Gluten-Free Diet for Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammation of the intestinal tract, and is a type of irritable bowel disease (IBD). Common symptoms of ulcerative colitis are diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloody stool and fatigue. There is no cure, but medication and a healthy diet can reduce the severity of your condition. According to The Living Gluten-Free Answer book, gluten is a storage protein found in wheat products that can be difficult for your stomach to digest, which can exacerbate your diarrhea and pain. By eliminating gluten products from your diet, you can lessen the severity of your condition.

Bread and Grains

According to Gluten-Free for a Healthy Life, you will need to cook from scratch to ensure your meals do not contain gluten. Gluten can be found in: breads, baked goods and cereal with wheat, rye, triticale, barley, bulgur, oats, wheat germ, graham flour, durum flour, oat bran, farina, spelt and kamut. Food with any of these ingredients need to be avoided, as it can worsen your IBD. According to Gluten-Free for a Healthy Life, cereals with malt extract and malt flavoring, wheat flour tacos, tortillas and any wheat-based corn flour should be eliminated. The goal is to significantly reduce your fiber intake. Foods high in fiber produce more gas, which upsets the intestinal tract.

Fresh Food vs. Processed Food

Poultry, meat, beans, potatoes, fresh fruit and vegetables are safe to eat as they are naturally gluten-free. Buying fresh meat, fruit and vegetables is better than processed foods, as processed foods contain preservatives and additives that may contain gluten. It is important to read labels to ensure safety. Seasonings, soy sauce, flavorings in meat, brown rice syrup, soup, stabilizers, cold cuts and thickeners are all questionable ingredients because they may contain gluten. Sucrose, rice bran, corn syrup, dextrose, flaxseed, whey, baking yeast, soy, acacia gum and glucose are safe ingredients. Avoid canned or frozen vegetables in sauce, fruit pies with a wheat-based pastry and breaded vegetables.

Beverages

Coffee, soft drinks, wine and even alcoholic beverages are safe. According to the Gluten-Free for a Healthy Life, the wheat grain in alcohol is eliminated during the distillation process. Carefully read the ingredients on the label of instant tea, coffee substitutes, flavored coffee, chocolate drinks or chocolate flavorings, flavored teas and wine coolers. Avoid beer, ale, stout, lager, malted beverages and barley-based cordial as they all contain wheat.