10 Foods To Avoid on an Ulcerative Colitis Diet

Medically reviewed by Suzanne Fisher, RD

Foods to avoid with ulcerative colitis (UC) include high-fiber foods like beans, legumes, raw fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. This inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the colon and rectum. UC mostly causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.

There's no specific diet for people with UC, but certain foods can cause or worsen symptoms. These foods can vary between people. Try keeping a food journal to identify what foods trigger your symptoms. Read on to learn what you might eat and avoid if you have UC, as well as meal ideas.

Foods To Eat if You Have Ulcerative Colitis

You have a variety of foods to choose from if you have UC. They range from cooked vegetables to low-fiber fruits.

1. Cooked Vegetables

Boil, grill, roast, or steam vegetables to soften them, making them easily digestible. Opt for non-cruciferous vegetables, which typically are low in fiber, such as asparagus tips, cucumbers, and squash. Make sure you remove the skin, which is often a rich source of fiber.

2. Healthy Fats

Some evidence suggests omega-3 fatty acids—a healthy fat—help reduce gut inflammation in people with IBD. Sources of omega-3s include:

• Canola and soy oil

• Fatty fish (e.g., salmon, sardines, and mackerel)

• Ground flaxseed and flaxseed oil

• Soybeans and tofu

3. Lean Protein

It's essential to eat protein as part of a healthy, balanced diet. Red meat, a significant source of protein, has been linked to a higher risk of UC. Choose lean protein, which includes chicken, eggs, fatty fish, and tofu.

4. Low-Fiber Fruits

Experts advise adults to consume four servings of fruit per day. Many fruits, however, are rich sources of fiber. Look for low-fiber options, including bananas and raspberries. You may also opt for applesauce and blended fruit in smoothies, which are easily digestible.

5. Probiotics

Probiotics are live microbes that promote healthy digestion. Yogurt and fermented foods are sources of probiotics. One review found that probiotics may protect against UC flares, but more studies are needed.

6. Refined Grains

Refined grains might be easier to digest than whole grains since they have less fiber. Examples include bread and pasta with white flour and white rice. Look for fortified options with additional nutrients.

Foods To Avoid

While some foods are good to consume if you have UC, other foods are best avoided. The following 10 foods—and drinks—can aggravate UC symptoms.

1. Alcohol

Alcohol generally stimulates your intestine and triggers diarrhea. Some people also develop bloating and gas if they drink beer or carbonated beverages.

You may tolerate some types of alcohol more than others. Try new drinks at home rather than out at a bar or in a social setting. It's best to drink alcohol with a low-carb, low-fat meal rather than on an empty stomach.

2. Beans and Legumes

Beans and legumes are high in soluble fiber, which attracts water and slows digestion. Fiber may worsen symptoms in people with UC.

These foods might be an important staple in your diet, especially if you are a vegetarian or vegan. You might opt for different preparations and small portions that are easy on your gut. Rinse canned beans well, remove the outer coating of chickpeas, or puree them into hummus.

3. Caffeine

You'll want to limit or avoid caffeine if you have UC. Drinking coffee, which has a high amount of caffeine, can lead to an upset stomach, heartburn, and gas.

Soda and other carbonated beverages often contain added sugar and caffeine, which can increase gas and bowel movements. The bubbles might also cause bloating and cramping.

Limit your quantities and skip the straw if you are going to drink soda. The straw may introduce more air bubbles into your gut.

4. Dairy Products

You may need to avoid dairy products if you have UC and are lactose intolerant. Lactose is a sugar in milk and other dairy products. This sugar may cause diarrhea, gas, and swelling of the stomach.

5. Fatty Foods

Foods high in saturated fat may increase gut inflammation, worsening UC symptoms. These foods include butter, cheese, and coconut and palm oils.

6. High-Fiber Fruits and Vegetables

Your body does not easily digest raw fruits and vegetables, which are high in fiber. These foods may cause bloating, cramps, and gas.

You might tolerate raw fruits and vegetables if you chop them into small pieces and chew them thoroughly. Corn, however, may irritate your gut and cause diarrhea. Although small, kernels often pass through your digestive system intact—ending up in your stool.

7. Nuts and Seeds

Avoid eating whole nuts and seeds—as well as the tiny seeds in fruits—if you are having a UC flare. Nuts and seeds might cause painful digestion and bowel movements if your body does not break them down well enough. Make sure you chew nuts and seeds thoroughly to reduce discomfort.

You do not have to give up these healthy fats completely. Nuts and seeds ground into smooth butters are generally easier to tolerate than whole ones. Try spreading nut or seed butter on crackers or adding it to a smoothie.

8. Red Meat

Red and processed meat is high in saturated fat, which may worsen symptoms. Examples include bacon, beef, deli meat, and sausages.

9. Spicy Foods

You may need to avoid spicy foods, including chili powder and sriracha. Research has found that capsaicin, a compound in chili peppers that makes them spicy, may cause gut inflammation.

You might be able to incorporate powders and finely ground spices into your diet. Make sure you finely chop or mince fresh and dried herbs, such as whole parsley and cracked peppercorns. Cut back on spices if you still cannot tolerate these ingredients.

10. Sugar Alcohols

Sugar alcohols, including mannitol, sorbitol, and xylitol, are sweeteners in many sugar-free products. Your body digests sugar alcohols slower than other sweeteners, which may cause diarrhea and stomach cramps.

Identifying Trigger Foods

There's no specific diet to prevent UC flares. What foods trigger symptoms varies from person to person. You'll want to identify your trigger foods and avoid or limit those. A food diary or journal can help you determine how your diet affects your symptoms.

Use the notes app on your smartphone or a notebook to keep track of what you consume. Information to track might include:

• What you eat, and how much

• When you eat

• Symptoms and when they occur

Meal Ideas for Ulcerative Colitis

It's essential to follow a balanced diet if you have UC. You'll want plenty of carbs, healthy fats, lean protein, minerals, and vitamins to maintain proper nutrition. It can be challenging to get enough nutrients if certain foods trigger your symptoms.

Some evidence suggests a modified Mediterranean diet helps improve the balance of "good" and "bad" gut bacteria and reduce inflammation in people with UC. Modifications might include avoiding whole nuts and seeds and cooking fruits and vegetables.

Here are some meal ideas:

• Breakfast: Blend up a mix of almond milk, blueberries, spinach, and yogurt for a smoothie. Yogurt is a source of probiotics, or live microbes that aid in healthy digestion.

• Lunch: Enjoy two cups of sautéed, steamed, or roasted vegetables (e.g., carrots, green beams, and eggplant) alongside 4–6 ounces (oz) of chicken, poached or soft-boiled eggs, salmon, or tofu.

• Dinner: Make a hearty soup that contains bone, chicken, or vegetable broth, two cups of vegetables, and lean protein.

• Snacks: Opt for applesauce or a spoonful of your favorite nut butter with a ripe banana.

Keep in mind that these meal ideas might only work for some people with UC. The best diet is one that tailors to your specific trigger foods.

Considerations

A healthy, nutrient-rich diet that tailors to your trigger foods is essential in managing UC and preventing flares. Remember that figuring out what diet works best for you takes time. It might take trial and error to determine what foods improve or worsen your symptoms. Here are some things to remember when considering your diet and nutrition.

Work With a Healthcare Provider

You may share your food diary with a healthcare provider, who can help make recommendations. They can help you develop a diet that avoids your trigger foods and ensures you get enough nutrients.

Symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea can make you lose your appetite. Try eating small meals more frequently throughout the day. You might talk to a healthcare provider about vitamin and mineral supplements if you cannot get enough nutrients.

Modifications or Dietary Restrictions

It’s important to not restrict specific foods or food groups before talking to a healthcare provider. They can help you maintain proper nutrition if you follow certain eating pattern (e.g., halal, kosher, vegetarian, and vegan) and need to modify your diet. Talk to a healthcare provider about any food allergies or intolerances you have.

Disordered Eating

Restrictive diets might result in disordered eating patterns, take a significant toll on your mental health, and worsen health outcomes. Signs of disordered eating include:

• Binge eating, or feeling out of control around food

• Delaying meals or skipping them altogether

• Fasting (i.e., not for health or religious purposes)

• Feeling anxiety, fear, guilt, and shame about what you eat

• Having strict diet- and exercise-related rituals

• Restricting certain foods without the recommendation of a healthcare provider

• Thinking too much about your body and what you eat

Some of the most common complications of disordered eating are malnutrition, nutrient deficiencies, and osteoporosis—brittle, weak bones prone to fractures. Talk to a healthcare provider before trying a new diet. They can ensure you follow eating patterns that help you get enough nutrients.

Research has shown that eating disorders are common among people with IBD. You might benefit from nutrition counseling, medicines, and psychotherapy if you develop disordered eating patterns. These treatments can help address negative thoughts about body image and eating.

Culture and Diet

Your cultural background might play a significant role in your diet. Avoiding certain important foods in your culture can be frustrating if they trigger UC flares or worsen symptoms. Try alternatives to these foods while maintaining as much cultural influence as possible. You might swap out spices, for example, for green onions and cilantro.

A Quick Review

UC is a digestive disorder that can be worsened with foods like red meat and fatty foods or ones that include caffeine and sugar alcohols. Other foods—such as low-fiber fruits and lean protein—might help ensure that you experience fewer UC symptoms.

It's ultimately best to determine what foods and drinks are triggers for your symptoms and avoid them. Working with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian to figure out an eating plan that's appropriate for you can also be helpful.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best diets for ulcerative colitis?

Some diets that may be helpful for UC are ones such as gluten-free and Mediterranean diets. Remember that no specific diet for people with UC. It’s best to keep a food diary to track what foods trigger your symptoms and then make adjustments accordingly.

2. Can you eat eggs with ulcerative colitis?

Eggs are a source of protein that people with UC can likely tolerate if they are poached or soft-boiled eggs. Fried, hard-boiled, and scrambled eggs are often high in fat, making them hard to digest.

3. Is peanut butter bad for colitis?

People with UC can typically tolerate nut and seed butters, including peanut butter. This source of healthy fats and protein can make for a filling snack. Just opt for non-crunchy versions to avoid triggering symptoms.

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