The Ulcerative Colitis Diet and Lactose Intolerance
Many dairy products can be troublesome for people who are lactose intolerant. Lactose is a natural sugar that is found in many dairy products. If you're lactose intolerant, your body isn't able to digest lactose very well. This can cause nausea, cramps,
diarrhea, gas, and bloating. Though
lactose intolerance is not caused by your
ulcerative colitis, it may make your symptoms worse. You may be able to relieve these symptoms by:
- Eating smaller amounts of dairy products
- Using a dietary supplement such as Lactaid®
- Eating dairy products that are easier for your body to digest, like yogurt or low-lactose cheeses such as Swiss or cheddar.
If you plan to reduce the amount of dairy products you eat, be sure to discuss this with your healthcare provider. You may need to find other ways to get the calcium and other nutrients that dairy products provide.
Ulcerative Colitis Diet During Flare-Ups
People with active inflammatory bowel diseases, including ulcerative colitis, can have a reduced appetite and poor digestion. With time, all of these things can lead to malnutrition. Because of this, good nutrition is especially important if you have ulcerative colitis.
To ensure that you are getting enough vitamins and nutrients, your healthcare provider may recommend that you take a vitamin or iron supplement. Your healthcare provider may also recommend that you talk with a registered dietitian to help you with any potential problems with your diet.
During periods of chronic diarrhea, you may be at increased risk for dehydration -- which can lead to kidney problems. To avoid dehydration, be sure to drink plenty of water, especially during warm weather. Many healthcare professionals recommend drinking at least eight glasses of water a day.
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