Ulcerative colitis is an intestinal disease that causes a lot of discomfort. It has no cure but can be controlled through good nutrition. Check out what to eat in case of colitis.
Ulcerative colitis is characterized by the presence of various ulcers (wounds) in the intestinal wall. These wounds can appear along the path of the intestines, in isolated parts or in the end part of the intestine.
Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis
- Abdominal pain;
- Stool with mucus or blood;
- Fever;
- Abdominal sounds;
- Weight loss;
- Diarrhea.
Other symptoms related to ulcerative colitis are: joint pain, mouth sores, nausea, vomiting, lumps or other skin lesions.
Ulcerative colitis can delay the child's development.
Causes of Ulcerative Colitis
The causes of colitis have not yet been fully clarified, and it is believed to have some relation to the immune system.
Individuals more likely to suffer from ulcerative colitis are between the ages of 15 and 30, and those over 50.
Diagnosis of ulcerative colitis
The diagnosis of ulcerative colitis can be made through tests such as:
- X-ray;
- Opaque enema;
- Colonoscopy;
- Computed tomography.
Treatment for ulcerative colitis
The treatment for ulcerative colitis is done by taking medicines to stop diarrhea, dietary supplements and sometimes surgery may be necessary to remove part of the intestine.
Controlling food by increasing the consumption of high-fiber foods at all meals appears to be an important part of the treatment for ulcerative colitis.
Ulcerative colitis causes a lot of abdominal discomfort and can go on for a lifetime during periods of crisis and remission periods.
What to Eat in Ulcerative Colitis
During ulcerative colitis crises, preference should be given to the consumption of high-fiber foods such as:
- Laxative fruits:
- papaya, orange, acerola,
- dried black plum, banana-nanica,
- peach, pineapple, kiwi,
- mango, tangerine,
- avocado, strawberry, melon,
- pear, watermelon,
- fig, persimmon,
- Vegetables and greens:
- lettuce, cabbage and arugula, chard, watercress, celery,
- escarole, spinach, turnip;
- pumpkin, carrot and beet;
- chickpeas, fava beans and lentils.
- Lean meats;
- Cakes, biscuits, breads, rice and pasta should always be whole.
Consuming processed and greasy foods should be avoided as they are low in fiber and can worsen the health of the individual.
Useful links:
- Foods high in fiber
- Probiotic foods
- Home remedy for colitis