Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune condition in which the large intestine gets inflamed and develops ulcers along the colon and the rectum. It is one of the two main inflammatory bowel diseases and is said to affect a majority of people in the country. The best way to manage this condition is by paying close attention to your dietary habits. There are certain foods that are known to trigger inflammation in people with ulcerative colitis.

Here are some healthy foods that should be avoided when managing ulcerative colitis.

• Beans and high-fiber foods
  People with ulcerative colitis should avoid foods that contain high amounts of fiber. Those suffering from symptoms like diarrhea should particularly try to avoid such foods since high-fiber foods will only aggravate these symptoms. Try avoiding foods like beans, cruciferous vegetables, nuts, or raw fruits. Nuts like walnuts, cashews, almonds, etc., are high in fiber content, which can get difficult to digest. Even in the case of vegetables, make sure to include foods that are all skinless, seedless, and properly cooked.
• Whole grains
  Foods such as pasta, cereals, bread not only contain a large number of fibers but are also rich in nutrients like fibrous endosperm, germ, and bran. They are known to trigger the symptoms of ulcerative colitis to flare up and irritate the inner linings of the intestine. Try avoiding whole-grain foods such as brown rice, quinoa, oats, plain barley, etc., so as to manage the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.
• Dried peas, beans, and lentils
  Certain high-fiber and high-protein foods such as legumes, beans, etc, are also known to contain indigestible sugars in them that are known to cause immense bloating and gas. To avoid such flare-ups, legumes like beans, lentils, peas, as well as soy nuts should be eliminated from your diet.
• Dairy products
  It is commonly observed among people who have ulcerative colitis that they have certain intolerances towards dairy products. Lactose intolerance is known to be a common trigger for symptoms related to ulcerative colitis and should therefore be avoided at all costs from your regular diet. Even if you are not lactose intolerant, the consumption of lactose-containing foods could lead to certain gastrointestinal symptoms. You can opt for other lactose-free alternatives.
• Sulfur or sulfates
  Foods that contain high amounts of sulfur or derivatives of sulfur like sulfites are known to cause bloating and gas. Such sulfites are found in foods like cruciferous vegetables, raisins, prunes, red meat, bread, pasta, beer, wine, some juices, among others. Other foods may include dairy milk, eggs, cheese, dates, dried apples and apricots, almonds, soft drinks as well as canned goods and meats. Make sure you avoid these foods if you have ulcerative colitis.