Salmon & Yogurt
Salmon
Some ulcerative colitis patients have found omega-3 fatty acids to be beneficial—particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which fights inflammation in the digestive tract and throughout the body.
A pilot study in 2011 found that the fish oil in salmon was a beneficial source of EPA for ulcerative colitis patients. Salmon is a tastier alternative to fish oil supplements, and it comes with a variety of other nutrients and health benefits. This is particularly important for ulcerative colitis patients, who often have issues with malnutrition due to their digestive problems.
Yogurt
Foods with probiotics help control the destructive bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. While probiotics can be found in fermented foods like sauerkraut, yogurt may be particularly beneficial for ulcerative colitis patients—assuming you aren’t lactose intolerant.
Unfortunately, the sugars some yogurt brands contain aren’t necessarily a benefit. So, always check the label before making a purchase—the less sugar you can find, the better. Unflavored yogurt that specifically states it contains “live, active cultures” on the label is the best choice.
Did you know...
- A hearty laugh is good for the heart. Laughing can increase blood flow by 20%. Additionally, looking on the bright side can help you live longer. Studies have shown that a more optimistic outlook is linked to a healthier heart, lower blood pressure, and a lower risk for coronary artery disease.
- Does your job make you stressed? We all know that stress is psychologically bad for you, but it also has an effect on…your allergies? A Harvard Medical School study has shown that stress causes your allergies to become worse because your body's defense response loses efficacy when repeatedly triggered by stress. Then, when you really need to physically fight something off, you're less able to!
- Have you ever told your husband something and he promptly forgets it? It's not his fault, actually. It really is because he's a man. The hippocampus (the part of the brain that deals with memory) begins to shrink with age faster in men than it does in women. That's why you can remember everything, and he can't!
- Do you know what the strongest muscle in your body is? No, it’s not your biceps or your thighs. It’s actually in your head. The masseter is a muscle in the jaw that is used when chewing. When all of the muscles of the jaw work together, they can exert a force as strong as 200 pounds on the molars. That’s some serious pressure.
- Are you currently or often tired? As contradictory as it may sound, one of the best things you can do is exercise! It gives you more energy by improving your blood flow and increasing your oxygen throughout your body. You don't need to do much; a brisk walk is all it takes!