Diet for Colitis Patients

Foods to Eat

• The Mayo Clinic recommends a diet high in fiber, including fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. According to ColitisDiet.org, recommended foods include raw apples (with skin); raw peaches, pears, and tangerines; raw lettuce or tomato; cooked asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, spinach and squash; canned black beans; fresh lima beans or kidney beans; potatoes; whole wheat bread; brown or white rice; and bran cereal.
  
  

Foods to Avoid

• The Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding dairy products, as they may aggravate colitis, but ColitisDiet.org says dairy products are fine as long as you aren't lactose intolerant. Caffeine, sorbitol (an artificial sweetener), onions, chives, fat and carbonated drinks should be limited.
  
  

How & When to Eat

• The Mayo Clinic recommends eating small meals as opposed to large meals. You should also drink plenty of water, both before and after eating. It is especially important to keep eating even when a "flare-up" occurs and the intestines are irritated, in order to provide proper nourishment for your body to heal.