Nutrition in Ulcerative Colitis
Good news — there’s no special “UC diet” you have to follow. The real goal is simply eating well, staying hydrated, and noticing what your body likes.
The Big Picture
A healthy and balanced diet supports your overall health and can be especially helpful if you have UC symptoms.
What Is a Healthy & Balanced Diet?
Aim for variety, balance, and real foods — no extreme rules needed.
Eat a variety
Include foods from all food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy.
Choose healthy fats
Olive oil, nuts, avocado, and fish are great everyday picks.
Lean proteins
Fish, turkey, and chicken breast are everyday-friendly options.
Stay hydrated
Water throughout the day matters — especially when symptoms are active.
Eat mindfully
Slow down, chew well, and enjoy your meals.
Some foods less often
Things like fried foods, red meat, ultra-processed foods (e.g., burgers, frozen pizza), and lots of sweets are best kept to occasional rather than everyday.
Diet Tips for Different Situations
Two moments when your eating plan may need a small adjustment.
Diet During Flare-Ups
During a flare, your body needs extra support and your gut may be more sensitive. General tips that work for many people:
- Focus on nutrient-rich foods that give you steady energy — like eggs, smoothies, soups, or peanut butter on toast.
- Some people find lower-fiber foods easier to tolerate during a flare (for example, white bread, white rice or pasta, well-cooked vegetables without skins or seeds, peeled fruit, eggs).
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially if you have diarrhea.
These are general tips — your medical team or dietitian can help you figure out what’s right for you.
Diet When Taking Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids can affect appetite, fluid retention, blood sugar, and bone strength. Eating in a way that takes those side effects into account can help you feel better while you’re on them:
- Limit salty foods.
Steroids can cause your body to hold on to extra fluid — less salt helps reduce puffiness. - Limit sweets and sugary drinks.
Steroids can raise your blood sugar — keeping sweets occasional helps your body stay steady. - Include calcium-rich foods and drinks like milk, cheese, yogurt, calcium-fortified orange juice, and shrimp.
Steroids can weaken bones over time — calcium helps protect them. - Pick satisfying snacks between meals like fruit, low-fat crackers, or non-frosted cereal.
Steroids can increase hunger — these snacks help you feel full without piling on extra salt or sugar.
These are general tips — your medical team or dietitian can give you advice tailored to your treatment plan.