Foods That Trigger Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that results in the formation of ulcers and inflammation along the lining of the colon and rectum. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis often include bloody stools, fever, diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain, rectal pain, joint pain and swelling, nausea, mouth sores and skin problems. Ulcerative colitis has very similar symptoms to Crohn’s disease, another form of IBD. 
Treatment of ulcerative colitis usually consists of doctor prescribed medications as well as avoidance of certain trigger foods, such as: 

1. Carbonated drinks
Water is the best drink for people with ulcerative colitis. Carbonated drinks can really upset your stomach and give you gas. Carbonated drinks are filled with caffeine and sugar which can give you diarrhea

2. Alcohol
Drinking while having ulcerative colitis can increase one’s chances of experiencing symptoms. Drinking can also cause an adverse reaction to medication that someone could be taking to treat symptoms of ulcerative colitis. To avoid a possible UC attack, it’s best to avoid alcohol

3. Caffeine
This one is definitely a UC trigger. Caffeine is a powerful stimulant and can really move your intestines. For people already suffering from UC symptoms, especially diarrhea this is the last thing you would need

4. Dairy products
Foods containing dairy  can definitely cause major UC flare ups so they’re best to avoid. Dairy products are different types of foods that are made using animal milk such as cheese, milk, yogurt, butter and cream. Studies have shown that once consumed, dairy products trigger UC attacks in patients due to casein (milk protein), which is hard to digest, as well as milk sugars, which can cause diarrhea.

5. Foods that have sulfur or sulfates
Sulfur can be found in foods like cheese, eggs, whole milk, ice-cream, soy milk and mayo. Sulfur is sometimes used as a food additive as well. Foods containing sulfur can be harmful for people with ulcerative colitis because bacteria that is present in the bowel turns sulfur into a chemical called hydrogen sulfide. This chemical can cause gas, diarrhea and abdominal pain in people who have UC. Consuming foods with sulfur can also cause even more damage to the colon.

6. Foods high in fiber
Some examples of high fiber foods are fruits, dried beans, popcorn, dried fruits and broccoli. Foods that are high in fiber are a sure trigger for an UC attack. They can cause gas, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Low fiber foods like lean cuts of meat, protein, applesauce, saltine crackers, fresh and canned vegetables are a much better choice