Treat Colitis With Colitis Diet
Colitis is a disease of the large intestine. It is characterized by inflammation of the colon, cecum or rectum. Several illnesses or digestive disorders can cause this intestinal disorder. Largely the term colitis is used for describing an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Infectious colitis could develop from bacterial or viral infections of the colon. Atherosclerosis might narrow a blood vessel supplying blood to the colon, leading to ischemic colitis. Colitis might develop from toxic chemicals. Abnormal immune response can cause microscopic colitis.
Symptoms of colitis
The exact symptoms of colitis depend upon the type of colitis a person is suffering from. The common symptoms of colitis are abdominal pain, which increases during bowel movement, presence of blood in the bowel, constant urge to defecate and fever.
Colits diet
Diet plays an important role in managing the symptoms of colitis. While a fiber rich diet is recommended for preventing colitis flare-ups, you should limit dietary fiber consumption during the colitis flare-up. Fruits, vegetables, leafy green, whole grain products, beans, nuts and legumes are rich in fibers. The fiber in your diet eases bowel movement, reducing the frequency of colitis flare-ups.
During the colitis flare-ups, your daily fiber intake should be less than 10 grams. Besides limiting your fiber intake, you should even stay away from high residue foods such as milk, dairy products and coffee. Colitis patients on a low residue diet have a greater risk of developing deficiency of nutrients. Daily intake of multivitamin and mineral supplements might prevent malnutrition.
Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water and fluid daily. During the colitis flare-ups, you can include fruit juices, excluding prune juice, and clear vegetable broths or soups in your meals. From fruit and vegetable juices and soups your body will get the essential vitamins and minerals.
A high protein diet could provide nourishment to your body. Fish oil is beneficial for colitis patients. Probiotics are recommended for curing the symptoms of the colon disease. Colitis patients should avoid caffeine, alcohol, carbonated beverages and artificial sweeteners. Colitis sufferers intolerant to lactose should avoid milk and dairy products.
