Figuring out what to eat when you have ulcerative colitis (UC) can feel like a guessing game. Different people have different trigger foods, and there isn’t a single diet that has been shown to cure or prevent UC. However, most health experts agree that some dietary changes are good for digestion and less likely to cause a problem.
IBD, or inflammatory bowel disease, is what both UC and Crohn’s disease are. UC only affects the colon, though. Diet recommendations may differ between the two types of IBD. For example, UC is more likely to cause diarrhea that is bloody. During a flare, avoiding foods like candy and juice that have a lot of sugar or added sweeteners can help keep your stools from being watery.
A healthy, well-balanced diet is best for your health and will make sure you get all the nutrients you need. Try to limit the foods you restrict, unless they make your symptoms worse. If you’re not sure which foods cause a reaction, your physician and dietitian can help.
Here are five types of foods that you might want to eat more of while you’re on UC.
People with UC need protein, but studies show that red meat and processed meats may make the colon more inflamed. Fortunately, you can get plenty of protein from lean meats, seafood, and plant-based proteins.
Instead of fried chicken, bacon, beef burgers, or sausages, try the following foods. These may be easier to digest:
If you like seafood, fish is a great source of complete protein and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. A review of several studies also found that certain chemicals in eggs may help reduce inflammation in the UC condition.
If you want to be easy on your stomach, spread out your protein over four to six small meals instead of one big one. It’s easier to get protein several times a day if you keep some hard-boiled eggs in the fridge and your favorite protein powder or nut butter on hand for smoothies.
Can I Eat Bacon With Colitis? What You Need to Know
Colitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the large intestine (colon) The most common types are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease Diet plays an important role in managing symptoms, So can you eat bacon if you have colitis? Here’s what you need to know,
What is Colitis?
Colitis refers to inflammation that occurs in the colon or large intestine. There are several different types of colitis:
- Ulcerative colitis – Chronic inflammation and ulcers along the colon and rectum.
- Crohn’s colitis – Inflammation anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract caused by Crohn’s disease.
- Microscopic colitis – Inflammation and diarrhea with normal colon appearance.
- Infectious colitis – Temporary colitis caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
- Ischemic colitis – Inflammation due to inadequate blood flow.
- Diversion colitis – Inflammation of a defunctionalized colon segment.
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s colitis are the most common types. They involve an abnormal immune response that causes recurring inflammation and damage in the GI tract.
Symptoms of colitis often include:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Rectal bleeding
- Urgency to have a bowel movement
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fever (in some cases)
What Causes Colitis Flare-Ups?
The exact cause of inflammatory bowel diseases like colitis is unknown. However, certain factors are thought to contribute:
- Genetics
- Immune system dysfunction
- Imbalanced gut microbiome
- Environmental triggers like certain foods
Flare-ups occur when the inflammation suddenly worsens. Triggers for colitis flares can include:
- Stress
- Hormonal changes
- Food allergies or intolerances
- Caffeine or alcohol
- Dehydration
- Bacterial infections
- NSAIDs like ibuprofen
Dietary triggers that commonly provoke symptoms include high-fat foods, milk products, raw fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, spicy foods, and artificial sweeteners.
The Role of Diet in Managing Colitis
Diet and nutrition play a key role in managing colitis symptoms. While no foods definitively cause flare-ups, certain dietary choices can help minimize symptoms.
Guidelines for an anti-inflammatory, gut-friendly diet include:
- Avoid problem foods like dairy, fatty meats, raw veggies
- Limit high-fiber foods
- Choose lean proteins like fish, poultry, tofu
- Incorporate bone broths and pureed soups
- Stay hydrated with water, herbal tea
- Take probiotic and vitamin D supplements
Foods associated with reduced inflammation include oily fish, olive oil, onions, bone broth, and some spices like turmeric. A low residue diet can help ease acute symptoms by reducing fiber intake.
Can You Eat Bacon with Colitis?
Bacon is high in fat and has a high salt content. This makes it a potentially problematic food for colitis patients.
Here’s a look at the main cons of eating bacon with colitis:
- High in saturated fat – Can worsen inflammation and cause nausea or diarrhea.
- High sodium content – May increase fluid retention and blood pressure.
- Hard to digest – Fatty meats take longer to digest.
- Nitrates/nitrites – Used in curing; may irritate the gut.
- Smoked varieties – Can contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
- Processed meat – Linked to increased colorectal cancer risk.
While bacon is not strictly off-limits, it’s recommended to limit intake during flares. Opt for leaner protein sources like skinless poultry, fish, eggs, tofu or legumes instead.
If you do eat bacon, some tips include:
- Look for uncured or reduced sodium options
- Opt for leaner cuts like Canadian bacon
- Limit to 1-2 times per week
- Cook thoroughly to crisp up the fat
- Pair with low-fiber vegetables vs. whole grains
In general, fatty and processed meats should be minimized in a gut-friendly diet. But with care, occasional bacon can likely be tolerated during periods of remission.
Other Foods to Avoid with Colitis
In addition to greasy meats like bacon, here are some other foods those with colitis may want to restrict or avoid:
- Dairy products – Can trigger sensitivity reactions.
- High-fiber foods – Insoluble fiber aggravates gut inflammation.
- Nuts and seeds – Hard to digest; may increase diarrhea.
- Raw fruits and veggies – Contain insoluble fiber, tough to digest.
- Caffeinated drinks – Can stimulate the colon and worsen diarrhea.
- Alcohol – Irritates the intestinal lining and causes dehydration.
- Spicy foods – May irritate the gut and provoke symptoms.
- Sugary foods – Linked to inflammation; avoid excess intake.
Again, problem foods differ between individuals. Keeping a food and symptom diary can reveal personal triggers to avoid. Introducing eliminated foods periodically in small amounts can also help assess tolerance.
Tips for Reintroducing Bacon
If you’ve avoided bacon due to colitis, here are some tips for gradually reintroducing it:
- Start with 1-2 strips, once per week.
- Look for uncured, antibiotic-free bacon when possible.
- Fry lightly or bake to make it less greasy.
- Pair bacon with gentle produce like steamed carrots vs. salad.
- Eat it with white bread instead of whole wheat.
- Limit other high-fat foods that day like cheese and oil.
- Stop immediately if you experience discomfort or diarrhea after eating it.
Keep portions small and listen to your body’s feedback. Bacon should not become a regular part of your diet. But occasional consumption may be tolerated by some people under the right conditions.
Lifestyle Changes for Managing Colitis
While diet is important, other lifestyle measures can also help control colitis flare-ups:
- Take medications as prescribed to reduce inflammation.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake.
- Stay hydrated by drinking 8-10 glasses of fluids daily.
- Reduce stress through yoga, meditation, or counseling.
- Get enough sleep and regular exercise.
- Take vitamin D, probiotic, and omega-3 supplements.
- Maintain a food symptom journal to identify triggers.
- See your doctor for regular checkups and colonoscopies.
Learning your unique triggers, tailoring your diet, and making healthy lifestyle changes can help you manage colitis symptoms and enjoy improved quality of life.
The Bottom Line
Bacon is high in fat and salt, both of which can aggravate colitis symptoms. During flares, it’s best to avoid or strictly limit bacon and other processed meats. Lean proteins like fish, eggs, and chicken are healthier choices.
However, some people may be able to tolerate occasional bacon in small amounts, especially during periods of remission. Controlling portions, choosing lower-sodium bacon, avoiding cooking methods that use extra oil or grease, and pairing bacon with non-irritating foods may make it easier to digest.
Listen to your body, keep a food diary, and check with your doctor if you have concerns about specific foods like bacon worsening your colitis symptoms. With care and awareness, some dietary flexibility is often possible.
Connect with others who understand.
Figuring out what to eat when you have ulcerative colitis (UC) can feel like a guessing game. Different people have different trigger foods, and there isn’t a single diet that has been shown to cure or prevent UC. However, most health experts agree that some dietary changes are good for digestion and less likely to cause a problem.
IBD, or inflammatory bowel disease, is what both UC and Crohn’s disease are. UC only affects the colon, though. Diet recommendations may differ between the two types of IBD. For example, UC is more likely to cause diarrhea that is bloody. During a flare, avoiding foods like candy and juice that have a lot of sugar or added sweeteners can help keep your stools from being watery.
A healthy, well-balanced diet is best for your health and will make sure you get all the nutrients you need. Try to limit the foods you restrict, unless they make your symptoms worse. If you’re not sure which foods cause a reaction, your physician and dietitian can help.
Here are five types of foods that you might want to eat more of while you’re on UC.
Protein is essential for people with UC, but studies suggest that red meat and processed meats may promote inflammation in the colon. Fortunately, you can get plenty of protein from lean meats, seafood, and plant-based proteins.
Instead of fried chicken, bacon, beef burgers, or sausages, try the following foods. These may be easier to digest:
- Chicken or turkey breast
- Fish
- Hemp or pea protein (unsweetened)
- Nut butters (unsweetened and smooth versions)
- Shrimp
- Tofu
- Eggs
If you like seafood, fish is a great source of complete protein and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, a review of several research studies found that specific compounds in eggs may be beneficial in reducing UC inflammation.
If you want to be easy on your stomach, spread out your protein over four to six small meals instead of one big one. It’s easier to get protein several times a day if you keep some hard-boiled eggs in the fridge and your favorite protein powder or nut butter on hand for smoothies.
Read more about what to drink and what not to drink with UC.
Talk With Others Who Understand
MyCrohnsAndColitisTeam is the social network for people with inflammatory bowel disease and their loved ones. There are more than 178,000 people on MyCrohnsAndColitisTeam who understand what it’s like to have ulcerative colitis and want to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories.
What foods do you eat differently now that you have ulcerative colitis? Are there foods that help you control your symptoms and avoid flare-ups? Share your story in the comments below or start a conversation on your Activities page.
Foods You Should And Should Not Eat With Ulcerative Colitis
What to eat if you have ulcerative colitis?
Figuring out what to eat when you have ulcerative colitis (UC) can feel like a guessing game. Although trigger foods vary from person to person, and no specific diet has been shown to cure or prevent UC, health experts generally regard some dietary changes as helpful for digestion and less likely to cause a problem.
Can one eat bacon with diverticulosis?
You can eat bacon with diverticulosis, but it is not the most recommended. In a person with diverticulosis, it is recommended to consume foods with soluble fiber such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes.
Does diet affect ulcerative colitis?
Your diet is an important component of managing ulcerative colitis (UC). On the one hand, certain foods can make UC symptoms worse, including sugary, fried, greasy, and high-fiber foods.
Can a bland diet help ulcerative colitis?
Eating bland foods may help lessen certain symptoms that some people with ulcerative colitis experience, including nausea and vomiting. For this reason, many people choose to switch to a bland diet or low-fiber diet (sometimes called a low-residue diet) during flares, hoping that it will help them feel a little better.
What should you not eat with ulcerative colitis?
Foods to avoid include caffeine, alcoholic drinks, carbonated drinks, foods rich in fiber, foods rich in sulfur or sulfites, spicy and fatty foods.
Are cucumber not good for colitis?
Each person with colitis responds very differently to foods introduced into the digestive system. Depending on the severity, seeds in cucumbers may cause some issues with colitis patients. This is specific to patients with chronic symptoms, inflammation, and multiple diverticula. However, if this is not the case for you, then cucumbers can be part of a healthy diet. The seeds are relatively small and you are able to extract them when cutting. I recommend trying to slowly introduce a small amount and if you do not experience any symptoms, then this should not be a major concern. If you are experiencing any flare ups and inflammation, keep in mind the general guideline is less fiber in the diet. That being said, if you are having cucumbers inside a salad with other vegetables and eating whole grains throughout the day, fruits, etc. This may cause some gastrointestinal discomfort. I do not think this is attributed to the cucumbers specifically, as the overall diet. I hope this helps. Thanks! Noah, RD