Ulcerative Colitis And Crohn's Disease - Diet Recommendation

Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's disease are different conditions of the inflammatory bowel syndrome. Since the colon is affected, the diseases need healthy diets to accompany medicines and treatment.

Both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are forms of inflammatory and irritable bowel syndrome. The difference between the two conditions is little and it is indeed difficult to understand the difference. Though the treatments for the two are dissimilar, both the diseases share the same symptoms and need similar diet recommendations.

Since the diseases take into account irritable bowel syndrome and colon is affected in both cases, the diets should be healthy. If you are suffering from ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, pay heed to the following aspects:
- Increase your fluid intake to keep your body hydrated. Normally, with any of the irritable bowel syndrome thus mentioned, you must drink eight to ten glasses of fluid everyday. This will further help calm down inflamed colon and to prevent constipation. Drink vegetable juices along with your daily dose of water.
- Eat small frequent meals. Eat a high-protein diet. Taking lean meat and fish can be helpful.
- Do not take in caffeine and alcohol.
- Do not eat foods that encourage production of gases. For instance, keep away from dried peas, cabbages, cauliflower, broccoli and lentils.
- You must limit your fat intake while you are down with irritable bowel syndrome. Food rich in fats may result in diarrhea.
- It is advised that you keep away from dairy products.

Whether you suffer from ulcerative colitis or from Crohn's disease, it is advised that you follow a low-fiber diet when you experience a flare-up. A low-fiber diet would include:
- Plain cereals
- Refined pasta, noodles and white rice
- Refined white bread, muffins and buns
- Fruit juices and vegetable juices
- Vegetables like beets, peeled potatoes, beans, cucumbers, lettuce and carrots

The following items must be eliminated from your low-fiber diet chart:
- Whole grains
- Prune juice
- Raw and dried fruits(like berries and raisins)
- Nuts and seeds

When the irritable bowel syndrome is under control, it is recommended that you switch over to a high-fiber diet. Since the colon is affected in both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, the diet needs special attention. A proper diet restores health along with medicines and treatment. A high-fiber diet would include:
- Whole grain breads, muffins and buns
- Whole wheat pasta
- Whole grains like brown rice and corns
- Cooked cereals
- Dried fruits like raisins, apricots and dates
- Berries
- Fruits like apples, mangoes, kiwis and oranges
- Green and leafy vegetables
- Nuts and seeds

As a victim of ulcerative colitis or from Crohn's disease, you might find the following tips helpful in controlling irritable bowel syndrome:
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Avoid food that has high fat content.
- Eat six small meals instead of three large meals.
- Drink lots of fluids.
- Learn to deal with stress.