Low-Fiber Grains & Avocado
Low-Fiber Grains
The aim for ulcerative colitis diets is to reduce “residue” in the digestive tract, which can aggravate the colon—a particularly bad source of residue is high-fiber food. Unfortunately, because of their other health benefits, high-fiber foods are virtually everywhere.
Luckily, with some research, you can avoid the pitfalls of too much fiber. There are low-fiber alternatives out there for numerous high-fiber products, like oatmeal. Instant oatmeal in particular can be a good choice for ulcerative colitis patients.
Your goal in choosing crackers, breads, pastas, and other carbohydrates is to look for things with a serving size containing less than a half a gram of fiber. However, be sure to supplement your diet with a variety of other foods, as low-fiber products are usually devoid of other important nutrients as well.
Avocado
Avocado are one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. Since ulcerative colitis puts you at such a risk for malnutrition, including this savory fruit in your diet is one of the best decisions you can make. While it’s delicious when eaten on its own, you can also use avocado to make healthy substitutions in your meals. For example, mashing one up and using it as an alternative to low-nutrient mayo on sandwiches.
However, you should eat avocado in moderation. Despite its many health benefits, it’s an incredibly high-fat food, which can cause digestive troubles for ulcerative colitis patients. Limit your intake to a few times a week in order to maximize your health benefits and minimize your risk of problems.
Did you know...
- 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!
- Just saying the words "thank you" can measurably improve your mood. Researchers can actually measure happiness and changes in brain structure when people practiced regular "grateful thinking." This included things like writing thank you notes, writing gratitude journal entries, mindfully counting their blessings, and thanking friends. It may be helpful in overcoming depression!
- Starting to feel claustrophobic? The smells of apples may help keep your claustrophobic feelings at bay according to a 1995 study by Dr. Alan Hirsch. Green apples, specifically, helped people change their perception of their space. Maybe they thought of expansive apple orchards? Cucumbers and barbecue made the feelings worse.
- 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.
- Need a quick cool down? Try drinking some hot liquid. It's true! As counterintuitive as it may seem, the heat from hot liquids will raise your body temperature. This will heat you up and cause you to sweat. The increased perspiration will wind up helping you feel cooler as it evaporates. Try it out!