IBD (irritable bowel disease) consists of a broad spectrum of diseases that include crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis (or UC). Ulcerative colitis is a bowel disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract, mostly the large intestine. The large intestine also known as the colon can become inflamed starting in the rectum and working its way upwards. For some, the rectum is the only part that is affected, while for others the entire colon can become inflamed.

Ulcerative colitis is a disease that creates tiny sores called ulcers within the lining of the large intestine. Bowel movements become frequent and rapid during a flare-up, causing serious dehydration. Diet may affect UC symptoms as well as flare ups. For this reason, here are a few trigger foods to avoid with colitis:

1. Red meat

Although science continues to study the effects of red meat of ulcerative colitis, it has been confirmed that two culprits might play a role in the negative effects it has on UC; the gases released when bacteria in your stomach break down the meat or fat content. Either way, read meat is a no go when it comes to your Ulcerative colitis diet.

2. Refined sugar

Sugar feeds the bad bacteria, causing a stress overload within your digestive system. Eating foods that contain high amounts of sugar can cause a UC replase. It’s important that you either use a natural substitute or you cut out sugar consumer altogether.

3. Dairy

Many people suffer from UC that are lactose intolerant. Cream, ice cream, milk and some cheeses all contact lactose which is hard to digest protein. This can lead to cramping, bleeding, and gas. If you are unsure about your dairy tolerance, you may want to do an elimination diet in conjunction with your ulcerative colitis diet.

4. Spicy foods

The last thing you want to do is move your bowels any faster than they are already moving. Capsaicin in hot peppers has bowel moving properties. Plus they irritate the lining of the colon, especially if you are in the middle of a flare-up.

Ulcerative colitis can be a debilitating disease. It causes pain, bleeding, fatigue, and dehydration. You must take control of your disease and make the necessary changes to not only get you in remission but to keep you there. Luckily, the following foods are mostly safe to eat with ulcerative colitis:

1. Skinless chicken breast

You must avoid saturated fats according to the Low FODMAP diet, but consuming lean proteins can provide relief. Chicken breast provides the needed amount of protein needed to maintain lean muscle. And since keeping a healthy weight is important when it comes to suffering from Ulcerative colitis, skinless chicken breast can provide the nutrition needed to sustain your weight.

2. Salmon

Healthy fats can create harmony within your bowels. Omega-3 supplements have yet to prove it’s placed in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. But consuming natural forms such as Salmon can deliver amazing anti-inflammatory benefits.

3. Turmeric

Most people don’t understand that it’s not the Turmeric that is anti-inflammatory, curcumin, a substance found in turmeric. Curcumin has been found to induce remission for people suffering from UC.

4. Prebiotic-rich foods

When it comes to balancing the bacteria in your gut, the Low FODMAP diet believes that you should include prebiotics. Flares tend to happen when harmony no longer exists within your digestive system. Consuming leeks, dandelion root, onions, and Jerusalem artichokes can help feed the good bacteria in your digestive ecosystem.