Ulcerative Colitis Diet

What you eat doesn't cause or cure ulcerative colitis, but having a good diet is always a wise idea. It can help you spend more time in remission with little to no symptoms and feel better overall.

There's no universal diet for ulcerative colitis. Instead, you should focus on eating lean meats, fish, low-fat dairy, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Keep a food diary to help you figure out which foods cause problems for you and whether or not you're getting enough nutrients.

When you're having a flare-up, you should avoid more fibrous foods, such as whole grains, greens, and nuts. Instead, look for easy-to-digest foods, such as white bread, eggs, white rice, and low-fiber fruits.

Many people with ulcerative colitis experience chronic diarrhea. That means staying hydrated is especially important for them. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to support your body's functions.

People with ulcerative colitis need to make sure they're getting enough folate, iron, and potassium. Sometimes, this can be hard to do through diet alone. Supplements can help, but it's important to talk to your doctor before starting them.