Below is information I found searching the web today. A lot of the stuff I do for Liam is in this article. I have added the link for the article at the bottom of the page if you want to read the whole thing. I just copied the main points. Check it out!
Ten foods to avoid if you have ulcerative colitis:
Caffeine
Caffeine not only draws water out of our system, contributing to dehydration, but it also triggers bowel movements. If you have ulcerative colitis or any other type of IBD, then caffeinated teas, coffee, and chocolate could wreak havoc on your digestive system, in addition to robbing your body of much-needed fluids. Try some healthful alternatives, such as comforting herbal tea and carob chip cookies
Bubbly Beverages
Carbonated drinks are refreshing, but they are full of tiny air bubbles. Swallowing excess amounts of air causes flatulence and irritates the stomach linings of chronic colitis patients. If you cannot resist the lure of an icy cola on a hot day, then sip slowly. Nix the straw, as it will only make you swallow even more air.
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages act as stimulants, and may aggravate the intestines. However, not all alcoholic drinks are cut from the same cloth, so to speak. White wines go down easier than red wines. Avoid beer and mixed drinks that often cause diarrhea.
Milk Products
Contrary to popular belief, there is no direct correlation between lactose intolerance and IBD, though individuals with irritable bowels might have a slight sensitivity to milk sugar. If you have colitis, then your best option is to cut back on dairy whenever possible. A pat of butter on some low-fiber toast or a bit of milk in your coffee is okay, but don’t get into the habit of drinking large amounts of cow’s milk. Try Coconut Milk for an alternative or Rice milk.
Beans
Unless your body is accustomed to digesting beans and legumes, then you should proceed with caution. For many of us, beans such as garbanzos and pintos are difficult to digest and cause uncomfortable bloating and gas. That doesn’t mean you should cross three-bean salad or minestrone off your list, though. Beans are rich in protein and vitamin B12. Some methods of cooking beans produce less gas, and chewing thoroughly helps to aid digestion. If you buy canned beans, rinse well to remove sugars, and experiment with pureed bean recipes, such as hummus or low-fat bean dip.
Stringy Veggies
Some vegetables are hard for IBD patients to absorb, and fibrous veggies such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, onions, and celery are high on that list. Focus on the have’s instead of the have-not’s. You can have delicious, vegetarian side dishes without the accompanying tummy aches. Some yummy green-light veggies include roasted cauliflower, carrot pennies, and baked potatoes.
Seeds, Skins, and Pellets
Certain foods irritate the lining of the intestines as they shove their way through our digestive system. These include:
- Fruit seeds, such as those found in strawberries, figs, and melon
- Sunflower or pumpkin seeds
- Dried fruits
- Fruit skins, such as cranberries, blueberries and persimmon
- Spongy pithy foods, such as mushrooms, citrus rinds, and orange marmalade
- Fruity pellets, such as corn and pomegranate
Fatty Foods
Oil is not absorbed well in colitis patients, so avoid high-fat meals and condiments. These include:
- Rich sauces, such as Alfredo sauce and other cheesy toppings
- French fries, and other fried foods
- Fatty meats, such as steaks, ribs and hot dogs
- Condiments such as mayonnaise, melted butter, and rich salad dressings
Nuts
Small nut pieces are hard for the body to digest completely, and may irritate the stomach. Colitis patients should avoid treats containing roasted peanuts, cashews, or raw almonds. Ground nuts and seeds are fine, though. Small amounts of creamy peanut butter, all-natural almond butter, or tahini are great sources of healthy fats.
Whole Herbs and Spices
If you suffer from Inflammatory Bowel Disorder, that doesn’t mean that you have to suffer from a diet of bland, tasteless foods as well. Take advantage of the many pungent, sweet, and tangy herbs and spices that are available, but remember to grind them well. If you buy dried seasonings, make sure that seedy spices such as cumin, pepper, and nutmeg have been ground to a fine meal. Chop up fresh herbs, such as dill, basil, and rosemary, into small pieces before adding them to casseroles, roasts, or sauces.
