Snacks for Ulcerative Colitis: Foods to Try

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Anti-inflammatory snacks can be a helpful addition to a healthy diet for people with ulcerative colitis (UC). Examples include eggs, bananas, and oats. 





Though dietary changes typically aren’t enough to manage UC, they may be a helpful addition to your treatment regimen. The goals of your overall treatment plan are to manage your UC symptoms, reduce flare-ups, and promote your overall quality of health.





Speak with your care team before making any dietary changes.





This article discusses a range of snack options that may benefit people with UC.

A soft boiled egg in an egg cup

Nadine Greeff/Stocksy United





Eggs provide several important nutrients and can promote a healthy digestive tract.





A 2021 review of several studies found that eggs contain potentially beneficial compounds, including phosphatidylcholine and lysozyme. These compounds may reduce inflammatory chemicals and help make substances that fight inflammation in the body.





Here is a simple egg snack recipe to try.

Soft scrambled egg with spinach and carrots






Ingredients

  • 2 eggs, softly scrambled
  • ½ cup cooked and finely chopped spinach
  • ½ cup cooked and finely chopped carrots
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • a sprinkle of grated mild cheese





Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a pan.
  2. Add the cooked and chopped spinach and carrots to the pan. Stir for a minute.
  3. Pour the scrambled eggs into the pan. Continue to stir gently to cook.
  4. Sprinkle a bit of grated mild cheese on top.
  5. Serve.





While eggs are generally a safe snack, individual dietary tolerances can vary. Check with your doctor before adding eggs or other snacks to your diet.





Learn more about some of the best and worst foods for UC.

Low fat, lactose-free yogurt





Yogurt contains probiotics, which are live microorganisms. These may alleviate some digestive problems that may occur with UC.





A 2021 review of various human and animal studies suggests that yogurt may have anti-inflammatory effects on UC and other forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This may reduce IBD symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea.





Here is a simple yogurt smoothie recipe. 






Ingredients

  • 1 cup low fat, lactose-free yogurt
  • ½ ripe banana
  • ½ cup ripe cantaloupe, diced 





Instructions

  1. Combine the yogurt, ripe banana, and diced cantaloupe in a blender.
  2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  3. Pour into a glass and enjoy.





Bananas are a popular snack for IBD. This fruit may be safe and beneficial for people with UC symptoms because it has a low insoluble fiber content. Insoluble fiber is a type of fiber that does not dissolve in water and can contribute to UC flares.





You can try the banana snack recipe below.






Ingredients

  • 2 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 1 cup ripe honeydew 
  • fresh mint leaves 





Instructions

  1. Combine the sliced ripe bananas and diced melon in a bowl.
  2. Gently toss the fruits to combine.
  3. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve.





Chia seeds are a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. A 2019 review indicates that omega-3s may reduce the inflammatory processes involved in IBD, though more research is necessary to confirm this.





Here is a simple chia seed snack recipe.






Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • ½ cup lactose-free yogurt
  • 1 mango, diced





Instructions

  1. Mix the chia seeds with the lactose-free yogurt in a bowl.
  2. Place the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Layer the chia seed mixture with diced mango in a serving glass.
  4. Serve.





Learn more about recommended vitamins and supplements for UC.





Flaxseed is also high in proteins and omega-3s. One randomized controlled trial involving 75 people with UC investigated the effects of ground flaxseed on the condition. The results indicated that ground flaxseed reduced inflammation and UC severity in the participants.





The study further highlighted that flaxseed oil produced similar benefits.





You can try this flaxseed snack recipe.






Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed meal
  • ½ cup coconut milk





Instructions

  1. Combine the ground flaxseed meal and coconut milk in a bowl.
  2. Place the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Serve.





Oats are a popular snack with digestive health benefits. A 2021 review evaluated several human and animal studies and noted that oat bran may reduce mild UC symptoms.







Here is a simple oatmeal recipe.






Ingredients

  • ½ cup rolled oats
  • 1 ripe banana, mashed
  • 1 tablespoon nut butter 
  • cinnamon to taste 
  • 1–2 tablespoons coconut milk 





Instructions

  1. Mix the rolled oats, mashed banana, nut butter, and cinnamon in a bowl.
  2. Add the coconut milk gradually until the mixture reaches a moldable consistency.
  3. Form small bites or balls from the mixture.
  4. Place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Serve.





Soy milk is a plant-based drink that may be easier on your digestive system.





According to a 2021 review of animal studies, soy products like soy milk may help IBD symptoms by reducing inflammation and protecting against intestinal damage. More research is needed to determine the exact effects of soy milk and other soy products in humans.





You may want to try this soy milk snack recipe. 






Ingredients

  • 1 cup soy milk 
  • ½ ripe banana
  • 1 tablespoon almond butter





Instructions

  1. Combine soy milk, ripe banana, and almond butter in a blender.
  2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  3. Pour into a glass and enjoy.





According to a recent review, limiting red meat, processed foods, and dairy products may help reduce UC symptoms. The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation lists some other common IBD trigger foods:

  • high fat foods, such as fried foods or butter
  • high fiber foods, such as Brussels sprouts and cauliflower
  • added sugars, sugary foods, and sugar-sweetened beverages
  • alcohol
  • caffeinated coffee or tea
  • spicy foods 





It’s important to remember that limiting too many foods may lead to malnutrition. Talk with a healthcare professional to find safe ways to adjust your eating habits.





Learn more about meal planning with UC.





Certain snacks may help manage UC symptoms or prevent flare-ups, including bananas, oats, and snacks containing soy milk. Avoiding some foods may also help prevent flare-ups, including spicy foods and caffeine.







You may wish to talk with a healthcare professional before making changes to your diet.

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