Research does not suggest that food causes ulcerative colitis—or that the inflammation of the large intestine is affected by what you eat. However, everyone is different, and certain foods may aggravate your ulcerative colitis symptoms.

Important Advice: Food is not the cause of ulcerative colitis, but keeping track of what you eat is the best way to figure out if you are sensitive to different foods.

A well-balanced diet helps replace nutrients

Good nutrition is one of the ways the body restores itself to good health, so maintaining proper nutrition is important to help manage your UC because:

• Having ulcerative colitis can reduce your appetite 
• Chronic diseases tend to increase the energy needs of the body, especially during disease flares
• Conditions may improve with nutritional support

It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor and/or a dietitian about making sure you are getting enough nutrients and calories, and to customize your diet for you. Your own experience, with the guidance of your doctor and a dietitian, is the most useful way you can figure out what to eat.

However, these suggestions may work for some people with ulcerative colitis:

• Limit dairy products
• Try low-fat foods
• Experiment with fiber
• Avoid “gassy” foods
• Eat smaller meals
• Drink plenty of water