Colitis - How To Eat?

In the intestines, the processes of digestion of food and absorption of nutrients by the body continue. In addition, they produce some hormones, vitamins and slag. One of the few popular functions of the gut is that they support the immune system.

Causes, symptoms and types of colitis

Colitis is an inflammatory disease of the colon. The inflammatory process can involve the intestines in whole or in part, be acute or chronic.

The acute inflammatory process in the colon in most cases develops against the background of an intestinal infection. The causes are different and range from prolonged intestinal dysbacteriosis to chronic poisoning with industrial chemicals (eg, lead). They may be due to worms, chronic diseases of other organs of the digestive system.

In colitis, a deep ulcerative process is observed on the walls of the intestine. Initially, the affected part only becomes inflamed, red, swollen, after which ulcers and erosions develop.

Symptoms of acute colitis are diarrhea, sometimes alternating with constipation, painful abdominal cramps, flatulence, palpitations, belching.

In chronic colitis, those affected complain of dull pain in the lower abdomen, bloating, especially in the evening, fermentation processes in the intestines.

Principles of dietary regimens for colitis

The
dietary regime for chronic colitis is based on the signs of the disease - whether the patient complains of diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, abdominal pain, etc. It also depends on the stage of the disease. The diet is considered part of the treatment of colitis.

In case of mild exacerbation of chronic colitis,

the
diet is designed to restore the peristalsis and secretory function of the intestines and limit the fermentation processes in them. The regime is physiologically complete. Coarse fiber is limited - raw fruits, legumes, whole grain pasta. Foods such as fresh milk, spicy foods, spices are excluded. Feeding is carried out 5-6 times a day.
There is a possibility for a diverse assortment in the menu. Only the consumption of products with a thick crust when frying and breaded foods is not allowed.

In chronic colitis and constipation

In chronic intestinal disease with poor peristalsis and persistent constipation, a diet rich in protein and carbohydrates is prescribed. Preferably, the proportion of animal fats is higher than that of vegetable fats. Yogurt products are extremely suitable for consumption. From vegetables - beets, tomatoes. Rye and wholemeal bread are suitable. Prunes stimulate intestinal peristalsis, so it is desirable to introduce them into the diet. The group of useful fruits also includes apricots, figs, dates, whose nutrients "move" the contents of the intestine and stimulate their movement. Feeding is again 5-6 times a day.

Chronic colitis with diarrhea and intestinal fermentation processes

In this diet, the aim is to achieve minimal mechanical and biochemical irritation, reduction of fermentation processes. Carbohydrate foods and fats are limited, excluding milk, cellulose, spices, salty and smoked products. In this mode the caloric intake is lower - by about 1/3 compared to the previous ones.
The regimen undergoes a slight adjustment when the goal is to avoid fermentation processes in the intestine. Unlike the diet for colitis with diarrhea, carbohydrates and protein foods are reduced to a maximum. The patient eats in small portions 5-6 times a day.

Exacerbated chronic colitis The regimen is suitable for exacerbation of chronic colitis and colitis combined with other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The aim is to ensure complete nutrition of the body during a moderate inflammatory process. The dishes are cooked or stewed. Serve mashed or chopped into small pieces, which also applies to soups. The products should be well cooked. Oven-cooked dishes are allowed, but crusting should be avoided during baking. Feeding is 5-6 times a day.
In general, the diet in chronic colitis should be prepared strictly individually, taking into account the main symptoms of the disease.