Colitis is a chronic digestive disease, which basically occurs due to inflammation of colon. The condition is inflammatory and affects the tissue that lines the gastrointestinal system. People suffering from colitis are required to ingest enough protein, calories, vitamins (A, D, C, B-12, and folic acid), minerals (calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium) and other nutrients to stay healthy. There are some food items, which should be avoided as well. This is because a change in diet has been found to be effective in treating the symptoms of colitis and easing the side effects. Given below is the recommended diet for colitis.
Colitis Recommended Diet
- Milk and other diary products can lead to bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Thus, take in foods, which have low level of lactose such as yoghurt and hard cheese.
- Fatty foods such as butter, margarine, vegetable oil, processed snacks, meats, fast food and fried or battered food may trigger abdominal symptoms. This is because eating such foods may lead to malabsorption in the body.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol as it intensifies the situation by stimulating diarrhea.
- Do not take a high fiber diet in case you are suffering from colitis, as it can increase the condition of diarrhea, if not completely digested.
- On the contrary make sure you keep your body hydrated and drink plenty of fluids. Colitis causes fluid loss from the body, which needs to be replaced to stay healthy.
- Instead of having lavish meals, resort to small meals throughout the day, which will not exert the digestive system.
- Do not stop eating due to the fear of pain or diarrhea as it will induce bloating and pain when finally you do eat.
- Make sure you eat, when you are hungry and not because you are supposed to eat. Do not overindulge in food.
- Take small bites while eating your meals and chew the food properly.
- Take some fluid with your meal and do not forcefully gulp it down.
- Eat a variety of foods from different nutrient groups, but add only one new food to your diet every time.
