Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

Although there is no evidence for a specific diet in the management of UC, changes to your diet during a flare, can help to reduce your symptoms. During a flare people can experience reduced appetite, weight loss and feel tired.

Examples of changes that might help you:

  • If your appetite is reduced, it can be easier to eat smaller meals, little and often.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Try to avoid foods high in fibre/roughage i.e. follow low residue diet. This can help reduce the amount and frequency of stools during the flare.
  • Avoid spicy food during this time, especially if it makes your symptoms worse.
  • Try to choose nutritious food options to help your recovery, for example, snacks like crackers and cheese, croissants with butter, hot chocolate and milkshakes, toasties with cheese and butter and include good sources of protein with meals (fish, chicken, eggs, etc.).

Remember – this advice is for when you are experiencing a flare – when you are feeling well, it is important to follow a healthy eating diet and include sources of fibre/roughage in your diet, e.g. wholegrains and fruit and vegetables.

Crohn's Disease

On diagnosis, exclusive nutrition is used. This is special drink like milkshakes instead of food for 6 weeks, in order to bring about remission. It is also good to continue with 400 – 600 ml shakes after the 6 weeks, this can help keep you in remission. Your dietitian will also advise you about reintroducing food after the 6 weeks.

During a flare people can experience reduced appetite, weight loss and feel tired. Here are some examples of changes you can make to your diet to help with your symptoms:

  • If your appetite is reduced, it can be easier to eat smaller meals, little and often.
  • If you are struggling to eat and losing weight, your IBD team may suggest drinking some special shakes, in addition to food.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Try to avoid foods high in fibre/roughage i.e. follow low residue diet
  • Avoid spicy food during this time, especially if it makes your symptoms worse.
  • Try to choose nutritious food options to help your recovery, for example, snacks like crackers and cheese, croissants with butter, hot chocolate and milkshakes, toasties with cheese and butter and include good sources of protein with meals (fish, chicken, eggs, etc.).

Remember – this advice is for when you are experiencing a flare – when you are feeling well, it is important to follow a healthy eating diet and include sources of fibre/roughage in your diet, e.g. wholegrains and fruit and vegetables.

If you are know to the Dietitian you can contact the department on: 028 9615 0334


Nutrition