What to Eat for an Inflamed Colon

Colitis, or an inflamed colon, is when the tissue in the colon is irritated and sore. The causes of colitis are unknown; however, it does seem to be genetic. The symptoms of an inflamed colon include loose stools, blood in the stools, nausea, fever, chills, abdominal pain, tiredness and weight loss. What to eat for an inflamed colon is different for each person who suffers from this condition. However, there are some general guidelines.

Do Eat a Healthy Diet

People who suffer from an inflamed colon, particularly conditions such as Crohn's Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome, can sometimes have problems with losing weight and having an appetite. Working on eating healthy foods as often as possible can assist in cutting down on the symptoms associated with an inflamed colon, such as abdominal pain associated with gas, for example.

Avoid Milk Products

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If, in addition to suffering from an inflamed colon, you are lactose intolerant or suspect that you may be, limit the amount of milk products in your diet. For those who are lactose intolerant, not being able to digest lactose can cause cramping, abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas and bloating which in turn can inflame the colon even more. Limiting milk products in the diet will help to keep the colon from becoming further inflamed.

Avoid Greasy and Fried Foods

If a person suffers from an inflamed colon it's important to cut back on the amount of greasy and fried foods in the diet. Cream sauces, butter, margarine and pork products can all cause gas and diarrhea if the absorption of the fat in them is incomplete. This is especially important for people who have had parts of their small intestine removed because they are at a higher risk for suffering from these symptoms.

Avoid High-Fiber Foods

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While high-fiber foods are usually good for most people, the person who suffers from an inflamed colon may want to avoid some of them. The reason for this is that when the colon is inflamed it can become narrower, and these foods can cause cramping. Because they are not completely digested in the small intestine, they can cause contractions in the large intestine and diarrhea.

Do Eat a Low-Fiber, Low-Residue Diet

For people who suffer from an inflamed colon, a low-fiber, low-residue diet is sometimes recommended for a period until the inflammation and narrowing in the colon is reduced. This is a diet that has 10 percent or less fiber in it. Some foods that are recommended on a low-fiber, low-residue diet are plain cereals (such as Cheerios and Corn Flakes), enriched white flour products (such as white bread, buns, and bagels), fruit juices, (excluding prune juice), applesauce, bananas, canned fruit, tender meat that is well cooked, fish, and eggs.