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Your Ulcerative Colitis Diet

If you've been living with ulcerative colitis for a while, you've probably heard varying opinions about the role diet plays in the condition. So how do you sort myth from truth and make your food work for you?

There is no current evidence that diet causes ulcerative colitis. However, now that you've been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, paying attention to the foods you eat may help to manage your symptoms.

Tips for Managing Your Ulcerative Colitis Diet

  • Pay attention to the foods that affect your ulcerative colitis.
  • Determine your own food tolerances by working with your healthcare team, including your doctor, the office staff, and a registered dietician, to develop an ulcerative colitis diet.
  • Use a food diary that tracks what you eat and your associated symptoms.
  • Some foods to watch closely include dairy products, high-fiber foods, and foods that might cause an obstruction, such as nuts, seeds, and popcorn.
  • Your ulcerative colitis diet should include a variety of foods that are nutrient-dense, such as whole-grain breads and cereals, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Eat frequent but smaller meals and snacks.
  • Speak with your healthcare team before making dietary changes, or if you have any concerns.

Need more ways to manage your diet? See the articles below:

Planning for a Healthy Diet

In a busy world, planning ahead is the key to improving your diet.

Reading Nutrition Labels

Use nutrition labeling to understand just what you're eating and to make informed food choices.

Lactose Intolerance

Find out if you have symptoms of lactose intolerance, and how you can fit dairy products into your ulcerative colitis diet.