Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), like Crohn’s disease, that affects the large intestine. It is a debilitating and painful condition that can lead to other serious health problems. The main symptoms of ulcerative colitis are abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea. There is no ulcerative colitis cure, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms. Many factors can trigger ulcerative colitis symptoms, some of the most common being foods. Here are some of the most common foods that can trigger ulcerative symptoms:

1. Butter or margarine
Butter is a dairy product made from cow’s milk. It contains high levels of saturated fat, which can trigger ulcerative colitis flares. The main saturated fat in butter is lauric acid. Lauric acid is a saturated fatty acid linked to inflammatory bowel disease. It triggers the release of inflammatory cytokines, which can worsen the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. When inflammatory cytokines are released, they cause inflammation in the digestive tract, which can lead to abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, and weight loss. Margarine is a spread made from vegetable oils and often contains trans fats. Trans fats are known to promote inflammation, and they can worsen the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Trans fats worsen the symptoms of ulcerative colitis by promoting the release of inflammatory cytokines.

2. Carbonated beverages
Beverages such as soda and sparkling water, can trigger ulcerative symptoms. These drinks are carbonated with carbon dioxide, which is a gas. When you drink a carbonated beverage, the carbon dioxide enters your digestive tract and forms bubbles. These bubbles can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and gas. In some people, these beverages can worsen diarrhea by increasing the amount of water in the intestine. Also, they can contribute to dehydration, which can trigger ulcerative symptoms.

3. Coffee or caffeine
Coffee is a brewed drink made from roasted coffee beans. These beans contain caffeine, which is a stimulant. Caffeine can trigger ulcerative symptoms by increasing the production of stomach acid. This can lead to abdominal pain and diarrhea. Caffeine can also stimulate the intestine, which can worsen diarrhea. Likewise, caffeine can also stimulate the nervous system, which can worsen anxiety and stress. Stress is a common trigger for ulcerative colitis flare-ups. Caffeine can also cause dehydration, which can trigger ulcerative symptoms.

4. Corn
This is a grain that is high in fiber. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that the body cannot digest. When fiber is not digested, it can cause gas and bloating. This can trigger abdominal pain. It is also high in fructans. Fructans are a type of carbohydrate that can trigger the release of inflammatory cytokines. This can worsen the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.

5. Other dairy products
These products, such as milk, cheese, and ice cream, can trigger ulcerative symptoms. They contain lactose, which is a sugar that the body cannot digest. When lactose is not digested, it can cause gas and bloating. This can trigger abdominal pain. These products also contain casein, which is a protein that can trigger the release of inflammatory cytokines. This can worsen the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.

These are some of the most common foods triggering ulcerative symptoms. If you have ulcerative colitis, it is important to avoid these trigger foods. It would be best if you also talked to your doctor about other ways to manage your symptoms.