Digestive Health Inflammatory Bowel Disease Ulcerative Colitis Eating an Ulcerative Colitis Diet By Rebeca Schiller Rebeca Schiller Rebeca Schiller is a health and wellness writer with over a decade of experience covering topics including digestive health, pain management, and holistic nutrition. Learn about our editorial process Published on September 16, 2021 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Robert Burakoff, MD, MPH Medically reviewed by Robert Burakoff, MD, MPH LinkedIn Robert Burakoff, MD, MPH, is board-certified in gastroentrology. He is the vice chair for ambulatory services for the department of medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Eating During a Flare-Up Eating During Remission Other Tips Frequently Asked Questions Ulcerative colitis, a form of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), affects the large intestine (colon), which connects the small intestine and anus. This condition can lead to inflammation, sores, and ulcers in the colon’s lining. Ulcerative colitis is a response to an overactive immune system. Certain foods can make the condition worse like foods and drinks with a lot of sugar, fried and greasy foods, carbonated drinks, alcohol, and high-fiber foods. Verywell / Jessica Olah Eating During a Flare-Up Ulcerative colitis symptoms include: Diarrhea and the urgent need to use the bathroom Abdominal pain Fatigue Nausea Weight loss Anemia Over time, your symptoms may worsen, and you may have blood, mucus, and pus in your stool, acute cramping, fever, rashes, sores in your mouth, joint pain, red, sore eyes, and liver disease. When your symptoms return or become more severe, that’s known as a flare-up or flare. A flare-up can occur for several reasons, from missing, skipping, or taking the wrong dose of medication to eating foods that can irritate your stomach. Ulcerative Colitis Doctor Discussion Guide Download PDF Email the Guide Send to yourself or a loved one. Sign Up This Doctor Discussion Guide has been sent to {{form.email}}. There was an error. Please try again. Foods to Eat When experiencing a flare-up, the best foods to eat are those that provide sufficient amounts of nutrients without worsening your symptoms. Speak with your healthcare provider and a nutritionist to determine which foods are best to eat during a flare-up. One way to find out about this is trying an elimination diet, which involves cutting out one type of food from your diet at a time while looking for a reduction in symptoms. Low-fiber fruit is recommended if you’ve had recent surgery or have strictures (when the intestine has narrowed due to scarring or inflammation), such as: BananasCantaloupesHoneydew melonsCooked fruit Lean protein you can tolerate during a flare-up include: FishPork (lean cuts)Poultry (white meat)Soy EggsTofu (firm) Refined grains you may be able to tolerate include: SourdoughGluten-free or potato breadPasta (white)Rice (white)Oatmeal Noncruciferous vegetables (cooked, seedless, skinless) to eat include: Asparagus tipsCucumberPotatoesSquash What You Should Eat During an IBD Flare-up Foods to Avoid During a flare-up, it's best to avoid foods that may cause bloating, cramping, and diarrhea. If you have a stricture or had recent surgery, certain foods may worsen your symptoms. These foods may trigger symptoms and are hard to digest: Fruits with skin and seeds like apples and raspberriesRaw green vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or any type of vegetable that needs to be peeledDairy products such as milk, soft cheese, cream cheese, specifically those with lactoseNonabsorbable sugars like sweeteners found in sugar-free chewing gum, candy, ice cream, baked goods, some types of fruits and juice like pear, peach, and pruneAll sugary foods and beveragesHigh-fat foods like butter, cream, fried foods, and margarineAlcohol and caffeinated beveragesSpicy food Do You Know What It Means to Have an IBD Flare-Up? Eating During Remission When you’ve entered a period of remission (when symptoms have tapered off), consult with your nutritionist about foods you can reintroduce back into your diet. During both flare-ups and remissions, it’s important to stay hydrated. Foods that will meet your nutritional needs and keep you hydrated include probiotics, high-fiber foods, lean protein, colorful fruits and vegetables, and calcium-rich foods. Other Tips With a condition like ulcerative colitis, you will need to be vigilant about what you eat. One way is to keep track of what you consume with a food journal. You can use a simple notebook and jot down what you ate during the day and the amounts. For a breakdown of calories but also nutrients, there are several apps you can use. Eat four to six small meals each day and use simple cooking techniques that include baking, boiling, broiling, grilling, poaching and steaming. Don’t forget to stay hydrated and drink slowly, but avoid using a straw which can lead to swallowing air and cause gas. When in doubt, contact your healthcare provider or your nutritionist. They’ll be able to answer any questions you may have about the specifics of your condition and provide recommendations to meet your nutritional needs. Having a chronic condition due to an overactive immune response may make you feel isolated from those who don't have the same condition. There are several online communities that you can join to speak with others who share similar symptoms. The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation provides a directory of local resources, including events, support groups, and educational programs so you can connect with others. Not Treating Ulcerative Colitis Has These Risks Summary You need to eat differently with ulcerative colitis, especially when you experience a flare-up. It's important to eat foods that will give you all the nutrients you need and avoid ones that will aggravate your symptoms. You can manage your condition and keep flare-ups at bay by staying hydrated and eating lean proteins, high-fiber grains, and colorful fruits and vegetables. A Word From Verywell Experiencing the various symptoms of ulcerative colitis can be painful, embarrassing, and frustrating. Not everyone is affected in the same way by the condition, and it will take time and a process of elimination to see which foods bring relief and which ones trigger symptoms. Once you have a definitive diagnosis, ask your healthcare provider to recommend a nutritionist you can work with to develop a plan that meets your nutritional needs. Frequently Asked Questions How much fiber should you eat with colitis? You will need to discuss the specific amount with your nutritionist. When you are experiencing a flare-up, it’s best that you eat a low-fiber diet, but when you are in remission, your nutritionist may suggest that you increase your fiber by eating more fiber-rich foods. What foods trigger colitis? There are several foods that may trigger your symptoms, including fatty and greasy foods, spicy foods, high-sugar foods, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages. Are bananas good for colitis? Bananas are recommended when you have a flare-up, but you also can enjoy them during remission. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! We're providing tips on how to take better care of your gut. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 4 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Cleveland Clinic. Ulcerative colitis: Symptoms, treatment, living with it & diagnosis. Crohn’s & Colitis. Managing Ulcerative Colitis Flare-ups. Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. What should I eat? Michigan Medicine. Swallowed air.