8 foods people with ulcerative colitis should eat

A good menu for ulcerative colitis is one that provides all the essential nutrients your body needs, but does not "aggravate" your digestive tract.

Below are 8 foods people with ulcerative colitis should eat:

1. Yogurt

Yogurt and other fermented foods, such as soy sauce, sauerkraut, and kefir, contain probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria found in fermented foods. These beneficial bacteria are good for your digestive system and your immune system. Eating foods that contain live, active cultures can help keep your gut bacteria at its best.

But you should also pay attention to the amount of sugar in yogurt. Plain, unsweetened yogurt is the best choice for you. You can add a little fruit or honey to make the yogurt a little sweeter.

2. Salmon

Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your heart and colon. Essential fatty acids are thought to reduce inflammation. This means that eating salmon can help balance the inflammation that occurs during a flare-up of ulcerative colitis. Tuna, walnuts, flaxseed oil, and flaxseed are also good sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

3. Types of squash

All members of the squash family, including pumpkins, squash, and zucchini, are healthy options. Squash is very high in fiber as well as antioxidants like beta carotene and Vitamin C. Fiber helps maintain a healthy gut microbiome, and antioxidants help repair damage caused by inflammation.

Although you may want to avoid eating raw squash if you have ulcerative colitis because of concerns that the fiber will worsen your symptoms, squash is a well-tolerated food for many people with ulcerative colitis. Squash is also a very versatile food, you can boil it, cook it in soups, make it into spaghetti squash.

4. Eggs

If you have trouble getting enough nutrients with ulcerative colitis, consider eggs. They are a great source of protein and are well tolerated, even during ulcerative colitis flare-ups. They are also rich in B vitamins, which help convert food into energy. You can make fried eggs, scrambled eggs with vegetables, or boiled eggs for a snack.

5. Avocado

Avocados are a great source of monounsaturated fats. If you are losing weight because of ulcerative colitis, avocados can help you get enough energy in a healthy way.

A 2014 study found that over 85% of people with inflammatory bowel disease are malnourished, and avocados are a food that can help combat malnutrition. You can mash them up and spread them on bread like mayo, or use them as a substitute for oil in salad dressings or omelets.

6. Nuts

Olive oil, nuts, especially almonds and walnuts, are important sources of quality monounsaturated fats. Eating a handful of nuts as a snack or making nut butter bread or eating breakfast cereals with nuts are all good options. Important note: when you have a flare-up of ulcerative colitis, you should limit your nut consumption as the fiber content of nuts can make your symptoms worse.

7. Applesauce

Applesauce can be a great addition to the diet for people with ulcerative colitis. However, although apples are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, the fiber in apples can make them harder to digest, especially during ulcerative colitis flare-ups.

Use unsweetened applesauce, or make your own at home by peeling and cooking apples. You can flavor the applesauce with your favorite spice blend, but remember, no sugar.

8. Lean meat

According to the Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis Foundation of America, you need to increase your protein intake during and after an inflammatory flare-up. Since saturated fats can be difficult to digest, choose lean meats for the best protein source. Skinless poultry, pork tenderloin, and beef tenderloin are all good, low-fat options.

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