Ulcerative colitis patients should pay close attention to what they eat. While foods do not cause the disease, they can trigger flare-ups. Formulating a diet plan that provides the essential nutrients and keeps the triggers in check can help manage the condition. This article lists some of the worst foods for ulcerative colitis that can trigger or aggravate the symptoms.

1. Whole grains, cereals, bread, and pasta
High-fiber foods can make things quite tricky for people with ulcerative colitis, especially during a flare-up. These foods are hard to digest, so they can trigger the symptoms or cause any existing ones to worsen. Whole-grain flour has high fiber content as the bran or germ is not removed, so one should avoid whole-grain cereals, pasta, noodles, macaroni, and bread.
Instead, one can opt for white flour pasta or noodles and white bread during flare-ups if they are not intolerant to gluten. Corn flakes, puffed rice, and cream of wheat also have low fiber content and are good options for ulcerative colitis patients.

2. Processed foods
Processed foods are harmful to everyone, and more so for people with existing health issues. Emulsifiers are added to extend these products’ shelf-life, and that’s what makes products like margarine and ice cream creamier. Processed foods can cause gut inflammation, so it’s best to avoid greasy and sugary foods. Foods with artificial sweeteners are also among the worst foods for ulcerative colitis patients.

3. Dairy
Consuming dairy products like ice cream or milk can lead to diarrhea, gas, and abdominal pain in some people with ulcerative colitis. If one experiences such symptoms after eating dairy products, it is recommended to either eliminate them from the diet or minimize their consumption, at least till a flare-up resolves. Several people with ulcerative colitis cannot digest lactose, so consuming a lactase pill can enable them to consume dairy without worsening the symptoms. These pills are available over the counter.

4. Carbonated drinks
Carbonated beverages contain carbon dioxide and are loaded with sugar, which makes them some of the worst food choices for people with ulcerative colitis. They can irritate the colon and lead to gas, and excess sugar can also cause diarrhea. Additionally, many carbonated beverages contain caffeine, and this stimulant can cause abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Water and decaf tea are better options for ulcerative colitis patients.

5. Spicy foods
Spicy foods like hot sauces, buffalo wings, and hot peppers can cause diarrhea in many, and they can trigger or worsen a flare-up in ulcerative colitis patients. Some may also experience diarrhea after eating spicy foods, making them enter the list of the worst foods for ulcerative colitis patients.

6. Fibrous fruits and veggies
Fruits and vegetables are essential parts of the daily diet to ensure proper nutrition, but high-fiber foods can also prove harmful to patients.  So, people with ulcerative colitis can opt for cooked vegetables instead of raw ones and have skinned or peeled, seedless fruits.