The exact causes of ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease, are not known, and the condition cannot be cured. However, diet regulations in terms of foods to eat and avoid can go a long way in preventing flare-ups. Understanding the foods that trigger flare-ups and the ones that can soothe the symptoms can be of great help in managing the condition. Let’s look at some of the best and worst foods for ulcerative colitis patients:

• Skinless chicken breast:  Saturated fats should be avoided at all costs, especially during a flare-up. At times like these, lean proteins like skinless chicken breast can come to the rescue, as it provides an adequate amount of the required nutrients. Other sources of lean protein are eggs and tofu. Chicken can be used to make chicken vegetable soup to soothe the condition.
• Strawberries, blueberries, grapes, oranges, and bananas:  One doesn’t need to neglect their sweet tooth just because of ulcerative colitis. Some fruits are excellent sources of vitamins and antioxidants, and they also satiate the cravings of the sweet tooth. In addition to being great sources of multiple nutrients, they don’t produce a lot of gas during digestion. Gases are, however, released on the consumption of fruits with a high amount of fructose in it.
• Sauerkraut and kimchi:  When it comes to the best and worst foods for ulcerative colitis patients, these probiotic foods can be of great help in nutrient absorption and digestion. They promote gut health and can be added to simple dishes like tacos or scrambled eggs.

The following are some foods that should be avoided in a diet for ulcerative colitis patients:

• Dairy:  Many people with ulcerative colitis also tend to be intolerant to lactose and should avoid dairy products. Consuming dairy can result in gas, cramping, and ultimately trigger the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. So, foods like ice cream, milk, cream, and several types of cheese are best left out of the daily diet.
• Foods with artificial sweeteners:  Compounds like maltitol, sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol are sugars that are released in the body on the consumption of fruits like peaches, pears, and apples and vegetables like cauliflower. In addition to being naturally released in the body, these compounds are present in artificial sweeteners and thickeners and are responsible for the production of painful gas in the colon when ingested. This can further lead to inflammation and flare-ups of ulcerative colitis, so when listing the best and worst foods for ulcerative colitis patients, foods with these compounds are among the most harmful.
• Foods with refined sugar:  Research states that people who consume desserts and other processed foods with large amounts of refined sugar are susceptible to experiencing ulcerative colitis flare-ups or a relapse. So, leaving these food products out of the diet is advisable.