Best Foods To Eat During a Colitis Flare-Up & What To Avoid

A colitis flare-up can be painful and frustrating. Figuring out what to eat and avoid to reduce symptoms while meeting your nutritional needs may feel overwhelming. 

While everyone can have different triggers for their colitis flare, certain foods seem to be common culprits among people with colitis.

Read on for a comprehensive guide on what foods tend to ease symptoms during a colitis flare-up and which to avoid.

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Best Foods To Eat During A Colitis Flare-Up

When you feel a colitis flare-up coming on, eating an easily digestible diet that is low-fiber, anti-inflammatory, and supports your gut health is best. 

Scientific research is still learning more about how foods affect colitis, and many clinical studies give conflicting results. 

However, surveys of people with colitis paint a clear picture of what foods they believe trigger their symptoms and which help reduce symptoms.

Low-Fiber Foods

Fiber is the indigestible part of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that is typically encouraged for a balanced diet. 

However, when you are having a colitis flare-up, eating too much fiber may cause irritation in the gut. 

For this reason, it’s best to eat foods that are lower in fiber to give your digestive system time to heal.

We’ve provided some lower-fiber food options below. 

White Grains

Compared to whole grains, white grains have undergone further processing to remove the bran and germ. 

This process results in a grain lower in fiber and easier to digest while having a colitis flare-up.

Examples of white grains include:

• White rice.
• White bread.
• White pasta.
• Corn grits. 

Cooked Vegetables

Cooking your vegetables is a great way to soften the fiber, making them easier to digest when having a colitis flare-up.

They also provide you with necessary nutrients for overall health.

Try steaming, baking, or roasting vegetables like sweet potatoes (without the skin), carrots, green beans, zucchini, or squash.

Applesauce

Applesauce is easy to digest and is a great choice for a colitis flare-up. 

While it’s naturally low in fiber, it’s also hydrating, which is important if you are having diarrhea, and is a great source of electrolytes.

Ripe Bananas

While you want to avoid unripe bananas, ripe bananas are a great source of potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C. 

They are also relatively low in fiber and easy to digest. 

Pick bananas with very yellow peels to ensure they are ripe.

Fresh Watermelon

Watermelon is a refreshing and hydrating fruit and a great source of potassium, vitamin A, and some vitamin C. 

It’s also low in fiber and digests easily making it a great choice during a colitis flare.

Canned Fruits

Canned fruits, like fruit cocktail, peaches, pears, and mandarin oranges, can be a convenient and delicious option during a colitis flare-up. 

These fruits are gentle on the digestive system and also contain essential vitamins and minerals. 

Look for canned options that have less sugar, such as those packed in their own juice or water.

Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Your digestive system is experiencing extra inflammation during a colitis flare-up.

To help ease the flare, it’s important to eat foods that reduce inflammation. 

Salmon

Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids which studies show are great at reducing inflammation. 

Try baking or grilling salmon with a side of mashed potatoes and some steamed green beans with some slices of canned pear. 

Tuna

Tuna is also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids which help reduce inflammation throughout your body. 

Try mixing a can of tuna with some fresh avocado and spreading it on a slice of white bread with a side of canned peaches for a nutritious and easy-to-digest lunch. 

Sardines

Sardines are a convenient and nutritious way to consume protein along with omega-3 fatty acids.

Try eating them with saltine crackers as a snack or grill them up with a side of white rice and well-cooked carrots for a gut-soothing meal.

Mackerel

Mackerel is another oily fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids. 

Make a simple meal by baking mackerel and pairing it with a side of roasted sweet potatoes and steamed green beans.

Almond Butter

Almond butter is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein and is also a good source of vitamin E, a natural antioxidant. 

For breakfast, try spreading a slice of toasted white bread with some almond butter and topping it with sliced ripe bananas and a drizzle of honey. 

Green Tea

Several scientific studies demonstrate that green tea decreases inflammation in the body. 

Try sipping on some green tea in the morning to decrease gut inflammation. 

Turmeric

Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which studies suggest helps reduce inflammation associated with inflammatory bowel diseases. 

You can add turmeric to dishes or take it as a supplement.

Talk with your medical provider or Nourish dietitian to determine the right amount of turmeric is best for you.

Gut-Friendly Foods

While having a colitis flare, it's beneficial to nourish your gut with friendly foods to cultivate a healthy microbiome. 

Kefir

Kefir is a fermented milk drink that contains probiotics that are beneficial for supporting a healthy microbiome.

It’s also demonstrated the ability to reduce inflammation with its antioxidant properties. 

Kombucha

Kombucha is a live, fermented tea drink that some researchers have noted for its potential gut health benefits. 

While more research is needed to learn its effects on colitis, it may be beneficial to drink kombucha while having a colitis flare.

Foods To Avoid During A Colitis Flare-Up

Here are some general guidelines for which foods to avoid during a colitis flare-up. 

However, it’s important to note that everyone can have different triggers for their colitis flares, and what triggers one person’s colitis may not trigger yours.

Because of this, it’s important to discover your colitis triggers.

A Nourish dietitian specializing in colitis can help you explore which foods are triggering your colitis flare-ups.

Fruits And Vegetables

Generally considered part of a balanced diet, fruits and vegetables with high fiber can be tough on the digestive system, especially during a colitis flare-up.

When you’re having a colitis flare, it’s best to avoid all fruits and dried fruits except for those listed above. 

Also, avoid the following vegetables, which are especially high in fiber and should be avoided during a colitis flare-up:

• Beets.
• Broccoli.
• Brussels sprouts.
• Cabbage.
• Sauerkraut.
• Cauliflower.
• Corn.
• Greens (mustard, turnip, collards).
• Green peas.
• Lima beans.
• Mushrooms.
• Okra.
• Onions.
• Parsnips.
• Peppers.
• Potato skins.
• Salads.
• Spinach.
• Winter squash.

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Dairy Products

Some people with colitis are lactose intolerant or have a food allergy to dairy.

If this is your case, avoid dairy products while having a colitis flare-up.

However, if you are not lactose intolerant or have an allergy to dairy products, you can continue to eat dairy products. 

Spicy Foods

Spicy foods made from hot peppers may irritate your digestive tract while having a colitis flare-up. 

If you notice increased colitis symptoms after eating hot sauces or heavily spiced dishes, it’s best to avoid them during a colitis flare.

Processed Foods

Highly processed foods may contain ingredients that irritate your digestive system. 

While having a colitis flare-up, it’s best to avoid highly processed foods and instead consume bland and easy-to-digest foods.

Nuts And Seeds

Nuts and seeds have a high fiber and fat content which may be difficult to digest when having a colitis flare-up.

Their hard and rough texture may also irritate the inflamed lining of your gut.

Alcohol

Many people with colitis claim alcohol worsens their colitis symptoms. 

While having a colitis flare-up, it’s best to avoid alcohol.

High-Fat Foods

Foods rich in fats, especially those with saturated and trans fats, and foods that are deep-fried tend to worsen colitis symptoms. 

Try to limit or avoid eating foods high in fat while having a colitis flare-up.

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Takeaway

Determining what to eat while having a colitis flare-up can be challenging.

Many people tend to eat less and may have nutritional deficiencies during a colitis flare-up. 

However, eating easy-to-digest foods can help minimize digestive stress while still helping you meet your nutritional needs.

Incorporating foods that decrease inflammation may also help ease symptoms. 

Learning your food triggers and avoiding them during a flare-up, may help reduce how often you experience flare-ups.

Everyone’s experience with colitis is unique.

Learning to pay attention to your body’s signals and working with an experienced registered dietitian can help you create a personalized eating plan.

How A Dietitian Can Help

A registered dietitian can be an invaluable partner in your journey with colitis and help improve your quality of life. 

They can provide personalized guidance on which foods to enjoy and which to limit.

They can also help you discover your individual triggers and create a plan that avoids them.

While meeting your nutritional needs with whole foods is best, if you are having trouble eating enough, they can help guide you to appropriate supplements.  

Find a Nourish dietitian who accepts your insurance.