Foods that help manage ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. It affects the innermost lining of the digestive tract and causes inflammation and ulcers, primarily in the large intestine. Symptoms of UC can include abdominal cramping, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fatigue, and dehydration. Certain foods are known to reduce inflammation and improve gut health and help with alleviating the symptoms. Let’s take a look at the foods that can be included in the daily nutrition to provide relief from UC.
Salmon
Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. This makes salmon a great option for people with UC. Moreover, it is rich in protein and other nutrients that are important for gut health. One may also opt for mackerel and tuna to manage UC.
Broccoli
It is a nutrient-dense food that is high in fiber and antioxidants, which are great for fighting the symptoms of UC. These nutrients can help to reduce inflammation and improve gut health. However, cruciferous vegetables may be hard to digest at times, so it is best to cook them well before eating. Some other cooked vegetables one can try to alleviate the symptoms of UC include kale and cabbage.
Yogurt
Yogurt contains probiotics, which helps in promoting a healthy gut microbiome. Probiotics have been shown to reduce inflammation and improve the symptoms of UC.
Sweet potatoes
A great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, sweet potatoes can also help to regulate blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation. Peeled and cooked sweet potatoes can be included as a side dish as well.
Green beans
A nutrient-rich food that is high in fiber and antioxidants, green beans can help to protect the lining of the gut.
Avocados
Avocados are a good source of healthy fats and antioxidants. They can help to reduce inflammation and protect the stomach from ulcers.
Anti-inflammatory foods
Ginger, garlic and turmeric have amazing anti-inflammatory properties. Adding these to daily meals can help reduce the symptoms of UC.
For people with UC, it is important to follow a healthy nutrition regime to reduce inflammation, heal the gut lining, and boost the immune system. This can help manage symptoms and improve overall health. Along with watching what one must eat, it is equally important to keep track of what to avoid. Some foods can aggravate UC symptoms and make them worse, and these include dried beans, dried fruits, and spicy foods.
Apart from the modifications in daily nutrition, there are certain treatment options one can resort to. ENTYVIO® is a prescription treatment option for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis in adults. The list price of this treatment option is $3,898.19 for a 30-day supply. ENTYVIO® is also approved as a self-injection for treating adults with UC. EntyvioConnect is a portal for providing patient support program and offering useful tips to people with UC. Moreover, one can get insurance coverage for ENTYVIO®, but it is important to check with the health insurance provider to see if they cover it or not. One may sign up for support and more details at EntyvioConnect.
It is advisable to speak to a nutrition specialist or a doctor before one makes any changes to their daily food habits or uses any treatment options.