There is no “one-size-fits-all” strategy in managing ulcerative colitis (UC) and minimizing symptoms. What is effective for one person may not work for another. Over time, you will learn what you can and cannot do to improve the way you manage your symptoms. Of course, your doctor can and should be a big help to you in this process, so make sure to choose a doctor knowledgeable about UC and keep up with your medical appointments.
Get the care you need for your ulcerative colitis
Some medical conditions can be properly managed with little involvement from a doctor. UC is different. UC is a complex disease. Many people with UC, in fact, require surgical operations over their lifetime. If you want to control your UC, you must take it seriously. That means developing a good relationship with an experienced doctor in whom you trust.
The decisions you make about the medical care you receive for the management of your UC can be among the most important decisions you make in your life.
- Make doctor appointments specifically to address your UC
- Remember to tell your doctor about all flares—even flares that you consider minor and manageable on your own (without your doctor’s involvement)
- Provide complete and truthful answers to questions your doctor asks; for example, if you haven’t been taking your medication as prescribed, let your doctor know why
- Come prepared with questions or concerns you can ask your doctor to address during the visit
- Do your best to keep appointments
- If you sometimes forget about appointments or travel is a problem, ask a family member or friend to help you out
Take your medication as prescribed
Medication can be a big factor in controlling UC. Some medicines are taken during a flare to induce remission of symptoms. Other medicines are taken when you’re not experiencing symptoms to increase the time between flares.
Devote a diary or calendar to UC management
Another helpful way to learn about how your medication and lifestyle affect your symptoms is to devote a diary or calendar to better understanding your UC. You can record your UC symptoms, the medications you are taking, the foods you are eating, the level of stress in your life and any other factors you may feel are important. By looking carefully at the information you record—and perhaps sharing it with your doctor—you may be able to shed light on things you are able to do to better manage your symptoms.
Pay attention to your diet
There is no evidence that any particular foods cause UC. Once the disease has developed, what you choose to eat and not eat may help reduce your symptoms, replace lost nutrients and promote healing. Dietary changes cannot decrease the inflammation or affect the disease process itself.
Here are some suggestions:
- At all times, do your best to eat a balanced diet. Good nutrition is one of the ways the body restores itself to health
- When your disease is active, you may find that bland, soft foods may cause less discomfort than raw vegetables, spicy foods or high-fiber foods
- If you are lactose-intolerant, you should restrict dairy products
- When you have severe diarrhea, you should restrict caffeine and drink plenty of fluids
- Decreasing poorly digestible carbohydrates may decrease symptoms of gas, bloating, cramps and diarrhea.
Talk to your doctor before making dietary changes.
Reduce stress
Dietary effects should be carefully separated from the primary cause of UC, which is not emotionally based. It has been observed that at times of physical or emotional stress, patients may experience flare-ups of symptoms, such as increasing abdominal pain or diarrhea. This relates to changes in the physiologic functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, and decreased resistance to inflammation, rather than to increased inflammation. It has now been shown that severe chronic stress can lead to increased inflammation.
The symptoms of many diseases, even those with no known biologic cause,
can get worse in stressful situations.
