Ulcerative colitis is a condition that causes inflammation in the digestive tract of the person. A person having ulcerative colitis usually is not able to consume very spicy food or diet that cause inflammation in stomach. It is very tricky to choose diet and nutrition in terms of ulcerative colitis. This inflammatory bowel disease can occur with Crohn’s disease that can complicate the situation. A person having ulcerative colitis may have very limited options to eat different foods. Snacks are something we all enjoy, and that could be a major disadvantage if proper nutrition is not given. Here are some healthy snack options which you can enjoy without worrying about inflammation and health issues.
Ulcerative colitis nutrition
We asked Ms. Shilpa Singh, Clinical Nutritionist from Fatima Hospital, Lucknow to know about healthy snacks to have in this time. She said it is not possible to have usual snacks that contain flour, spices and different inflammatory foods that can elevate symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Rather you must switch to healthy and natural snacks such as banana sandwich, peanut butter toast, avocado toast, yogurt products, etc. Living with ulcerative colitis, you need to be particularly sure of foods that do not cause any type of inflammation in digestive tract. Here are some snacks that you can incorporate in your regular diet while going through this condition.
Snacks for Ulcerative Colitis Diet
1. Banana Meal
One of the easiest and quickest snacks you can have during ulcerative colitis is banana meal. So you just need to cut some banana, put some curd or milk and have it effortlessly. Bananas are filling foods that are low in fibre. This means that they can be consumed by people that have recently gone through a surgery for ulcerative colitis condition. A person with this condition may lose potassium from their body, so banana can fulfil that nutrition demands too. Hence banana can be a good snack to ease symptoms of ulcerative colitis.
2. Cheese and crackers
Crackers are simple carbohydrate foods that are very basic and healthy. Crackers are easy to digest and can be taken with cheese in order to promote healthy living. Combination of cheese and crackers can provide you with carbohydrates, vitamin-D, protein and calcium in the body. Since people having this condition have less lactose, they can easily consume cheese without worries.
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3. Pita Chips and Hummus
A lesser consumed snack which can be really beneficial in ulcerative colitis is Pita chips and hummus. Hummus is made up of chickpeas, olive oil and other seasonings. You need to have around 1/4th cup of hummus and twice the pita chips in order to enjoy your snack. Avoid too much salt in the hummus and have it in moderate quantity. It contains high amount of fibre but it can still be tolerable for most people if taken in small meals. This reduces your bloating and gas problems in many cases.
4. Avocado toast
Avocados are quite healthy for most people and same goes for people suffering from ulcerative colitis. Avocado contains number of nutrients and healthy fats that can be beneficial in order to regulate a healthy meal. People having avocado toast are benefitted from its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties. You can have it along with some peanut butter or green apples, etc.
5. Hard-boiled eggs
According to Canadian society of Intestinal Research, it was found that eggs can be beneficial in lowering down the symptoms of inflammatory bowel diseases. People living with ulcerative colitis can be benefited with it too when they have more protein in their diet. Eggs contain omega-3 fatty acids and amino acids, both of which are beneficial in this IBD condition. It is a quick and easy snack that can be consumed without worrying much about it.
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6. Peanut Butter Sandwich
This toast or sandwich is consumed by number of people maintaining a healthy diet. Raw nuts actually worsen symptoms of ulcerative colitis but smooth nuts such as peanut butters are healthy. They provide the person with sufficient amount of protein in their body and also protect them from lowering the fibre content in the whole grain bread. You can have peanut butter sandwich once in a day for healthy snacking.
7. Melon Salad
A melon salad is made from mixing different types of melons in the bowl and eating it with some seasoning if you like. Melon salad is very healthy for your body and is a great snacking option for people with ulcerative colitis. People having this condition can tolerate melons that are honeydew, cantaloupe and watermelons. This can help you reduce the risk of other infections that may occur because of ulcerative colitis.
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