The Best Foods for Colitis

Colitis is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the colon. It is frequently an autoimmune disorder attributed to stress and other lifestyle factors. Colitis is also caused by a lack of blood flow or by bacterial infections stemming from food-borne illnesses such as salmonella. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, diarrhea and dehydration. People suffering from colitis should consult a physician for appropriate medication. Eating a balanced diet including certain foods will also help reduce symptoms from colitis.

Nutrient Dense Foods

Patients suffering from colitis might experience a reduced appetite and weight loss. Therefore, nutrient-dense foods such as whole grain products, lean meats and vegetables are essential for maintaining health. Patients suffering from colitis should eat small amounts of nutrient-dense food at various times through the day to ease symptoms and reduce the occurrence of colitis.

Bland Foods

Spicy and heavily seasoned foods can aggravate colitis. Whole wheat toast, unsalted nuts and boiled meats and vegetables are the best food choices. Canned and other processed foods can be high in seasonings and preservatives and should be avoided.

Water

Because dehydration is a common symptom of colitis, it's extremely important to consume enough water. Drink at least eight glasses per day. Water is one of the few beverages that does not aggravate colitis. Carbonated beverages and anything containing caffeine aggravate colitis.

Allergens

Many people have food allergies which can cause colitis. Soy and dairy are two common colitis-inducing allergies. To determine whether a specific food aggravates your colitis, keep a food diary. Write down everything you eat throughout the day and how you felt after. People notice trends and can pinpoint an allergy. Your doctor can also run an allergy test to verify your findings.

Food Myths

At one point, medical experts thought fiber would worsen diarrhea brought on by colitis. Therefore, patients were advised to consume a low-fiber diet. That theory is now considered false. Psyllium seeds, a source of insoluble fiber, were proven to be as effective as certain prescription medications in reducing the recurrence of colitis.

Vitamins

Because colitis causes food to be passed through the body before it is properly digested, patients are at risk for becoming malnourished. A multivitamin is a good way to prevent this. You should always check with your doctor before taking any new vitamins or supplements.