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I am suffering from ulcerative colitis and what should food i should take

Mithun Chakraborty

5 months ago

I am suffering from ulcerative colitis and what should food i should take

Fibre Intake Digestive issues Food
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Happy Tummy Expert

5 months ago

Dear Mithun Chakraborty, Thank you for the question

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic bowel disorder characterized by inflammation of the colonic mucosa. The most common symptoms of UC are diarrhoea, blood in the stool, and, occasionally, abdominal pain. Other symptoms may include fever, anaemia, and weight loss.

Here are nutritional tips to manage Ulcers

  • Try to limit the intake of strong flavour such as sour & spicy foods that may cause irritation
  • Avoid consuming hot beverages and prefer cold beverages.
  • Avoid/limit the intake of  drinks like alcohol, Coffee and caffeine, which may stimulate acid secretion 
  • Consume   Vitamin B6 which is found in meat, fish, poultry, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds.
  • Some of the rich food sources of Vitamin B12 & B2 are chicken, fish, prawns. Crabs etc, Eggs, Milk & milk products, Fortified cereals, Mushroom, beetroot, potato.
  • Include omega -3 fatty acids rich fish mainly salmon, mackerel, sardines and herring; it helps in producing prostaglandins, which in turn protects the mucosa lining of the stomach and intestines.
  • Antioxidants rich fruits and vegetables help in managing ulcer
  • Keep yourself well hydrated & Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day

A few guidelines for general digestive health to be considered:

  • Do not skip your meals, have small frequent meals at regular intervals.
  • Eat a well-balanced diet including minimum 5 serving of vegetables and 1 serving of fruit in a day as they are good sources of fiber and essential nutrients such as vitamin A, Vitamin B, iron, zinc etc.
  • Include prebiotics such as banana, soyabean, garlic etc., good sources of probiotics like yogurt, buttermilk etc., to maintain a healthy gut.
  • Try to include whole grains like wheat, multigrain and millets in your daily diet as they are a good source of fiber and other nutrients. Ensure not to consume excess amounts of fiber rich foods for management of ulcerative colitis.
  • Avoid large, heavy meals, and practice portion guidance.
  • Deep fried foods to be restricted. Method of cooking like baking, grilling, boiling, steaming is preferable over deep frying with excess fat/ oil.
  • Food should be eaten slowly and chewed well as fast eating provokes gastric feeding reflex.
  • Avoid lying down immediately after your meal consumption
  • Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day
  • Have a gap of minimum 2-3 hours between bedtime and your last meal
  • Engage in physical activity for a minimum of 30-45 minutes for at least 5 days a week.
  • Try to follow a good sleep regimen in terms of both quantity and quality.

 

For a customised and personalised meal plan for specific conditions, please contact your Health care professional.

Hope we have answered your query.

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