What foods should you eat during an ulcerative colitis flare-up. How can certain foods help alleviate symptoms and provide essential nutrients. Which dietary choices can support your digestive health during a flare.

Understanding Ulcerative Colitis and Diet

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the colon and rectum. During flare-ups, individuals often experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. Managing these symptoms through proper nutrition is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being.

When experiencing a flare-up, it’s generally recommended to limit fiber intake and opt for easily digestible foods. This approach helps reduce irritation in the gastrointestinal system while ensuring adequate nutrient intake. Let’s explore eight foods that can be beneficial during an ulcerative colitis flare-up and understand why they’re advantageous for your digestive health.

Applesauce: A Gentle Option for Digestive Comfort

Applesauce is an excellent choice for those experiencing an ulcerative colitis flare-up. Its soft texture makes it easy to digest, reducing stress on the inflamed gastrointestinal tract. However, it’s crucial to choose unsweetened varieties or make your own at home to avoid added sugars that can exacerbate inflammation.

To prepare homemade applesauce:

1. Peel and slice apples
2. Cook them with a small amount of water
3. Puree the mixture until smooth

This method ensures you have control over the ingredients, avoiding any unnecessary additives that might trigger symptoms.

Benefits of Applesauce During a Flare-Up

• Easy to digest
• Provides essential nutrients
• Can be prepared without added sugars
• Helps maintain hydration

Ripe Bananas and Canned Fruits: Soft Options for Essential Nutrients

While raw fruits are often discouraged during a flare-up, very ripe bananas and soft canned fruits can be excellent alternatives. These options provide necessary carbohydrates for energy without causing excessive irritation to the digestive system.

Ripe bananas are particularly beneficial due to their soft texture and high potassium content. This mineral is essential for maintaining proper electrolyte balance, which can be disrupted during bouts of diarrhea associated with ulcerative colitis flares.

Canned fruits like pears or peaches can also be well-tolerated, provided they’re soft and free from added sugars. These fruits offer a variety of vitamins and minerals while being gentle on the digestive tract.

Selecting the Right Canned Fruits

• Choose fruits canned in water or their own juices
• Avoid fruits with added sugars or syrups
• Opt for varieties without seeds or tough skins
• Consider pureeing canned fruits for easier digestion

Cooked Vegetables: Nutrient-Rich and Easy to Digest

While raw vegetables might be challenging during a flare-up, thoroughly cooked vegetables can provide essential nutrients without causing digestive distress. Soft, cooked veggies like carrots and spinach are excellent sources of vitamins A and K, which support overall health and healing.

Shannon Szeles, RDN, of York, Pennsylvania, recommends cooking vegetables until they can be easily mashed with a fork. This process breaks down the fiber, making it less likely to irritate the inflamed digestive tract.

Cooking Methods for Vegetables During a Flare-Up

1. Steaming: Preserves nutrients while softening the vegetables
2. Boiling: Ensures vegetables are very soft and easy to digest
3. Roasting: Can enhance flavor while breaking down fiber
4. Pureeing: Creates a smooth texture for easier digestion

Experiment with different cooking methods to find what works best for your digestive system during a flare-up. Remember, the goal is to make the vegetables as soft and easily digestible as possible while retaining their nutritional value.

Probiotics: Supporting Digestive Health

Probiotics, or beneficial live bacteria, can play a crucial role in maintaining digestive health during an ulcerative colitis flare-up. For those who are not lactose intolerant, yogurt can be an excellent source of both probiotics and protein.

When selecting yogurt, look for products that explicitly state “live and active cultures” on the label. This ensures you’re getting the beneficial bacteria that can support your digestive system. However, it’s important to avoid yogurts with large fruit chunks, as these can be difficult to digest during a flare-up.

If you’re lactose intolerant or prefer not to consume dairy, probiotic supplements can be a viable alternative. These supplements come in various forms, including capsules, powders, and liquids, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your needs and preferences.

Potential Benefits of Probiotics for Ulcerative Colitis

• May help reduce inflammation in the gut
• Can support the balance of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system
• May help alleviate symptoms such as diarrhea
• Could potentially support overall immune function

While research on the specific benefits of probiotics for ulcerative colitis is ongoing, many individuals find them helpful in managing their symptoms. As always, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider before adding any new supplements to your regimen.

Salmon: A Protein-Rich Option with Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Salmon is an excellent food choice during an ulcerative colitis flare-up, especially for those who are lactose intolerant or looking to increase their protein intake. This fatty fish is not only a great source of high-quality protein but also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have potential anti-inflammatory properties.

Dr. Neilanjan Nandi, a gastroenterologist and assistant professor at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, recommends baking, broiling, or sautéing salmon rather than frying it. This preserves its nutritional value and makes it easier to digest.

Other Fish Options High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• Tuna
• Mackerel
• Sardines
• Herring

These fish varieties can be excellent alternatives if you don’t enjoy salmon or want to add variety to your diet. Remember to prepare them using gentle cooking methods to maintain their nutritional benefits and ensure easy digestion.

Preparing Salmon for Optimal Digestibility

1. Remove the skin before cooking to reduce fat content
2. Season lightly with herbs and a small amount of olive oil
3. Cook until the fish flakes easily with a fork
4. Serve with well-cooked, low-fiber vegetables for a balanced meal

Nut Butters: A Smooth Source of Protein and Healthy Fats

Nut butters, such as peanut butter, almond butter, and cashew butter, can be valuable additions to your diet during an ulcerative colitis flare-up. These spreads offer a good balance of protein and healthy fats, providing essential nutrients without causing excessive digestive stress.

When choosing nut butters during a flare-up, opt for creamy varieties rather than chunky ones. The smooth texture is easier to digest and less likely to irritate an already inflamed digestive tract. Additionally, ensure you select natural nut butters without added sugars or oils, as these additives can potentially exacerbate symptoms.

Creative Ways to Incorporate Nut Butters

• Spread on low-fiber crackers or white bread
• Mix into smoothies for added protein and creaminess
• Use as a dip for soft, cooked vegetables
• Stir into oatmeal or other cooked cereals

Dr. Nandi suggests wrapping nut butter in a soft tortilla or spreading it on low-fiber crackers like saltines. These combinations provide a good balance of nutrients while being gentle on the digestive system.

White Rice with Turmeric: A Soothing Combination

During severe ulcerative colitis flares, when most foods seem to trigger symptoms, white rice can be a comforting and easily digestible option. Its bland nature and low fiber content make it less likely to irritate the inflamed digestive tract.

To enhance both the flavor and potential health benefits of white rice, consider adding turmeric. This vibrant yellow spice contains curcumin, a compound that has shown promise in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. A meta-analysis published in the Annals of Gastroenterology in November 2019 found that combining curcumin with anti-inflammatory medication was more effective in treating ulcerative colitis than anti-inflammatory medication alone.

Preparing Turmeric Rice

1. Cook white rice according to package instructions
2. Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric per cup of cooked rice
3. Stir well to distribute the turmeric evenly
4. Consider adding a small amount of black pepper to enhance curcumin absorption

Dr. Arun Swaminath, director of the Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Program at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, notes that turmeric is widely used in India, where the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease is lower than in the United States or Europe. While more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between turmeric consumption and ulcerative colitis, incorporating this spice into your diet may offer potential benefits.

Hydration: Essential for Managing Symptoms

Proper hydration is crucial during an ulcerative colitis flare-up, especially when experiencing diarrhea. Diarrhea can lead to significant fluid loss, potentially exacerbating symptoms and leading to dehydration. Dr. Nandi emphasizes, “When you’re dehydrated, every symptom you have is amplified.”

To maintain adequate hydration, consider the following options:

• Water: The most essential and readily available hydration source
• Sports drinks: Can help replace lost electrolytes and carbohydrates
• Fruit juices without pulp: Provide hydration and some nutrients

Dr. Nandi recommends mixing sports drinks with water in a 1:1 ratio to balance electrolyte replacement with hydration. This combination can be particularly beneficial if you’re experiencing frequent diarrhea.

Hydration Tips During a Flare-Up

1. Sip fluids throughout the day rather than drinking large amounts at once
2. Avoid beverages that can irritate the digestive tract, such as caffeine and alcohol
3. Consider room temperature or slightly warm fluids, as very cold drinks might trigger symptoms in some individuals
4. Monitor your urine color – pale yellow indicates good hydration

While fruit juices can be a good option for hydration and nutrients, it’s important to choose varieties without pulp. Shannon Szeles, RDN, advises avoiding prune juice due to its high fiber content, which could potentially aggravate symptoms during a flare-up.

The Importance of Personalized Nutrition Plans

While these food recommendations can be helpful for many individuals experiencing ulcerative colitis flare-ups, it’s crucial to remember that everyone’s body responds differently to various foods. What works well for one person may not be suitable for another.

Shannon Szeles, RDN, emphasizes the importance of working with a registered dietitian nutritionist to develop an individualized meal plan. This personalized approach can help provide specific calorie and nutrient goals tailored to your unique needs and tolerances.

Benefits of Working with a Dietitian

• Customized nutrition plans based on your specific symptoms and needs
• Guidance on identifying trigger foods and safe alternatives
• Strategies for meeting nutritional needs during flare-ups
• Support in developing a balanced diet for periods of remission
• Assistance in managing potential nutritional deficiencies

A dietitian can also help you navigate the challenges of maintaining proper nutrition during flare-ups while ensuring you’re getting the nutrients your body needs for healing and overall health. They can work in conjunction with your gastroenterologist to create a comprehensive management plan for your ulcerative colitis.

Tracking Your Diet and Symptoms

In addition to working with a dietitian, keeping a food and symptom diary can be incredibly helpful in managing ulcerative colitis. This practice allows you to identify patterns between what you eat and how you feel, helping you make informed decisions about your diet.

Consider tracking the following information:

1. Foods and beverages consumed, including portion sizes
2. Timing of meals and snacks
3. Symptoms experienced and their severity
4. Stress levels and other potential triggers
5. Medications taken

Over time, this information can provide valuable insights into your individual triggers and tolerances, allowing you to refine your diet and potentially reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups.

8 Foods to Eat During an Ulcerative Colitis Flare

If you have ulcerative colitis, you may already know which foods worsen your flares. But figuring out what to include in your diet is equally important, because the right foods will provide you with key nutrients without aggravating your symptoms.

Most experts recommend that you limit your fiber intake when you’re having an ulcerative colitis flare. A general rule is to replace high-fiber foods, such as nuts, seeds, and raw fruits and vegetables, with more easily digestible fare. Here are eight foods to eat during an ulcerative colitis flare and the reasons they can help.

1. Applesauce: Since your gastrointestinal system is experiencing a lot of irritation during a flare, you may want to stick to soft, easily digestible foods like applesauce. Be sure to choose an unsweetened variety though, because added sugar can cause more inflammation. You can also make your own sugar-free applesauce by cooking peeled, sliced apples with some water and then pureeing the mixture.

2. Ripe bananas and canned fruits: Although dietitians generally recommend avoiding raw fruits during a flare, very ripe, soft bananas are often well tolerated. Bananas are also a good source of carbohydrates, which, along with protein and fats, provide energy. Also, soft fruits like canned pears or peaches may not be irritating, says Shannon Szeles, RDN, of York, Pennsylvania.

3. Cooked vegetables: Soft, cooked veggies like carrots and spinach can provide important nutrients, such as vitamins A and K. Just make sure the vegetables are thoroughly cooked— until they can be mashed with a fork, Szeles says — so that any potentially irritating fiber is broken down.

4. Probiotics: If you’re not lactose intolerant, yogurt can provide you with some protein and probiotics, which are live bacteria that may help the digestive system. Be sure to buy yogurt that says live and active cultures on the label, Szeles says. Avoid yogurt that contains large chunks of fruit, which could be hard to digest. “It’s fine if yogurt has fruit that’s soft, seedless, and blended in,” Szeles adds. Probiotic supplements are also an option if you are lactose intolerant.

5. Salmon: People with ulcerative colitisand are lactose intolerant or simply want to get more protein in your diet add salmon to the foods you eat during a flare. In addition to being a great source of protein, salmon has healthy omega-3 fatty acids that may help reduce inflammation. If you don’t like salmon, you can eat tuna, shrimp, or other fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids.

Neilanjan Nandi, MD, a gastroenterologist and assistant professor at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, recommends baking, broiling, or sautéing salmon rather than frying it. “Frying fish causes it to lose a lot of its nutritional value,” he says.

6. Nut butters: Peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, and other nut butters are another source of protein and healthy fats. Choose creamy peanut butter instead of chunky to avoid having to digest difficult nut pieces, which could cause further irritation during a flare. Try eating peanut butter with bread, Dr. Nandi advises, or wrap it in a tortilla. Another good choice is nut butter on a low fiber crackers like a saltine.

7. White rice with turmeric: If you can’t tolerate most foods during an ulcerative colitis flare, you may want to stick with bland choices, such as cooked white rice. If you want to add flavor, try sprinkling it with turmeric, a yellow spice whose key ingredient, curcumin, has shown some benefit in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

A meta-analysis published in November 2019 in the Annals of Gastroenterology found that taking curcumin along with an anti-inflammatory was better for treating ulcerative colitis than only taking an anti-inflammatory medication.

Turmeric is widely used in India, where the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease is lower than in the United States or Europe, says Arun Swaminath, MD, director of the Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Program at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

8. Water, sports drinks, and fruit juice: The diarrhea that often occurs during an ulcerative colitis flare can cause you to lose a lot of fluids, and replenishing them is important. “When you’re dehydrated, every symptom you have is amplified,” Nandi says. Sports drinks combined with water in a 1:1 ratio can help replace lost carbohydrates and electrolytes, he says. No-pulp fruit juice is also an option, Szeles says, but avoid prune juice because of its high fiber content.

“It’s important for people with ulcerative colitis to work with a registered dietitian nutritionist to develop an individualized meal plan,” says Szeles. “This can help provide specific calorie and nutrient goals since all bodies tolerate foods differently.”

Additional reporting by Nina Wasserman.

Managing Ulcerative Colitis

Everything you need to know about treating your symptoms and warding off a future flare — because you have more resources at your hands than you may think.

Bloating and Cramps and Gas, Oh My!

Check In, Check Up: Ulcerative Colitis

Check In, Check Up: Ulcerative Colitis

Can life with UC get better? Or is this as good as it gets? Take these quizzes to assess your treatment plan.

March 03, 2021

How to Ease Your Symptoms During a Flare

How to Ease Your Symptoms During a Flare

Use these tips to quell stomach pain, nausea, and more.

By Marie SuszynskiNovember 09, 2022

10 Common Mistakes That Make UC Worse

10 Common Mistakes That Make UC Worse

Find out which common habits can have a negative impact on your symptoms.

By Madeline R. Vann, MPHJune 30, 2022

8 Tips to Manage Fatigue

8 Tips to Manage Fatigue

Use these tips to feel more energized throughout the day.

By Agata Blaszczak-BoxeJune 30, 2022

7 Ways to Ease UC Cramps

7 Ways to Ease UC Cramps

Use these tips to minimize abdominal pain.

By Madeline R. Vann, MPHDecember 06, 2021

One in three people who have ulcerative colitis require surgery after living with the condition for 30 years.

Source: Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation

What to Eat

Eating certain foods (especially during a flare) can help ease your symptoms and prevent digestive pain and cramping.

What to Know About Juicing for Ulcerative Colitis

What to Know About Juicing for Ulcerative Colitis

During a flare, juicing can provide you with some much-needed nutrients without triggering your symptoms.

By Jessica MigalaMarch 23, 2023

The Best Vegetables for UC

The Best Vegetables for UC

Vegetables are a part of a healthy diet, but soluble fiber may be easier to stomach during a flare.

By Marygrace TaylorMarch 03, 2022

8 Foods to Eat During a Flare

8 Foods to Eat During a Flare

These nutritious, easy-to-digest foods are good for your gut and your health.

By Agata Blaszczak-BoxeMarch 02, 2021

7 Easy and Tasty Food Swaps

7 Easy and Tasty Food Swaps

Replace these dietary items with good-for-your-gut alternatives.

By Charlotte LibovMay 26, 2021

What to Know About Prebiotics

What to Know About Prebiotics

Prebiotics can keep your digestive system healthy. But are they a good choice for you?

By Quinn PhillipsMay 18, 2022

Nearly half of people with ulcerative colitis are in remission.

Source: Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation

Ulcerative Colitis Medications and Surgery

Use this guide to find out which treatments can help control the symptoms of colitis.

5 Ways to Naturally Treat UC

5 Ways to Naturally Treat UC

Natural remedies may not be your primary treatment approach, but they might help you manage your symptoms.

By Diana RodriguezOctober 03, 2022

How to Find the Right Ulcerative Colitis Doctor

How to Find the Right Ulcerative Colitis Doctor

Whether you’re looking for a new doctor or seeking a second opinion, these tips can help you find the best one. ..

By Marie SuszynskiMarch 02, 2021

6 Things That Can Happen When UC Isn’t Treated

6 Things That Can Happen When UC Isn’t Treated

Unchecked inflammation can trigger symptoms (and complications) in both the short- and long-term.

By Elizabeth YunMarch 03, 2022

Most people are diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis, in theirs 20s and 30s

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Your Total-Body Guide to Staying Healthy With UC

Ulcerative colitis can trigger symptoms that go far beyond the gut. Here’s how to protect your heart, immune system, and more.

What to Know About Blood Clots if You Have UC

What to Know About Blood Clots if You Have UC

The inflammation from colitis can also raise your risk of clots.

By Jessica MigalaOctober 12, 2022

The Connection Between Ulcerative Colitis and Anemia

The Connection Between Ulcerative Colitis and Anemia

Blood loss from UC can lead to an iron deficiency.

By Ashley WelchAugust 19, 2021

Can Ulcerative Colitis Harm Your Heart?

Can Ulcerative Colitis Harm Your Heart?

Learn the connection between UC and heart disease.

By Beth W. OrensteinDecember 16, 2020

By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Diet for chronic colitis | Sanatorium Gorny

Colitis is an inflammatory disease of the colon. Treatment of colitis is always complex. A prerequisite for successful treatment is diet.

If you have chronic colitis , you should regularly undergo preventive treatment .

General rules. duration of the diet.

Nutrition for colitis should be balanced in terms of nutrients. The main task of the diet is to reduce the load on the entire digestive tract.

• General rules of nutrition for intestinal colitis:

• Fractional nutrition. 5-6 times a day.

• Give preference to mashed and semi-liquid foods.

• Food should not be hot or cold. The optimal temperature of dishes is 30-40 C

• Exclusion of products containing fiber

• Reduce salt intake to 8-10 grams per day

• Maintain drinking regimen (at least 1.5 liters per day)

• Food can be boiled or steamed.

Nutrition for colitis during an exacerbation.

During an exacerbation of colitis, diet is very important. The task of the diet is to stop inflammation in the intestines, restore proper digestion and eliminate the processes of fermentation and putrefaction.

To do this, it is recommended to completely exclude food products that cause fermentation or decay. With diarrhea, it is necessary to exclude foods rich in fiber, vegetables and bran. With constipation, on the contrary, you need to increase peristalsis and eat a lot of vegetables and cereals.

Dishes should be steamed or boiled. Food must be ground, chopped or pureed. It is better to boil porridges strongly or use special porridges for baby food.

Nutrition for chronic colitis.

Outside of exacerbation, dieting for colitis avoids exacerbation.

The diet is based on cereals boiled in water and semi-liquid food. You can add butter to the porridge. Soups are prepared on the second broth from lean meat. Vegetables can be added in a small amount in pureed form.

You can eat eggs in the form of steam omelettes, steamed fish or minced beef cutlets.

You can drink weak black and green teas, herbal tea. Coffee is not recommended, but can be replaced with chicory. The daily volume of water consumed should be about 1.5 liters.

Diet types:

With an exacerbation of chronic colitis or with an acute form of colitis with loose stools (diarrhea), diet No. 4 is recommended. With this diet, foods rich in fiber are not recommended. All dishes that cause rotting and fermentation are also excluded.

If the disease proceeds with constipation, then diet No. 3 is recommended. With this diet, foods that enhance intestinal motility, rich in fiber, are recommended.

In chronic colitis without exacerbation, you must adhere to diet number 2.

List of approved products:

PORRIDGE AND CEREALS: Buckwheat, semolina, oatmeal, rice.
FRUITS: Pears, apples, quinces.
BERRIES: Blueberries, black currants, dogwoods.
DAIRY PRODUCTS: Acidophilus, low-fat cottage cheese, butter.
MEAT: Boiled beef, veal, rabbit, chicken, turkey.
BREAD: White bread rusks.
VEGETABLES: Carrots, cauliflower, potatoes as an addition to soups.

List of fully or partially restricted products.

VEGETABLES: White cabbage, legumes, horseradish.
FRUITS: Melons, bananas, grapes.
MEAT: Pork, sausage, sausages, ham, duck, goose.
DAIRY PRODUCTS: Milk, kefir, sour cream, full-fat cottage cheese, cheese.
SOFT DRINKS: Kvass, grape juice, carbonated sweet drinks.
DESSERTS: Ice cream, cakes, shortcrust pastry, chocolate.

Colitis Nutrition Menu (Meal Mode)

Nutrition for colitis should be as sparing as possible.

Food should be fractional – 5-6 times a day. Last meal 3 hours before bed.

Recipes for dietary dishes with colitis.

Sample menu for a day from a diet for intestinal colitis:

Breakfast: Boiled oatmeal with butter. Apple compote.

Second breakfast: Beef steam cutlet. Kissel from blueberries.

Lunch: Rice soup with chicken meatballs. Boiled sea fish. Herb tea

Afternoon snack: Low-fat cottage cheese casserole. Apple compote.

Dinner: Meat casserole. Weak tea.

Before going to bed: Compote or jelly.

Nutritionists’ comments:

With colitis, therapeutic nutrition is a prerequisite for successful treatment. Properly chosen diet and its observance allow you to quickly get rid of the unpleasant symptoms of the disease.

“The right choice of a sanatorium is a significant step towards the preservation and enhancement of health. “Gorny” is a resort complex that combines the experience and knowledge of Russian and Soviet balneology. The availability of modern medical equipment and innovative installations, the professionalism of the staff and love for their work will serve as a guarantee for extending longevity,” – the head doctor of the sanatorium Karaulov Alexander Olegovich.

References:

1. Okorokov, A.N. Diagnosis of diseases of internal organs: T. 1. Diagnosis of diseases of the digestive system / A.N. Okorokov M.: Med. lit., 2000.

2. Vorobyov, G. I. Nonspecific inflammatory bowel diseases / G. I. Vorobyov, I. L. Khalif M.: Miklosh, 2008.

City Clinical Hospital No. 31 – IBD: Diet therapy for IBD (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease)

Page 1 of 12

Guidelines for patients “Dietary nutrition in inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease)” were prepared at the Department of Gastroenterology and Dietetics, St. I.I. Mechnikov “(former SPbMAPE).

Authors:

professor A.Yu. Baranovsky, Professor L.I. Nazarenko, nutritionist A.G. Kharitonov

St. Petersburg

Introduction

ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by ulcerative changes in the colon mucosa. Women and men get ulcerative colitis equally often. People of different ages get sick, but there are two peaks of incidence: 15-30 and 50-70 years. During the course of the disease, an exacerbation is distinguished (manifested by frequent stools mixed with mucus and blood, abdominal pain, fever, etc.) and remission (lack of activity of the inflammatory process). Ulcerative colitis is characterized by a progressive course and often – the development of complications.

In contrast to ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease inflammation may involve the entire digestive tube, from the oral cavity to the anus, but the ileum is most often affected. It is possible to develop complications both from the intestine (abscesses, fissures, fistulas, narrowing, etc.), and extraintestinal complications (cholelithiasis and urolithiasis, protein-energy deficiency, etc.).

For the treatment of IBD, anti-inflammatory drugs (5-aminosalicylic acid derivatives), hormonal drugs (prednisolone, methylprednisolone), antibacterial agents, immunosuppressors and immunomodulators, biological therapy drugs, and surgical methods of treatment are used. An integral part of the treatment of IBD is diet therapy.

The question of proper nutrition in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis is still difficult for both the dietitian and the patient. Patients often note that such manifestations of the disease as pain or diarrhea occur immediately after eating. Therefore, most of them want clear recommendations about what they can eat and drink. However, unlike diseases that are strictly dependent on diet, such as diabetes mellitus or gout, there are no hard and fast dietary recommendations for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

However, together with medications, surgery and lifestyle modifications, nutritional therapy forms the basis for successful treatment of the disease.

It should be remembered that dietary measures for Crohn’s disease are different from those for ulcerative colitis. The diet during an exacerbation is different from the diet during remission of the disease. Moreover, each patient reacts differently to food.