Ulcerative colitis is an aggressive disease that causes inflammation of the digestive tract. Along with advised medical treatments, one needs to follow a balanced diet to combat this chronic disease. You might know which foods can make the condition worse. But figuring out what to eat is just as important. The right foods will provide your body with essential nutrients without aggravating the condition. Recommended by experts, the following food items will help soothe the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.

Fruits

Fruits such as bananas, blueberries, strawberries, melons, grapes, and oranges are easily digestible and highly nutritious. During a flare-up, these fruits can be a source of vitamins and minerals, and can also keep you hydrated. Moreover, fruits satisfy your sweet tooth, and you can consume them anytime you like.

Salmon

Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids, and it is found that eating salmon can reduce inflammation if the severity of ulcerative colitis is mild. Salmon is also a good source of protein, which is a great choice for people who are lactose intolerant, and those who want to add more protein to their diet.

Turmeric

Turmeric is one of the best foods to soothe ulcerative colitis flare-up. It contains curcumin, which is known to have strong anti-inflammatory properties and is often used to treat different types of ailment. Some studies have stated that adding turmeric to your diet can help reduce inflammation and keep the ulcerative colitis flare-ups at bay. What’s great about turmeric is it is very versatile and can be used in cooked veggies, smoothies, teas, and scrambled eggs.

Fermented foods

Fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, miso, and kefir contain probiotics. These are “good” bacteria that help make digestion smooth. Several studies have discovered that probiotics help reduce flare and symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Experts suggest buying yogurt and kefir cautiously since some brands are high in sugar, which can cause diarrhea. You must instead choose low-sugar brands.

Cooked vegetables

People with colitis can comfortably consume soft, cooked vegetables like spinach and carrots. These veggies contain key nutrients like vitamin A and K. However, you must ensure that they are thoroughly cooked so that all harmful fiber is broken down. Eating a variety of cooked vegetables also ensures that your body gets different vitamins and minerals to prevent another flare-up.

Hard cheese

Although people with ulcerative colitis are often advised to not consume dairy products, they can still comfortably digest hard cheese. Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and a few others are low in lactose. So, it’s a good food option for people who are lactose intolerant. They are also quite versatile and can be added to egg dishes, salads, and sandwiches.

Applesauce
Applesauce can be a great food option during a flare-up. They are soft and can be easily digested even when your gastrointestinal system is irritated. But you must ensure to only choose an unsweetened variety of applesauce since added sugar can increase inflammation and make the symptoms worse. You can even try making your own sugar-free applesauce at home.