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Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative Colitis is an inflammation of the superficial lining of the large bowel. It can spread throughout the entire colon, but is usually most severe in the rectum. It is not found in any other area in the digestive tract. It forms a continuous lesion, and is not found in patches like other inflammatory bowel diseases.
Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis
• Diarrhoea
• Rectal bleeding
• Passing mucus
• Abdominal pain & discomfort
• Anaemia and fatigue
• Weight loss and loss of appetite
• Loss of body fluids and nutrients
Dietary changes for Ulcerative Colitis
Dietary changes will depend on which phase the disease is in, an inflammatory stage, or a recovery stage.
In an acute attack stage, the following is recommended:
• Rest
• Avoid stress
• Medication- under gastroenterologists
• Decrease fibre intake, avoid roughage
• Supplements as required
• Avoid spicy food, alcohol, high fat foods and too much coffee
The low fibre, low roughage diet will help to decrease the weight and bulk of the stools. This will help reduce the chance of an obstruction.
In the healing stage
• Increase fibre
• Avoid roughage
In the recovered stage
• Normal diet as tolerated
Supplement use
Some studies have shown that Fish Oil may have an inflammatory response and help reduce the severity of symptoms. This also decreases the need for other medications. The omega-3 provides the inflammatory response, the EPA and DHA. Fish oil can be found in sardines, salmon, tuna, Tip Top Up bread, Heart Plus Milk, some margarines and in capsule form.
Studies on Antioxidants have shown they can protect the body from free radical formation. These include Carotenoids, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and the trace elements zinc, copper, manganese and selenium.
Every case of Ulcerative Colitis is different, and will require different dietary and supplement needs at various stages. Your Dietitian can help you work out what is right for you at your stage.
Added to site on : Thursday, 20 May 2010