Ulcerative colitis is a part of a group of diseases termed Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD). When a person has ulcerative colitis, the inflammation starts in the rectum and gradually proceeds to the large intestine. Ulcerative colitis also causes ulcers in the inner lining of the large intestine. Once affected by ulcerative colitis, one would feel the urge to pass bowels all the time, even when they cannot.

Along with inflammation, if there are ulcers, the intestines can no longer absorb water from the waste material that passes through them. As a result, water is drained along with stools, causing diarrhea. There will also be a lot of mucus in the stool. The ulcers can also cause bleeding and slowly lead to anemia. With no cure yet in sight for ulcerative colitis, timely treatment, medication, diet, and lifestyle changes can help patients manage this debilitating condition. Since there is no proof that food can cause ulcerative colitis, the best way forward is to avoid any food triggers that can trigger ulcerative colitis.

Top trigger foods of ulcerative colitis:

1. Spicy food
Most might not add chili and spice directly while cooking; however, there is a considerable amount of hidden spices in readymade condiments and sauces. The spice in these sauces can generate heat and trigger diarrhea.

2. Caffeine
Caffeine makes one alert and stimulates them. If excessive coffee is consumed, one can feel jittery and anxious, adding to the flare-up of ulcerative colitis. Caffeine is also acidic, and it can damage the lining of the colon, triggering diarrhea. Coffee, tea, and cocoa are natural sources of caffeine. Moreover, products like candy, sodas, and gum also have caffeine. People with ulcerative colitis should avoid these foods.

3. Alcohol
Though there is no proof that drinking alcohol causes ulcerative colitis, it is widely accepted that regular consumption could destroy good bacteria in the intestine and result in a leaky gut. These conditions can cause an acute relapse of ulcerative colitis symptoms.

4. Sugar
A diet rich in refined sugar and artificial sweeteners, without a doubt, increase the incidence of ulcerative colitis. Sugary foods can trigger severe inflammation in the colon and cause an acute flare-up.

5. Sodas
Drinking soda makes one feel like it clears the gas. However, that is not true. Most carbonated drinks have a high quantity of artificial sweeteners, caffeine, and carbon, which can cause severe gas. Soda is a definite no-no, as it is a combination of many ulcerative colitis triggers.

6. Popcorn
Since popcorn is high in fiber, the small intestine will not be unable to digest the corn, which can trigger diarrhea.

7. Sulfur
It is found naturally in foods like eggs, cheese, mayo, whole milk, and ice cream. Many food preservatives and additives contain sulfur, too. The bowel changes the sulfur to hydrogen-sulfide and is responsible for the malodor when a person passes gas. People with ulcerative colitis cannot absorb the hydrogen sulfide because of inflammation in the intestinal linings. Their bowels produce more hydrogen sulfide, causing severe gas, bloating, and urgency to pass stools, requiring frequent trips to the bathroom.

8. Chocolate
Cocoa is rich in caffeine, and sugar is a trigger by itself. Chocolate can cause cramps and disturb the bowels, causing multiple bowel movements within a short time.