Hey there, viewers!
Ever heard of ulcerative colitis?
Let's break these words down to understand their meaning.
An ulcer is a sore that grows on the lining of your stomach.
The colon is your large intestine, and an integral part of your digestive system.
This inflammatory bowel disease can cause abdominal cramping, loose stools.
You can also lose your appetite.
In today's video, we’ll have a look at foods that can either help or worsen this condition.
How safe is your morning coffee?
What about oatmeal?
We’re discussing all this and more…
Applesauce
Did you ever have applesauce as a child?
It was good when you were sick.
Our mothers fed us applesauce for all the right reasons.
Every household has a secret recipe for one amazing applesauce.
This is the only dish that keeps all the nutrients of the apple intact, even after cooking.
Apples have antioxidants and flavonoids that can reduce chronic inflammatory diseases.
However, you might want to go a little easier on it.
The high fiber and fructose can cause a flare-up.
Just remember to consume it in moderation.
Have you ever had ulcerative colitis?
Do you take supplements for meeting your nutritional needs?
Sound off in the comments section, and start a conversation with our bestie community.
Salmon
The benefits of salmon are not just limited to your digestive tract.
About 100 grams of this pink-fleshed fish contains 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3’s are known anti-inflammatories.
You know the carotenoids that give the fish it’s pink color?
This antioxidant is powerful enough to relieve inflammation.
Squash
This is a really good choice to fight your ulcer.
You’d be surprised to know there are almost 20 different types of squashes.
Butternut, winter, summer, zucchini and a few other varieties are included in this category.
You can chop them up, and put them in your smoothies.
You can also have them as sides for your dishes.
Give squash a try!
Avocados
Almost every system in your body can benefit from avocado.
Your skin will start glowing.
Your heart and liver will function at the highest level.
The kidneys will become strong.
It’s a goldmine for Vitamin E and C. Your body can enjoy a splurge of essential
nutrients if you’re on a restricted diet.
But guess what?
Guacamole is not the only way to enjoy avocados.
It tastes great in salads, soups, eggs and toast.
If you’re too tired to cook, just cut open one and season it with salt and pepper to
enjoy its goodness.
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Fermented foods
Do you like yogurt?
What about kimchi, or miso soup?
These foods fall under the category of probiotics.
If you’re not getting enough, it's about time you incorporated more into your diet.
If you have ulcerative colitis, your digestive system could use extra help from its gut bacteria
to digest food.
Probiotics are filled with good bacteria.
Scientists have found that eating probiotics daily can reduce flare-ups.
Instant oatmeal
You couldn’t fix yourself a quicker, tastier and a more filling breakfast if you tried.
Try and go for the plain version.
No added flavors.
These are easier for your bowel to digest.
Refined grains
If you love bread, pasta, and cereal, you’re in luck.
Ulcerative colitis forces you to eat foods made from refined grains.
Whole grains are much harder to digest, and can put a strain on your intestine.
Before you buy them, take a glance at the ingredients.
Make sure they’re adding extra vitamins and minerals to the brand.
Eggs
Eggs can be eaten on their own, or as part of a delicious meal.
There are so many recipes to choose from.
Eggs give your body a ton of essential vitamins, along with Omega-3.
They’re easily digested.
Just make sure you don’t have any allergies.
Fluids
Ulcerative colitis almost always is accompanied by diarrhea.
Your frequent bathroom trips can make your body dehydrated and fatigued.
Make a point to sip on water every now and then.
If you’re sick of drinking water, there are other fluids you can have.
These include lemon water, coconut water, green tea, clear soups, and soya milk.
Not only will it replenish your lost fluid content, but also give your body the much-needed
vitamins and electrolytes.
Now that we’ve covered this, let’s move on to foods that are bad for your ulcerative
colitis…
Before we move ahead check out our video on what eating oatmeal every day does to your
body.
Caffeine
We know how difficult it is to kick start your day without coffee.
But giving up caffeine can turn your world upside down.
You will have fewer flare-ups and reduced symptoms of ulcerative colitis.
Caffeine is present not only in coffee, but also tea, energy drinks, chocolates, and medications.
Dairy products
This one’s tricky.
Certain dairy products can cause flare-ups, while others cure symptoms.
If you’re already lactose intolerant, stay away from dairy.
Switching to plant-based milk and other products may help.
Alcohol
If you have this condition, you’ll need to give up alcohol.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a social drinker, or a wild partier.
Alcohol is known to trigger your diarrhea.
Carbonated drinks
Soda and beer can irritate the intestine.
These drinks are high in sugar, caffeine and artificial sweeteners.
There is nothing natural about them.
Therefore, it’s wise to stay away from them.
High fiber foods
Foods that contain high fiber are beans, fruits, whole grains, peas, legumes, and raw vegetables.
The fiber pushes food through your digestive tract, giving you the urge to rush to the
bathroom.
But if you’re already suffering from diarrhea this could worsen the situation.
These foods also have the potential to cause gas, bloating, and cramping in the stomach.
Popcorn
A movie date without popcorn?
What in the world?
This is for your own good.
The seeds in popcorn are hard to digest.
Potatoes
Who doesn't love potato chips or fries?
Potatoes contain compounds that also hurt your gut.
Baked and boiled potatoes are decent alternatives.
Eat those instead.
Sulfur Foods
Have you ever gotten gassy and bloated after eating?
This is probably because of the sulfur content.
Sulfur and sulfites in food can make a person gassy.
The worst foods in this category include beer, peanuts, raisins, processed meats, wine, almonds,
cider, wheat pasta, multigrain bread and soy.
Fatty meats
A big chunk of fatty steak can be so appetizing.
But your gut might not like it.
Especially during a flared-up situation.
The gut fails to absorb the fat, which makes the condition even worse.
Nuts and seeds
Even the tiniest of seeds can cause a flare-up.
And we are not even talking about cramping or bloating.
It’s best these foods are avoided.
Sugar Fructose and alcohol sugars are both dangerous.
If your food label reads something like high-fructose corn syrup, molasses, fruit juice, or honey,
it’s bad.
Vegetables
This is probably the first time you’ve heard “do not eat vegetables.”
A few cruciferous vegetables cause gas, bloating, and abdominal cramps.
Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage & cauliflower fall under this category.
Stringy vegetables like celery should also be avoided.
If you really enjoy these veggies, try consuming them cooked rather than raw.
Spicy foods
Spicy foods with or without ulcerative colitis are a trigger for stomach upset.
Things like buffalo wings, spicy peppers and hot sauces should be avoided at all costs.
Spices cause burning, and lead to more diarrhea.
Gluten
You have to be picky when choosing gluten-free products.
Wheat, rye and barley can be a trigger for many people.
Are you still concerned about ulcers?
Well there are several foods you can try to prevent them from forming in the first place.
Let’s take a look at a couple more videos, shall we?
Watch and learn about the 11 best foods to prevent ulcers.
You can also try 6 common digestive disorders you need to know about.
Go ahead, click one.
Or better yet, watch both, and learn more about how to become healthier.
What are your favorite foods to treat ulcerative colitis?
Let us know in the comments below!