandwiches as an alternate for mayonnaise and even add them in salads and omelets.

Avocado Cholesterol Nutrition Facts

7. NUTS

Nuts are also jam packed with monounsaturated heart-healthy fats; especially almonds and walnuts. Add them to your smoothies, cereals or eat them as a snack.

One thing you need to be careful about is that in case you are having a flare of ulcerative colitis, then you have to cut down on nuts as the fiber present in them may worsen your symptoms.

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8. OATMEAL

Instant oatmeal is good for ulcerative colitis. Instant is better than steel-cut oats as it has been processed more and is easy to digest.

Instant oatmeal is a very good food to eat when you are having ulcerative colitis flare-up as it digests easily. Try to buy unsweetened ones. You can add fruit purees or honey to boost the flavor.

Healthy Oatmeal Ideas for Breakfast

9. SALMON

On top of the list is the holy moly salmon. It is so healthy for our body that I just have to call it holy moly.

Salmon tends to be very rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 is good for the heart and colon too. It reduces inflammation. Some other sources of omega-3 fatty acids are flaxseed oil, walnuts, albacore tuna and ground flaxseed.

Add salmon in your sandwiches and salads. Eat it fried or even baked.

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No food causes or totally cures ulcerative colitis but there are certain foods which help in soothing the symptoms. Keep your diet rich in proteins in case you have ulcerative colitis.

Eat low cut meat, foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, proteins and vitamins. Don’t eat foods which are uneasy to digest.

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