Key takeaways
- Certain foods, particularly those high in insoluble fiber, lactose, and sugars, can worsen ulcerative colitis symptoms. You may need to limit your consumption of these foods during flare-ups.
- Even during flare-ups, it’s important to try to maintain a balanced diet. Consider preparing fruits and vegetables in ways that make them easier to digest, such as cooking, peeling, and skinning them.
- A registered dietitian may be able to help you identify the foods that trigger your symptoms and create a nutrition plan to manage your symptoms effectively.
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect your colon and rectum.
Your diet and gut bacteria may play a role in the onset of UC symptoms.
Keep reading to discover foods that commonly trigger symptoms of UC.
Whole grain products are typically high in fiber, which may be hard to digest if you have UC.
Healthcare professionals may recommend eating a low fiber diet during a UC flare-up because it may help reduce the frequency and volume of bowel movements.
Whole grain flour is high in fiber because it contains the outer layers of the grain, called the germ and bran. Other whole grain starches still have the fibrous endosperm, germ, and bran that may irritate UC and trigger a flare-up.
In comparison, refined flour is lower in fiber because it’s made from grains that have been processed to remove the fibrous outer layers.
Below are some whole grain foods that you may want to avoid during a flare-up:
| Whole grain flour | Other whole grain starches |
|---|---|
| • breads • cereals • pastas • noodles | • brown rice • quinoa • buckwheat • oats • wild rice • plain barley • millet • wheat berries • bulgur wheat • spelt |
Better options during flare-ups include foods made from refined grains or enriched white flour, such as white bread, pasta, and rice. Flour is labeled “enriched” if the nutrients lost during the germ and bran removal process have been replaced.
You should avoid high fiber foods only during flare-ups. A diet that’s high in fiber, lean protein, and vegetables could actually help prevent
Whole nuts may trigger UC symptoms. This may be due to their
It’s best not to consume the following nuts during a UC flare:
- hazelnuts
- pecans
- cashews
- almonds
- macadamia nuts
- peanuts
- pistachios
However, eating walnuts during remission periods may be beneficial. The authors of a
Seeds contain insoluble fiber, which doesn’t dissolve in water. This type of fiber may increase the time it takes for food to move through your digestive system, as well as the frequency, volume, and severity of your bowel movements.
Seeds to avoid include:
- sesame seeds
- flaxseed
- millet
- pine nuts
- sunflower seeds
- pumpkin seeds
- wild rice
It’s best to avoid the following foods if you’re experiencing a flare-up:
- all beans, including chickpeas
- adzuki beans
- soy nuts, including soybeans and edamame
Many fruits and vegetables contain large amounts of fiber, which can cause UC symptom flare-ups.
It’s best to avoid fruits and vegetables that:
- are raw or dried
- have a peel or skin
- are cruciferous, such as broccoli and cauliflower
- have seeds that can’t be removed, such as berries
You can still consume some fruits and vegetables, but the following preparations may be best:
- Peeled: Peels and skins may be difficult to digest because of their insoluble fiber content. Be sure to remove the peels or skins before eating fruits and vegetables.
- Cooked: Raw vegetables and some raw fruits can be hard to digest. After skinning or peeling, cook the foods until very soft. Applesauce is a great way to eat apples, and soups are an easier way to digest vegetables.
- Canned: Canned fruits and vegetables may be easier to digest than fresh, uncooked vegetables. But make sure they’re packed in water or in their own juice to avoid excess sugar, and discard any skins.
It’s important to keep vegetables and fruits in your diet because they provide many important nutrients.
Lactose is a sugar found in many dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt.
A 2020 study found that people with UC were 2.7 times more likely to develop lactose intolerance than those who didn’t have UC.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance may be similar to those of UC, such as diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain.
If you suspect that dairy may be triggering your symptoms, you can try removing all types of dairy from your diet for 4 weeks.
A healthcare professional may also suggest that you follow an elimination diet, which might help you identify and remove foods that trigger or worsen your symptoms.
Sugary products such as candies, juices, and baked goods can all contribute to UC flares, according to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation (CCF). A high sugar diet can also make you
You might assume sugar-free foods would be a better option, but they often contain sugar alcohols such as mannitol and sorbitol, which your body cannot digest.
Foods containing nonabsorbable sugars include:
- sugar-free gum
- sugar-free drinks
- fruits such as peaches, pears, and plums
Eating a low fat diet may help reduce your symptoms if you have UC or reduce your risk of developing UC if you don’t have it.
Limiting the following high fat foods can help you manage UC during remission periods and reduce the severity of flares:
- butter
- coconut oil and other oils
- margarine
- cream
- fried foods
The authors of a
The authors also found that alcohol and coffee did not affect UC risk and that drinking tea may actually help decrease symptoms.
The CCF recommends avoiding alcohol because it may trigger UC symptoms.
Similarly, the authors of a
However, more research is needed on the relationship between alcohol and UC.
The authors of the
According to the CCF, spicy foods can worsen UC flares. However, research in this area is limited.
A 2019 review suggests that capsaicin (the active component in chiles that makes them spicy) may actually reduce intestinal inflammation and IBD symptoms.
Gluten is a protein in wheat, rye, and barley. It’s found in common foods like bread and pasta and is often added to prepared foods such as condiments, sauces, and soups.
Gluten intolerance is becoming more common in people with digestive symptoms.
However, a 2022 study found that gluten did not worsen symptoms in people with UC or increase the risk of developing UC in people who didn’t have it.
Consult a healthcare professional if you suspect that gluten may be a symptom trigger for you. They might suggest that you try an elimination diet for 4 weeks or try eating gluten-free foods.
Eating doesn’t have to be boring when you’re living with UC.
You can include the following foods in your diet:
- refined white carbohydrates
- lean proteins
- well-cooked, skinless vegetables
- skinless, seedless, and low fiber fruits
To increase your chances of remission, gradually reintroduce high fiber foods. Fiber protects the
Talk with a healthcare professional if you have an allergy or a food intolerance. They’ll be able to help you develop a nutrition plan that’s right for you.
What foods can trigger ulcerative colitis?
Foods that may trigger symptoms of UC include:
- whole grain products
- nuts
- legumes
- high fat foods
- spicy foods
- carbonated drinks
- alcohol
- lactose
- uncooked or cruciferous vegetables
- fruits and vegetables with a peel
Living with UC can make eating and drinking a challenge because certain foods may trigger flare-ups.
Avoiding common trigger foods may help you manage your UC symptoms. A healthcare professional might also suggest that you try an elimination diet to find out which specific foods trigger your symptoms.
A registered dietitian can help you develop a nutrition plan specific to your needs, since not everyone with UC will do well on the same diet.