If you have ulcerative colitis, you should make wise food decisions because not all foods are suitable for your condition. Ulcerative colitis and crohn’s disease are both chronic bowel diseases characterized by ulcers and irritation in the innermost lining of the colon. Colitis symptoms may include rectal bleeding, fatigue, abdominal pain, blood in stool, and diarrhea. Medical experts believe the following foods can trigger ulcerative colitis and should be avoided:

1. Coffee or caffeine

Coffee is best known for stimulating the body. In fact, many people drink coffee in the morning as compared to tea. However, if you have UC, you may want to avoid both coffee and caffeine to improve your condition. Coffee and caffeine are considered trigger foods for UC because they disrupt digestion. According to research on caffeine and digestion, these drinks tend to boost gut mobility which is the contraction of the muscle that takes contents into your gastrointestinal tract. When this happens, it causes diarrhea, which leads to dehydration. This is why coffee and caffeine are not good for ulcerative colitis individuals.

2. Corn

This is another food that is not suitable for UC patients. This is because the food contains a lot of starch, meaning it has gluten. Gluten is known for triggering UC symptoms and worsening them, especially for people who are intolerant to gluten. When ulcerative colitis patients consume sweetcorn, they may experience constipation, bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. To prevent triggering UC symptoms, ensure you consume gluten-free products.

3. Dairy products

Most people think that products made of milk, such as yogurt, cheese, and butter, are the solution to ulcerative colitis, but that is not true. These products cause diarrhea, bloating, and intestinal inflammation, especially if you are lactose intolerant. This is because the enzyme lactase is unable to convert the lactose found in milk into galactose and glucose. The symptoms get worse when this happens to people with ulcerative colitis. Even if you do not have lactose intolerance, high amounts of glucose in your system can trigger some reactions, worsening your ulcerative colitis.

4. Butter or margarine

Butter and margarine are some of the best foods that most people enjoy. However, if you have ulcerative colitis, you should keep them away from your kitchen. This is because of the fats they contain. Using either of these products exposes you to the risk of developing heart issues and cancer. Butter and margarine are filled with saturated and trans fats, which are normally hard to digest. As a result, they can lead to inflammation and diarrhea in patients with ulcerative colitis.

5. Carbonated beverages

Carbonated drinks such as soft drinks have become common today, but they can easily trigger ulcerative colitis. Most of these beverages have high sugar levels, which forces you to visit the bathroom often. Aside from that, carbonated drinks have plenty of gas in them, which can lead to bloating and abdominal pain. Thankfully, there are many alternatives to carbonated drinks. Drink lots of water because it improves digestion, prevents bloating, boosts blood circulation around the intestines, and improves bowel movement.

Avoiding the above trigger foods is the best way to manage your ulcerative colitis. This will help prevent severe UC symptoms and allow you to feel comfortable. Try incorporating foods such as lean proteins, vegetables, refined cereals, and eggs in your diet to improve your UC.