Does your stomach seem to be too acidic the past few weeks? Do you always have that omnipresent urge to reflux even if your tummy is not full? Is your bowel movement becoming more and more irregular?
If you have just been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, then don't take these signs for granted. Irregular bowel movement, dyspepsia, and the frequent urge to reflux are common flare-up indicators. Although flare-up episodes suddenly come out of the blue for some people with ulcerative colitis, most patients usually go through symptomatic preludes.
Here are flare-up prevention tips that may help you:
Watch What You Eat
Ulcerative colitis is a gastro-intestinal disease, so improvement or regression of your condition depends largely on your diet. To minimize or avoid flare-up episodes, it is really essential to be extremely vigilant on your diet.
There are no fixed diets for every patient, but there are some foods that should really be shunned. Nuts, for instance, are really delicious, but you'll have to think twice before you even munch on a single nut or other hard to digest foods. You must bear in mind that your intestinal walls, particularly that of your lower intestine, will be perpetually sensitive and can get easily inflamed. Your stomach's acid will not be able to completely digest nuts; those delicious nuts will simply pass through your guts intact and rub against your intestinal walls. That'll be a potential disaster and may cause a flare-up.
You should also pass on tasty foods spiked with pepper and other hot spices. Compounds from spices are really caustic and can severely inflame your intestines. Other foods that should be avoided are greasy, saturated fat-laden delights, like burgers and steaks. Intake of dairy-based products, like butter and milk, should be minimized. Citrus fruits and other acidic fruits, such as mango and pineapple, are also major flare-up factors.
It is important to remember, though, that each patient's metabolism varies and that some may not get flare-ups from certain foods that may cause others to have inflamed intestines. Before you draw up a diet plan, it is important to consult your physician.
Permanent Moratorium on Smoking
If you're a long-time smoker, then you should really consider quitting your habit once and for all. Smokers might argue and point out that you breathe in cigarette fumes, not eat it. Well, you should ask your doctor and know that the hundreds of cigarette chemicals that you inhale seep to the blood stream and get distributed throughout the body, including your sensitive intestines. These cigarette-borne compounds are really acidic and can cause a major flare-up episode to occur. Even if you puff on one wee fag, a flare-up may happen. So, don't take the risk: quit smoking now if you love your intestines.
Stop Drinking Alcohol
This may be really difficult, but if you have ulcerative colitis, then parting with your beloved bevies is a must. Your intestine may endure mild doses of wine and other low-proof beverages, but not hard drinks, like rum, gin, or whiskey. High-proof alcoholic drinks are really acidic and can get your intestines severely inflamed.
Abolish the Coffee-Break Routine
Yes, you've probably heard it several times before: coffee is healthy. Ah, who would not be delighted with the exquisite aroma of those heart-friendly, anti-cancer caffeine compounds? Yes, coffee may have many healthy benefits, but if you have ulcerative colitis, then you'd better put an end to those coffee breaks. Coffee, even if taken in mild doses, can cause flare-ups.
Exercise
Being a couch potato is not just un-cool--it can also get you into serious health troubles. Maintaining a healthy body by occasionally exercising is one of the keys to avoid major flare-up episodes. Forgoing smoking and drinking alcohol and coffee and eating the right foods may help you, but a major flare-up episode is bound to happen if you will lead a sedentary life.
Exercise is a major stress reliever. Studies show that stress is a major flare-up factor. A mild exercise, like walking, is generally good for patients. Meditation, yoga, and other stress-relieving activities are also recommended. But don't just rush. It is always advisable to consult your physician before starting an exercise regimen.
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