Ulcerative Colitis Diet and Nutrition

While there is no evidence that diet either causes or controls ulcerative colitis (UC), there are many benefits to eating a healthy, nutritious diet. Good nutrition may help improve your immunity and energy level. In addition, many doctors and their patients with UC have found that a healthy diet can be helpful with overall disease management when used in conjunction with a proven treatment plan.

Most people with UC are able to eat a well-balanced, normal diet when their symptoms are in remission. But during a flare, any food passing through your inflamed colon can make you feel worse. Of course, every patient has a unique experience with UC, and this is why you should always talk with your health care team about any dietary approach you might be considering when you are experiencing symptoms.

Tracie Dalessandro is a registered dietitian who specializes in nutrition and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Diagnosed with IBD at age 19, she has a dual perspective on the role of nutrition in UC. We asked Tracie to provide some general guidelines on healthy meal planning for people with UC. Learn more about planning a healthy UC diet.

We also asked Tracie for some of her top tips for controlling ulcerative colitis symptoms with diet. Learn more about foods for flares and remission.

This material is not intended to replace conversations with your health care professional team. If you have questions, comments, or concerns about your condition, please speak to your doctor or nurse.

In the management of ulcerative colitis (UC), there is no evidence for any particular diet and no simple "eat this, avoid that" dietary approach you can adopt. But everyone needs good nutrition and there are some general tips that may be helpful no matter what your particular health needs are. Talk to your doctor to come up with a healthy diet individualized to your particular needs.

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