Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the colon, also called the large intestine. Although there is no cure for ulcerative colitis, dietary changes and good nutrition practices can help control the symptoms and make living with the disease comfortable. People with colitis are usually aware of foods that can trigger the symptoms but are often confused about what to eat when flareups of the symptoms occur. Here are some healthy foods people can eat to soothe ulcerative colitis symptoms.

Omega-3-rich Foods

People with ulcerative colitis are unable to tolerate high-fat foods as they can trigger abdominal pain and gas. However, they can still eat oily or fatty fish because they contain omega-3 fatty acids. And studies show that these healthy fats can help reduce colon inflammation. Some of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids are salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, and sardines. Omega-3s can also be obtained from seeds like flax seeds and chia seeds. So people with ulcerative colitis must ensure to regularly eat these foods as they help soothe the symptoms.

Certain Fruits

Full of healthy fats, proteins, and other essential nutrients, avocados are one of the best foods to eat during ulcerative colitis flareups. Because they mostly contain water, digesting them is easier for people with colon inflammation. Just as avocados, bananas are easily digestible, low-fiber, and nutrient-dense fruit. Most people with the disease have no problems digesting bananas during the flareup of the symptoms. Some other fruits rich in vitamins and antioxidants and beneficial for people with colitis are melons, grapes, blueberries, strawberries, and oranges.

Probiotic Foods

Probiotics are good bacteria that support digestion, ease inflammation, and are beneficial for gut health. Fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, and kefir, are replete with probiotics, so they are particularly soothing for people with ulcerative colitis. Also, some studies suggest that probiotics can help the ulcerative colitis remain in remission. However, when shopping for these foods, you should pick the ones that are very low in sugar.

Turmeric

It is an excellent spice that can be added to a variety of foods to soothe flareups due to ulcerative colitis. Turmeric contains curcumin, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory known to treat different types of ailments. Some studies show that turmeric can help reduce inflammation and flareups due to ulcerative colitis. They are extremely versatile and can be added to cooked vegetables, scrambled eggs, teas, and many other foods.

Juices and Smoothies

Diarrhea is one of the major symptoms of ulcerative colitis, and its severe form can quickly lead to dehydration. So, it is important that ulcerative colitis patients stay hydrated throughout the day. For this, they can drink a variety of smoothies and fruit juices that are high in nutrients and antioxidants. One can add their favorite nutrient-dense vegetables and fruits to prepare smoothies. They are easier to digest and also very healthy. However, it’s important to consume these fluids without sugar, since sugar can worsen diarrhea.