Nutrition & Diet
How Food Can Affect How You Feel
Nutrition and diet may play an important role in daily life with UC, and food may affect people differently. Figuring out what works for you may take some trial and error, but it may ultimately help you stay in tune with your body.
What Gets Measured, Gets Better Understood
Consider keeping a journal, it may help you identify what works and what doesn't, so you know how to fuel your body in a way that is best for you.
Keep in Mind:
- Your UC symptoms may change over time, so your plan may need to change, too
- Discuss any meal plans and nutrition questions with your doctor
- The process of logging everything you eat can be overwhelming. Start small and do what works for you. If you don't like to type or write, you can always take a picture with your phone
Observe & Take Notes
- Note if eating the same food at a different time of the day has any effect on you
- Observe which foods comfort you during a flare-up and which foods cause distress (triggers)
- Note how much (if any) caffeine and alcohol you’re drinking since coffee may upset your stomach and alcohol may cause dehydration
- Record how many glasses of water you drink
- Include non-food details too, like your exercises, medication, and supplements, or even your mood throughout the day
- Track your bowel movements, noting things like the frequency, timing, appearance, and any presence of blood or pain
- Keep track of what you eat, how much of it, and when
- Try small, frequent meals
- Work with your doctor/healthcare team to balance nutrients and make sure you’re getting adequate protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals
- Plan your shopping list in advance for trips to the grocery store
- Bookmark your favorite recipes online to keep them easily available
It's important to remember that your diet is unique, and what works for others may not work for you. Your doctor is your number one resource for any questions related to diet and UC.