Ulcerative colitis is one of the types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes ulcers and long-lasting inflammation in the digestive tract. It affects the innermost lining of your colon and rectum. Ulcerative colitis leads to inflammation and tiny sores, or ulcers, in the large intestine which leads to abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and diarrhea. There is no cure for ulcerative colitis and people will usually experience symptoms on and off for the rest of their lives.

Numerous health issues and factors can cause or increase the risk of UC. Some of these include:

1. Overactive immune system
Numerous health conditions can cause overactivity of the immune system. In this kind of disorder, the immune system of the body attacks and damages its tissues. It causes vulnerability to infections and decreases the body’s ability to fight invaders. It is believed by doctors that in UC, the immune system mistakenly attacks the inner tissues of the colon, which causes inflammation. However, if you follow some of the diet tips for ulcerative colitis, then you will be able to minimize the risk of this health disorder.

2. Environment and medication
Certain environmental factors can increase the risk of UC. Medications like antibiotics, NSAIDs, and oral contraceptives are also known to cause this health disorder.

3. Food
Diet tips for ulcerative colitis can be useful in reducing the severity of the symptoms of the disease. However, to follow the tips properly, you would have to avoid the foods which are considered to be potential triggers of UC. Some of these foods are:

• Alcohol, carbonated drinks, and caffeine
  Alcohol can lead to diarrhea by stimulating the intestine. Caffeine found in tea, coffee, chocolate, and energy drinks can speed up the transit time in the colon, leading to frequent trips to the bathroom. Carbonated beverages like sodas can cause gas in the digestive tract.
• Dried beans like peas and legumes
  Dried beans are high in fiber, and can cause bowel movement and gas along with abdominal cramping. You can have these in small quantities to avoid aggravating the general symptoms of UC.
• Dried fruits and nuts
  Dried fruits and nuts may worsen your condition if you are suffering from ulcerative colitis. These fruits can cause bloating, diarrhea, and can also worsen the abdominal cramping.
• Dairy products
  Dairy products can aggravate abdominal discomfort and can result in the formation of gas. You should not consume dairy products if you are intolerant to lactose.

4. Genetics
Genetics play an important role when it comes to ulcerative colitis as it is a hereditary disease that can run in families. Studies show that 20% of the people suffering from this disease have a close family member with this disease. Unlike some other cases, diet tips for ulcerative colitis cannot cure genetically-originated ulcerative colitis.

5. Complications
Ulcerative colitis, or UC, can vary from mild to severe. The complications seen in ulcerative colitis patients include:

• Severe bleeding
• Severe dehydration
• Rapid inflammation of colon
• Colon cancer
• Liver disease
• Bone loss (osteoporosis)
• Inflammation of joints, skin, and eyes

As mentioned before, ulcerative colitis can cause a lot of discomfort if it is not treated properly. Thus, treating the disease as early as possible becomes extremely important.