Ulcerative colitis is a chronic gastrointestinal condition that causes inflammation and ulcers in the inner lining of large intestines. If statistics are to be believed, there are around 20 cases of ulcerative colitis per 100,000 people in the country. The condition may go unnoticed until they start showing severe and painful symptoms. So, here are its causes, symptoms, and certain dos and don’ts for better management of ulcerative colitis.

Causes

Overactive immune function

Abnormal immune reactions due to underlying health conditions like irritable bowel syndrome can cause inflammation in the digestive tract, resulting in ulcerative colitis.

Environment

The environment and surroundings have a great impact on the risk factor of developing ulcerative colitis. Environmental factors like poor sanitation and pollution may increase the presence of harmful bacteria and pathogens in the surrounding, leading to an increased risk of suffering from ulcerative colitis. Additionally, poor nutritional habits can increase the risk of suffering from ulcerative colitis.

Microbiome

This is one of the leading causes of ulcerative colitis. Microbiomes like viruses, bacteria, and fungi aid in digestion. However, it has been found that the presence of certain bacteria or pathogens in the gut can lead to ulcerative colitis.

Genes

Researchers suggest there are certain genes present that are carried from one generation to another that may cause ulcerative colitis. Knowing if these genes are present in the family can help better manage the onset of the disease beforehand.

Symptoms

A person with ulcerative colitis may exhibit symptoms like diarrhea, urgent bowel movements or abdominal aching, tiredness, nausea, anemia, and unexplained weight loss. However, it is important to understand that experiencing only a few of these symptoms may not always point toward ulcerative colitis. The risk of ulcerative colitis increases if the patient is suffering from these symptoms collectively at the same time.

The condition may worsen if these collective symptoms are misdiagnosed or overlooked, as it may lead to bloody stools or pus in bowel movements, skin rashes, fever, mouth sores, red and painful eyes, liver disease, and dehydration. These symptoms may be painful, and the patient may require urgent clinical intervention.

Dos and Don’ts for ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis symptoms can be overwhelming both physically and mentally as it is a chronic, long-term disease. However, making necessary dietary changes can help manage the condition. Here are six dos and don’ts to help manage ulcerative colitis.

Avoid uncooked fruits and vegetables
While uncooked or raw fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of nutrients, they can cause flare-ups in people with ulcerative colitis. Raw fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, making them difficult to process for a weak digestive system. Some people are unable to digest high amounts of fiber, which can result in bloody stools. So, people with ulcerative colitis are recommended to cook, boil, mash fruits and vegetables, and remove their skin and seeds as it facilitates easy digestion.

Portion control
This is one of the most important tips for managing symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Gastroenterologists and nutritionists recommend eating small meals at regular intervals rather than large meals. Eating small meals can ease the digestion process, reducing the risk of ulcerative colitis flare-ups.

Avoid sugar substitutes
These are also referred to as sugar alcohols. Sugar alcohols like mannitol and xylitol can cause diarrhea, aggravating ulcerative colitis. These are found in food products like candies, desserts, sugarless gums, and soft drinks. Furthermore, people with ulcerative colitis should discuss with their doctor regarding ingredients in prescribed medications. Moreover, one should switch to healthier sugar substitutes made from fruits.

Improve gut flora
Gut flora is good bacteria residing in the large intestine that help in absorbing nutrients from food. Probiotics like yogurt, kefir, tempeh, kimchi, miso, kombucha, and sauerkraut can help flourish bacteria in the digestive system. This helps improve the digestive process, thereby keeping ulcerative colitis symptoms at bay.

Avoid whole grain foods
Foods such as bread, noodles, pasta, brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat, oats, and wild rice are made from whole grains. These are high in fiber as whole grains do not have their germ or bran removed. Consuming whole grain foods can aggravate ulcerative colitis symptoms. It is recommended to switch to “enriched” other forms of cereals like puffed rice, white flour or cream of wheat, and corn flakes. Ulcerative colitis can also be better managed with well-cooked white rice.

Lifestyle changes
Simple lifestyle changes such as weight management through exercise can maintain energy levels, improve one’s metabolism and digestion, and reduce symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Apart from this, drinking plenty of water can prevent dehydration, helping avoid diarrhea, a symptom of ulcerative colitis.