Diet
Although diet does not seem to play a role in causing ulcerative colitis, it can help control the condition.
The following advice may help:
- Keep a food diary - you may find you can tolerate some foods, while others will make your symptoms worse. By keeping a record of what and when you eat, you should be able to eliminate problem foods from your diet.
- Eat small meals - eating five or six smaller meals a day, rather then three main meals, may make you feel better.
- Drink plenty of fluids - it is easy to become dehydrated when you have ulcerative colitis, as you can lose a lot of fluid through diarrhoea. Water is the best source of fluids. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these will make your diarrhoea worse, and fizzy drinks as these will cause gas.
- Food supplements - you should ask your GP or gastroenterologist whether you need any food supplements, as you might not be absorbing enough vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and iron.
Stress
Again, although stress does not cause ulcerative colitis, successfully managing your stress levels may reduce the frequency of symptoms. The following advice may help:
- Exercise - exercise has been proven to reduce stress and lift your mood. Your GP or gastroenterologist should be able to advise you on a suitable exercise plan.
- Relaxation techniques - breathing exercises, meditation and Yoga are good ways of teaching yourself to relax.
- Communication - living with ulcerative colitis can be frustrating and isolating. Talking to other people with the condition can be of great benefit.
For more advice see the Live Well topic on Stress management.
