Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) that causes cramps, diarrhea, constipation, and discomfort, especially after a meal. There are no set medications to cure UC, however, doctor-prescribed medications such as Stelara, Entyvio, Otezla, Kesimpta, Linzess can help manage ulcerative colitis symptoms when combined with the right diet and lifestyle changes. Here are some of the best foods for ulcerative colitis that you should know about.

1. Apple sauce
One of the best comforting foods that you can have in plenty if you have UC is apple sauce. Apple sauce is made by steaming peeled apples and making a sauce out of them. When your intestine walls are inflamed and you are in pain, apple sauce helps soothe the discomfort and keeps you full too.

2. Cooked vegetables
All kinds of cooked vegetables can be consumed by ulcerative colitis patients. Raw vegetables and vegetables with the skin are usually high in fiber and are to be avoided. You can peel and cook vegetables and enjoy them though.

3. Ripe bananas
If you are feeling tired and dull because of UC flareup and have no energy to cook anything elaborate, you can try eating ripe bananas. Ripe bananas are full of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Besides, they are known to be healthy and nourishing.

4. Lean proteins
If you love meat and seafood, you don’t have to give them up completely. Choose lean cuts and low-fat options that don’t trigger ulcerative colitis symptoms. Any of these options are safe to consume: salmon, herring, tuna, white meat, lean cuts of pork, egg whites.

5. White bread and white pasta
People keep talking about the benefits of multigrains. However, if you have UC, some of the best foods for ulcerative colitis will be plain white bread and pasta. Multigrain foods take a long time to get digested and hence can aggravate inflammation. Food made from white flour gets digested easily.

6. Yogurt
If you are in the mood for eating something sweet and cold, then choose flavored yogurt. These are so filling and help in cooling down the stomach. The probiotics in yogurt also help maintain gut health. You can make your own flavored yogurt at home. These are cheaper and tastier too.

7. White rice
White rice is also one of the best foods for ulcerative colitis. It is easily digested and can be very filling as it is rich in carbohydrates. You can make a simple meal of steamed white rice and some boiled vegetables. Add a pinch of turmeric to the rice to help with the inflammation. Regular noodles are also a good choice. Stay away from spicy sauces though.

All these foods can be safely consumed by ulcerative colitis patients, and studies show that combining a colitis-friendly diet with medications such as Stelara, Entyvio, Otezla, Kesimpta, Linzess, can keep your stomach sated without causing flare-ups. Apart from these, it’s advisable to drink lots of water and keep your body hydrated, as doing so will help manage the condition.