Potassium-rich Foods. Potassium rich foods not only help protect the intestine. They may ralso educe the risk for kidney stones. Such foods include bananas, oranges, pears, cantaloupes, tomatoes, dried peas and beans, nuts, potatoes, and avocados.
Fish Oil. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in oily fish, have been associated with protection against inflammation, including in the intestinal tract. Some studies have even reported lowered use of anti-inflammatory medications in people who consume fish oil. Such fatty acids are also available in supplements as docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaneoic (EPA) acids. Standards for optimal amounts and forms of omega-3 fatty acids have not yet been established, however.
Eliminating Foods That Might Produce Symptoms (Exclusion Diets)
According to a 2002 major analysis, the exclusion (also called the elimination) diet was the only dietary approach to be effective for patients with ulcerative colitis. Exclusion diets are those that eliminate certain allergenic foods or those that might irritate the intestine. To determine these foods, patients use a so-called elimination-and-challenge approach. First, they remove all suspect foods from their diet for 2 weeks and then reintroduce one food every 3 days. Patients then watch for any symptoms that might indicate an allergic or irritant response, including gastrointestinal problems, headaches, and flushing.
Typical foods to avoid are:
- Saturated fats, found in animal and dairy products. People with inflammatory bowel disease should limit fats. Some studies have found an association between high-fat intake and later development of ulcerative colitis. Animal (saturated) fats are often suspected in IBD.
- Milk products. Some people with IBD are lactose intolerant (unable to digest the sugar lactose, found in milk products). However, milk and with the calcium it contains have been associated with a lower risk for colon cancer. Taking lactase tablets or specially prepared dairy products may help. (Many lactose-intolerant people are still able to eat yogurt with active cultures, which could be helpful for IBD.)
- Foods associated with inflammation (alcohol, simple sugars, and caffeine). Fruits may be protective, but you should avoid dried fruits or high-sugar fruits, such as grapes, watermelon, or pineapple.
- Products containing corn or gluten (those made from wheat, oats, barley, or triticale).
- Common allergenic foods, such as soy, eggs, peanuts, tomatoes.
- Foods that may irritate the intestine, particularly so-called Brassica vegetables (cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, kale).
- Some experts believe, however, that elimination diets are very difficult to maintain, and it is not clear if they prevent relapse.
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