Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a potentially serious form of ailment that largely affects people between ages 15 and 35. The large intestine’s inner lining becomes inflamed, causing abdominal pain, blood stools, and weight loss. UC mostly arises due to an overactive immune system, although genes and bacteria are known risk factors. Treatment depends on the severity of the problem, with surgery seen as a last resort when the symptoms are too dramatic.

Patients suffering from UC are generally advised to follow a strict diet, as there are foods that worsen or improve the problem. In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at the former, and reveal 5 most harmful foods.

Cruciferous veggies
While they may be nutritious, green leafy vegetables, such as broccoli and cabbage, prove detrimental for patients with UC. These foods contain a lot of fiber, which gets difficult to digest for people suffering from such a disease. Additionally, these vegetables are home to a lot of sulfur that can worsen a patient’s gut health, causing an unnecessary flare-up. Also, certain molecules found in broccoli damage potent antioxidants in the body, thereby opening it up to oxidative damage.
Juices made from these are also dangerous, as they contain too much fiber. Decreasing dependence on these is the only option.

Alcohol
UC patients must steer clear of alcohol at all costs. Even a single glass can have a significant impact, later showing up as symptoms such as diarrhea and nausea. Studies have gone on to prove how these beverages worsen UC symptoms, causing an inflammatory response from the gut, leading to excessive bleeding. Alcohol lowers the ability of the gut to protect itself, often provoking serious attacks as well.
A heavy liver injury is also quite possible, making alcohol an absolute no-go for people with UC.

Gluten-rich foods
Gluten is a specific protein found in foods like wheat and barley. Many UC patients have gluten intolerance (GI), a condition where digesting such proteins becomes extremely difficult. A diet heavy in gluten can, therefore, make symptoms worse by causing an instant gastrointestinal reaction. Inflammation may also grow beyond control due to gluten-rich foods such as pizza, pasta, and bread.

Nuts
Walnuts, almonds, and coconuts are all harmful for UC sufferers. These contain a whole lot of fiber, which, as good as it may be, is not digestible for people with UC. Peanuts, meanwhile, also contain sulfate, which leads to excessive gas production. On the whole, nuts can worsen abdominal cramping and trigger severe issues during a flare.

Soda
Sugar is not the only problem with soda. The drink is also high in caffeine, which promotes flare-ups and worsens intestine health. Tea and coffee are also harmful in the same way. Additionally, carbonation in soda irritates the digestive system that can compound misery, causing diarrhea, gas, and bloating.