What foods are good for colitis?

Written by Wang Zhen Quan
Colorectal Surgery Department
Updated on September 21, 2024
00:00
00:00

So, what kind of food is better for patients with colitis? First, we recommend high-protein, high-calorie foods, because colitis generally has a process of prolonged illness and long duration, which affects the digestion and absorption of food and causes substantial energy depletion in the body. Therefore, we recommend adopting a diet rich in protein and calories to meet our bodily needs. However, we must also note that if the amount of diet exceeds the intestinal tolerance of the patient, it may actually worsen the condition. Therefore, it is necessary to flexibly manage according to the specific conditions and symptoms of the patient, gradually increasing the supply of protein and calories is advisable. Additionally, we recommend high-vitamin foods. A diet low in residue often lacks vitamins, which can be supplemented with filtered vegetable soups and juices, such as tomato juice, to provide the necessary vitamins. On the other hand, we need to ensure adequate hydration. Normally, each person needs about 1200 to 1600 mL of water per day. If there is excessive water loss due to diarrhea, fluid therapy should also be supplemented. During acute flare-ups, we should eat a residue-free or semi-liquid diet, such as eggs, fish (except for those allergic), soy milk, tofu pudding, and other low-residue foods, along with noodles and sliced noodles, and it is appropriate to eat small meals frequently.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
49sec home-news-image

Ulcerative Colitis Nursing Measures

Ulcerative colitis is a type of chronic nonspecific inflammation. Care measures include dietary care and emotional regulation. In terms of diet, it is best to eat at home as much as possible, eat less takeout and street food, and maintain a regular, nutritious diet with foods that are high in protein and calories, such as lean meats and eggs. It's also important to eat plenty of vegetables like cabbage and carrots, and avoid spicy, stimulating, and cold foods. During acute episodes, a light diet should be maintained to reduce irritation to the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, attention should be paid to emotional regulation. Patients should maintain a positive and optimistic attitude, which is beneficial for the treatment and prognosis of ulcerative colitis.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
52sec home-news-image

Is the abdomen hard to the touch with colitis?

Generally speaking, the abdomen does not usually harden when touched in cases of colitis. However, if the patient experiences a hardening of the abdomen, it's important to consider the possibility of malignant tumors in the colon or an intestinal obstruction. The primary symptoms of colitis are mucous stools, pus and blood in stools, or alternating episodes of diarrhea and constipation. Diagnosis of colitis is mainly through examination with a colonoscope, which can reveal colon mucosal congestion, edema, erosion, etc. For the treatment of colitis, consideration can be given to orally administering drugs that regulate the intestinal flora, such as bacillus subtilis, compound lactobacillus, and others. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a physician.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
1min 17sec home-news-image

Can colitis be cured completely?

Colitis is quite common in clinical settings, especially in the gastroenterology outpatient department. Patients generally present with abdominal discomfort or abnormal stool, where the discomfort typically manifests as intermittent pain or discomfort in the lower left abdomen. Abnormal stool is characterized by an increase in frequency, a loose texture, and even a watery appearance, occurring more than three times a day. Typically, patients have mucus in their stools but no blood, and generally do not exhibit alarming symptoms such as fever or bloody stools. Treatment usually consists of two types: dietary adjustments and therapeutic remedies. It is generally advised for patients to consume easily digestible foods to maintain regular bowel movements and avoid spicy foods. Medication for colitis is symptomatic, potentially including anti-diarrheal agents, adjustments to the intestinal flora, or antispasmodic pain relief. The treatment outcomes for colitis are generally good and can often be completely curative. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
1min 5sec home-news-image

Can colitis cause back pain?

Colitis is commonly seen in clinical settings and generally does not cause back pain. The typical symptoms include abdominal discomfort and abnormal stools. It may manifest as discomfort in the left side of the abdomen, such as bloating and abdominal pain. Abnormal stools can be reflected by an increased frequency of defecation, generally more than two to three times. The character of the stool may change; for instance, a patient who previously suffered from constipation may now experience watery diarrhea or have stools that are relatively loose, but generally, there is no accompanying bloody stool, commonly referred to as stool with blood. Symptoms can also include a decrease in appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Common causes of back pain are generally considered to result from the urinary system or spinal pathology, such as ureteral stones, kidney stones, or herniated lumbar discs, etc. It is recommended for patients to undergo further examinations to clarify these conditions.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
48sec home-news-image

Risk of cancerous transformation in ulcerative colitis

The likelihood of cancerous transformation in ulcerative colitis is not very high. Generally, patients with ulcerative colitis who have had the disease for more than a decade and have not undergone treatment might be at risk of malignancy. Active treatment and regular gastroscopic checks can prevent the development of cancer. Therapeutically, options include using mesalazine for anti-inflammatory treatment, as well as using Bacillus cereus or Bifidobacterium triplex to regulate the intestinal flora. Additionally, if a patient with ulcerative colitis experiences chills, fever, and severe purulent bloody stools, it may be necessary to consider treatment with steroids and immunosuppressants. (Please use medication under the guidance of a physician.)