Dietary Tips For Women With Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease. It results in inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. This compromises a person’s digestion! Specifically, ulcerative colitis affects the inner lining of the large intestine and rectum. Symptoms of this condition include weight loss, pain in the abdomen, diarrhea, and bleeding and pain in the rectum. Those affected also feel a frequent urge to poop but often find they’re unable to do so.

There are several options out there for bowel inflammation treatment due to ulcerative colitis. Those affected often take medications to deal with diarrhea, along with many others, including corticosteroids. There are also options for ulcerative colitis new treatment! Women are encouraged to make smart dietary choices to make their condition easier to handle.

Take Supplements

Supplements play a very important role in the diet of women with ulcerative colitis. This condition makes it harder for the body to absorb the nutrients it needs to function properly. This means women need the help supplements provide! Supplements recommended to round out the diet of women with ulcerative colitis include vitamin D, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and B vitamins.

Corticosteroids make women with ulcerative colitis more likely to have low vitamin D and calcium. This weakens their bones! Many of those with UC find it difficult to consume foods rich in iron. This means the body cannot make red blood cells efficiently. Magnesium supplements help treat diarrhea and potassium deals with abdominal cramps. B vitamins help in several ways, including blood cell and nerve health and production.

Low Residue Diet

Studies have shown those with ulcerative colitis find it difficult to digest fiber-rich foods. Some believe this is why diarrhea is a symptom! A low-residue diet is a perfect choice for those who find fiber makes their symptoms worse. This kind of diet focuses on foods low in fiber and those that are much easier to digest. It gives the body time to have a few smaller bowel movements each day. It also means they won’t experience issues like bloating and gas nearly as often. Great foods to include in a low residue diet include eggs, fish, white rice, bananas, and watermelon. Also, many of the other dietary tips on this list play into a low residue diet quite well!

Cook Vegetables Thoroughly

Most raw vegetables contain a fair amount of fiber. This is why raw vegetables are difficult to digest for those with ulcerative colitis. The great news, though, is vegetables can still be included in the diet! Women with UC need to eat vegetables wherever possible. They still contain nutrients the body needs!

The key is to cook all vegetables thoroughly. This takes away some of the fiber they contain, making them easier to digest. It does also mean other nutrients are lost the longer the vegetables are cooked. Paying attention to this is important! Of course, some nutrients are better than none. The best vegetables for women with UC include carrots, asparagus, squash, beets, and mushrooms. Tomato sauce without seeds is fine, as are potatoes cooked without their skins.