Gut Instincts
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease marked by inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract, primarily affecting the lining of the large intestine and rectum. In this article, we will examine some foods and drinks that should be avoided and discuss what UC is and what causes it. We will also look at treatment options for ulcerative colitis, including ENTYVIO, a medication used to treat ulcerative colitis (UC), a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It works by targeting specific molecules in the body's immune system that contribute to inflammation in the intestines, helping to reduce symptoms.
Worst Drinks for Ulcerative Colitis
Below is a list of drinks you should avoid:
1. Alcohol
Drinking alcohol can stimulate the intestines and may increase diarrhea, while also dehydrating the body.
2. Caffeine
Found in coffee, tea, chocolate and some soft drinks, caffeine stimulates the bowels, potentially exacerbating diarrhea and other UC symptoms.
3. Sugary Drinks
These can worsen diarrhea for some people with UC and excess sugar intake may prompt an inflammatory response.
4. Sweeteners
Often found in artificially sweetened drinks and sugar-free candies, these can cause bloating, gas and diarrhea.
5. Dairy
Dairy products can cause bloating, gas, diarrhea and abdominal pain for some with UC who are lactose intolerant.
6. Carbonated Drinks
The bubbles in these drinks contain carbonic acid, which can irritate the stomach and cause gas buildup, leading to bloating and abdominal pain.
Worst Foods for Ulcerative Colitis
Below is a list of foods you should avoid:
1. Whole Grains
While beneficial for most people due to their high fiber content, whole grains may aggravate symptoms in UC patients during flare-ups by stimulating bowel movements, causing pain and possibly leading to blockages in severely inflamed areas of the gut.
2. Beans
Beans are high in fiber and can cause gas, bloating and abdominal pain, which can exacerbate UC symptoms.
3. High-Fiber Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, berries and apples can trigger a flare-up due to their fiber content, which can be challenging to digest for people with UC.
4. Nuts and Seeds
These foods are not only high in fiber but also contain fat, which can be difficult to digest during a flare-up, leading to increased symptoms.
5. Spicy Foods
Capsaicin, present in hot peppers and other spicy foods, can irritate the colon and bowels, leading to increased symptoms.
6. Greasy Foods
High-fat, fried or greasy foods can be hard to digest and can cause diarrhea and gas.
People with UC often experience times of remission with mild or no symptoms, interspersed with periods of flare-ups where symptoms can be quite severe. During these flare-ups, certain foods and drinks can exacerbate symptoms.
What is Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is a subtype of chronic inflammatory bowel disease that specifically affects the colon and rectum. It causes inflammation in the tissues on the innermost surface of the large intestine and rectum, leading to the development of ulcers. Symptoms can vary widely but typically include:
- Abdominal pain.
- Cramping.
- Diarrhea (which can be bloody).
- Urgency to defecate.
- Weight loss.
- Fatigue.
- Fever.
What Causes Ulcerative Colitis?
The exact cause of UC is still not well understood. However, the current consensus is that it arises from an interplay of genetic, environmental and immune system factors. Autoimmunity is believed to be a leading cause, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the cells in the colon, resulting in inflammation and ulcers. Various environmental factors, such as diet, stress and gut bacteria, may also contribute to the disease severity and frequency of flare-ups.
Treatment Options for Ulcerative Colitis
Treating UC involves managing symptoms and inducing and maintaining remission. Here are some common treatment options.
Anti-inflammatory medications: These are often the first step in treatment and may include aminosalicylates or corticosteroids, which help reduce inflammation in the colon.
Immune system suppressors: These drugs aim to suppress the immune response causing inflammation. They include azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, cyclosporine and methotrexate.
Biologics: Biologic therapies like infliximab, adalimumab and golimumab target specific proteins in the immune system and help reduce inflammation. They are typically used when other treatments have not been effective.
Lifestyle modifications: UC management also includes dietary modifications, stress reduction techniques and regular exercise.
Surgery: If diet, lifestyle changes and medications do not ease symptoms, surgery may be necessary. A proctocolectomy, the removal of the entire colon and rectum, is sometimes performed, after which patients often undergo an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) to create a new pathway for waste to exit.
ZEPOSIA (Ozanimod): ZEPOSIA is an oral medication approved for the treatment of adults with moderate to severe UC. It acts as a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator, which helps reduce inflammation by affecting immune cell circulation.
ENTYVIO: ENTYVIO is a medication used to treat ulcerative colitis (UC), a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It works by targeting specific molecules in the body's immune system that contribute to inflammation in the intestines, helping to reduce symptoms.
Putting Gut Health First
Ulcerative colitis is a condition that can profoundly affect an individual's quality of life and, while its causes aren't completely understood, diet and nutrition play vital roles in managing the symptoms and flare-ups associated with UC.
While UC is a chronic condition with no known cure, it can be managed with medical treatment and lifestyle adaptations, including close monitoring of one's diet to avoid exacerbating symptoms. With proper management, many people with ulcerative colitis lead full and active lives.