Figuring out what to eat when you have ulcerative colitis (UC) can feel like a guessing game. Different people have different trigger foods, and there isn’t a single diet that has been shown to cure or prevent UC. However, most health experts agree that some dietary changes are good for digestion and less likely to cause a problem.
IBD, or inflammatory bowel disease, is what both UC and Crohn’s disease are. UC only affects the colon, though. Diet recommendations may differ between the two types of IBD. For example, UC is more likely to cause diarrhea that is bloody. During a flare, avoiding foods like candy and juice that have a lot of sugar or added sweeteners can help keep your stools from being watery.
A healthy, well-balanced diet is best for your health and will make sure you get all the nutrients you need. Try to limit the foods you restrict, unless they make your symptoms worse. If you’re not sure which foods cause a reaction, your physician and dietitian can help.
Here are five types of foods that you might want to eat more of while you’re on UC.
People with UC need protein, but studies show that red meat and processed meats may make the colon more inflamed. Fortunately, you can get plenty of protein from lean meats, seafood, and plant-based proteins.
Instead of fried chicken, bacon, beef burgers, or sausages, try the following foods. These may be easier to digest:
If you like seafood, fish is a great source of complete protein and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. A review of several studies also found that certain chemicals in eggs may help reduce inflammation in the UC condition.
If you want to be easy on your stomach, spread out your protein over four to six small meals instead of one big one. It’s easier to get protein several times a day if you keep some hard-boiled eggs in the fridge and your favorite protein powder or nut butter on hand for smoothies.
As someone who lives with colitis, I know the struggle of deciphering what foods are safe to eat or need to be avoided Bacon is one of those divisive foods that leaves many colitis patients wondering – can I eat it or not?
As a fellow bacon lover with colitis, I wanted to share a complete guide on whether bacon is okay to eat, tips for enjoying it safely, and which other foods to steer clear of during flare-ups Read on to get the full scoop!
Understanding Colitis and How Diet Impacts Symptoms
Before diving into bacon specifically, let’s quickly cover what colitis is and how food choices affect it
Colitis refers to inflammation of the large intestine or colon, causing uncomfortable digestive symptoms like abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea and rectal bleeding. There are a few different types of colitis, with the most common being ulcerative colitis.
While the exact cause isn’t known, it’s believed diet and genetics play a role. Flare-ups can be triggered by certain foods that irritate the colon. That’s why paying attention to what you eat is key for managing colitis.
During flare-ups, the colon is extremely sensitive. Greasy, fatty foods tend to move through the colon more slowly, which can worsen inflammation. Fiber can also be problematic by stimulating bowel movements.
So when considering any food with colitis, it’s wise to choose options that are easy to digest and limit irritants. Now, let’s see how bacon stacks up.
Is Bacon Okay to Eat with Colitis?
In moderation, most colitis patients can enjoy bacon safely without issue. However, there are a few important caveats to keep in mind:
- Opt for leaner cuts of bacon with less fat
- Limit portion sizes to 1-2 strips
- Avoid eating it every day
- Cook using healthier methods like baking versus frying
- Pay attention to your body’s response
The high fat content of bacon can potentially aggravate colitis symptoms by causing discomfort during digestion. But by choosing leaner bacon and keeping portions small, you can likely enjoy it in moderation with no problems.
I recommend baking bacon in the oven on a wire rack so the fat can drip off. This results in crispier bacon with far less grease compared to frying. Two baked strips alongside scrambled eggs makes for a great colitis-friendly breakfast!
Some people also tolerate turkey bacon better than pork. Feel free to experiment to see which option agrees best with your gut.
7 Tips for Enjoying Bacon Safely with Colitis
If you want to enjoy the occasional bacon snack or BLT while managing colitis, here are my top tips:
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Go lean – Opt for center-cut or turkey bacon with less fat.
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Portion control – Stick to 1-2 strips max per serving.
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Bake don’t fry – Baking reduces the grease versus frying.
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Go easy on greasy sides – Avoid pairing with hashbrowns or buttery toast.
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Mind your marinades – Skip bacon marinated in oils, sugars or other irritating ingredients.
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Slow down – Be sure to thoroughly chew each bite to aid digestion.
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Listen to your body – Note any symptoms and adjust your diet accordingly.
It’s key to pay attention to how your body reacts and avoid foods that seem to trigger flare-up symptoms. Using a food journal can help identify problem foods.
9 Foods to Avoid During Colitis Flare-Ups
While bacon may be okay occasionally, there are certain foods colitis patients are better off avoiding, especially during flare-ups when the colon is extra sensitive. Here are 9 top foods to steer clear of:
- Greasy fried foods like french fries, chicken nuggets, etc.
- Buttery, creamy dishes like fettuccine alfredo or mac and cheese
- Tough meats like steak that are hard to digest
- Gas-producing veggies like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage
- Carbonated drinks like soda that contain bubbles
- Alcohol, which dehydrates the body
- Popcorn and nuts with rough fiber
- Dried fruits that are high in fiber and sugar
- Spicy foods like hot sauce or chili that can burn
Sticking with cooked vegetables, skinless poultry, fish and easily digestible grains like white rice is your safest bet. And always stay hydrated by sipping water throughout the day.
Can You Eat Bacon During a Colitis Flare-Up?
When colitis symptoms flare up, it’s especially important to give your gut a rest by avoiding irritating foods. Greasy meats like bacon are more likely to cause problems when your colon is already inflamed.
I’d recommend avoiding bacon until your flare-up subsides. Stick to simple, low-fiber foods like bananas, white toast, boiled potatoes, clear broths and tender cooked chicken.
You’ll also want to limit dairy, raw fruits and vegetables, carbonated drinks, alcohol and caffeine until you’re feeling better.
Once the flare-up passes, you can likely enjoy bacon again in moderation. But everyone is different, so pay attention to your own body.
Final Tips for Living Well with Colitis
Managing colitis involves more than just diet – getting enough sleep, managing stress levels, staying hydrated and taking medications as prescribed also play a role.
But paying attention to which foods help or worsen your symptoms goes a long way in controlling flare-ups. Avoid obvious irritants, listen to your body, and work with your doctor to find a diet that allows you to enjoy bacon and other favorite foods safely.
With the right lifestyle changes tailored to your needs, you can keep colitis symptoms under control and still enjoy a high quality of life. Here’s to happily eating bacon again once your next flare-up passes!
Low-Fiber Fruits and Veggies
Finding fruits you can tolerate makes life with ulcerative colitis a little bit sweeter. The skin on fruits like apples is high in fiber, which can be problematic for people with UC. If you cook fruits or choose canned fruit that isn’t sweetened, you can cut down on the fiber and make them easier on your digestive tract.
“Any skins are a no-go for me!” shared one MyCrohnsAndColitisTeam member. “I can’t digest any of them, so everything gets peeled before I eat it. Another wrote, “Fruits should be peeled and boiled, and vegetables cooked after boiling. ”.
Along with a low-fiber or low-residue diet, some people find it helpful to keep their UC symptoms under control during an active flare-up or to avoid flare-ups in the first place. You can try small amounts of low-fiber fruits like applesauce, bananas, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, or cantaloupe if your doctor or nutritionist agrees with this plan. Giving canned pumpkin, mashed potatoes without the skin, or well-cooked carrots a try is the same thing.
Some members of MyCrohnsAndColitisTeam report doing fine with vegetables, even high-fiber ones. One member shared, “I eat Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, and asparagus almost every day and have no issues. However, sugar and gluten make my stomach hurt, so I haven’t eaten them for two months now. What a difference that has made. ”.
Keeping a food diary can help you document how different foods affect your UC symptoms. Use this information to structure your meal plan so you’re not placing unnecessary restrictions on yourself. Keep track of your symptoms to see if they get worse. If they do, it could mean that your UC is getting worse or that you need to talk to your doctor about switching treatments.
Fats make food taste and feel better while giving you the calories and nutrients you need to keep from losing weight by accident if you have ulcerative colitis. However, not all fats are created equal.
Studies show a high intake of myristic acid may increase the rate of flare-ups for some people with UC. Myristic acid is a type of fat found in coconut oil, palm oil, and high-fat dairy.
In addition, processed fats such as trans fats in fried and fast food, are considered proinflammatory foods. People with UC may find it hard to digest these fats, and they also raise the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
To limit unhealthy fats, swap fried foods, high-fat meats, and dairy for avocados, olives, sardines, and nut butters. Use a little olive oil when you cook, or cook in ways that need less fat to begin with, like steaming, grilling, roasting, or air-frying.
Some MyCrohnsAndColitis members swear by their air fryers. One member wrote, “Because there’s no grease, I can eat many things I couldn’t eat before.” “We make all kinds of veggies in it, and even chicken fingers. ”.
Probiotics contain live bacteria that help support a healthy gut and digestion and may help manage UC. You can find these “good bacteria in fermented vegetables and yogurt. Getting probiotics from food can be safer and more gentle than taking supplements as long as they don’t make your symptoms worse.
Foods high in probiotics include:
- Kefir
- Kimchi
- Kombucha
- Miso soup
- Sauerkraut
- Sour cream
- Tempeh
- Yogurt that isn’t sweetened (look for the label to say “live and active cultures”).
Experimenting with different ingredients can help expand your palate and make eating with UC more exciting. Some of these things might be easier to find at an international food store, so don’t be afraid to leave your comfort zone. Perhaps you’ll find a new favorite that helps control your UC symptoms and brings you joy.
Some MyCrohnsAndColitisTeam members even try fermenting their own probiotic foods at home. “I’ve made a batch of kimchi and also am trying fermented sauerkraut,” shared one member. They later reported, “The sauerkraut has turned out to be the most delicious stuff I’ve ever tasted. I’ve had no adverse effects, and my stomach has been behaving very well. ”.
Many adults have trouble digesting lactose, the naturally occurring sugar in dairy products. However, even if you’re lactose intolerant, that doesn’t mean you should never eat dairy again. Plenty of lactose-free dairy products provide protein and micronutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium.
Some of these items (like lactose-free milk) are processed with enzymes that predigest the lactose for you. Others, like hard cheeses and yogurt, are naturally low in lactose. Different people can tolerate different amounts of lactose. You might find that a slice of cheese is fine, but a large glass of milk doesn’t sit well.
For those who want to eat dairy, one member of MyCrohnsAndColitisTeam said, “I can handle cheese and yogurt, but if I have other kinds of dairy, I take lactase enzymes, which help break down the lactose.” ”.
You can get lactase supplements without a prescription to help your body break down lactose when you eat dairy. Paying attention to how your stomach feels in the hours after eating will help you figure out what works best for you.
For more guidance, ask your gastroenterologist about meeting with a registered dietitian or nutritionist. A dietary specialist can help you design an ulcerative colitis diet plan that meets your needs. Keep in mind that these needs may change over time as you age with UC.
Connect with others who understand.
Figuring out what to eat when you have ulcerative colitis (UC) can feel like a guessing game. Different people have different trigger foods, and there isn’t a single diet that has been shown to cure or prevent UC. However, most health experts agree that some dietary changes are good for digestion and less likely to cause a problem.
IBD, or inflammatory bowel disease, is what both UC and Crohn’s disease are. UC only affects the colon, though. Diet recommendations may differ between the two types of IBD. For example, UC is more likely to cause diarrhea that is bloody. During a flare, avoiding foods like candy and juice that have a lot of sugar or added sweeteners can help keep your stools from being watery.
A healthy, well-balanced diet is best for your health and will make sure you get all the nutrients you need. Try to limit the foods you restrict, unless they make your symptoms worse. If you’re not sure which foods cause a reaction, your physician and dietitian can help.
Here are five types of foods that you might want to eat more of while you’re on UC.
Protein is essential for people with UC, but studies suggest that red meat and processed meats may promote inflammation in the colon. Fortunately, you can get plenty of protein from lean meats, seafood, and plant-based proteins.
Instead of fried chicken, bacon, beef burgers, or sausages, try the following foods. These may be easier to digest:
- Chicken or turkey breast
- Fish
- Hemp or pea protein (unsweetened)
- Nut butters (unsweetened and smooth versions)
- Shrimp
- Tofu
- Eggs
If you like seafood, fish is a great source of complete protein and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, a review of several research studies found that specific compounds in eggs may be beneficial in reducing UC inflammation.
If you want to be easy on your stomach, spread out your protein over four to six small meals instead of one big one. It’s easier to get protein several times a day if you keep some hard-boiled eggs in the fridge and your favorite protein powder or nut butter on hand for smoothies.
Read more about what to drink and what not to drink with UC.
Foods You Should And Should Not Eat With Ulcerative Colitis
FAQ
What meat can you eat with colitis?
Can I eat sausage with colitis?
Can I eat a burger with colitis?
What should I eat if I have ulcerative colitis?
During UC remission, speak with your nutritionist about foods to reintroduce back into your diet, such as high-fiber foods that are not only heart-healthy but also help you maintain normal bowel movements. If you have ulcerative colitis, managing your diet can go a long way in reducing symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, and diarrhea.
Can one eat bacon with diverticulosis?
You can eat bacon with diverticulosis, but it is not the most recommended. In a person with diverticulosis, it is recommended to consume foods with soluble fiber such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes.
Can personal trigger foods help ulcerative colitis remission?
Ulcerative colitis, one form of IBD, is no different. Getting a handle on what those personal trigger foods are can help you to achieve and stay in ulcerative colitis remission, meaning you can actually be free of your symptoms with the right plan.
Does diet affect ulcerative colitis?
Your diet is an important component of managing ulcerative colitis (UC). On the one hand, certain foods can make UC symptoms worse, including sugary, fried, greasy, and high-fiber foods.