Colitis or ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory condition of the colon and rectum. This chronic disease may cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fatigue, blood in the stool, and weight loss. For those suffering from colitis, a diet low in fiber, fat, salt and lactose may alleviate the symptoms and expedite recovery. Here are 9 foods colitis patients must avoid.

Whole Grain Products
Whole grains contain more fiber and may be difficult to digest when you have a colitis flare-up. Therefore, one should avoid eating cereals, bread, pasta, noodles, and other products made from whole grain flour. Bread and pasta made from white flour are safer options.

Brown Rice, Oats, and Buckwheat
These whole grains contain fiber and starch that may irritate the colitis and cause a flare-up. Other whole-grain starches and foods to avoid with colitis are wild rice, quinoa, millet, plain barley, and spelt. One can have properly cooked white rice instead.

Dried Legumes
Dried peas, beans, lentils, and other legumes are high in fiber and protein. Beans also contain sugars that are difficult to digest and may cause flatulence and discomfort. If you have a colitis flare-up, avoid chickpeas, beans, soybeans and other dried legumes.

Nuts
If a healthcare provider has recommended a low fiber diet, one should avoid walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, peanuts, macadamia, and other nuts. Most nuts are high in fiber and difficult to digest.

Seeds
According to experts, seeds contain insoluble fiber that may cause diarrhea, bloating, flatulence, and gastrointestinal discomfort in colitis patients. Those suffering from ulcerative colitis must avoid eating seeds of flax, sesame, pine, pumpkin, and sunflower.

Dairy Products
Ulcerative colitis makes dairy products hard to tolerate. If one feels digestive discomfort after having a dairy product, it is best to avoid them. Products like milk, yogurt, butter, and cheese may cause severe cramps, diarrhea, and flatulence. Non-dairy alternatives such as rice or almond milk and lactose-free cow’s milk are recommended.

Fibrous Fruits and Vegetables
Foods to avoid with colitis include fruits and vegetables with more seeds and fiber. Soft and seedless fruits and pulp-free fruit juices are safe options. One should avoid eating raw vegetables as they may aggravate the symptoms. Properly cooked or pureed vegetables are easy to digest and good for colitis patients.

Fatty Meats
Meats that contain excess fats are tough on the digestive system and may worsen colitis symptoms. The presence of sulfate in red meat may also cause flatulence and digestive distress.

Spicy Foods and Sauces
These foods may trigger the symptoms of colitis and cause severe stomach pain and diarrhea. Those suffering from colitis flare-ups must avoid spicy foods totally as they may worsen the symptoms.

Diet plays an important role in treating ulcerative colitis. So, one must remember this list of foods to avoid with colitis, consult a doctor, and follow the right diet plan to ease the symptoms.