Spices like chili peppers, hot sauces, and excessive amounts of black pepper can irritate the digestive tract and potentially trigger flare-ups in individuals with colitis.
While fiber is generally beneficial for digestive health, for some people with colitis, high-fiber foods like beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and raw fruits and vegetables can be problematic during flare-ups due to their roughage and potential to worsen symptoms like diarrhea or abdominal pain.
Lactose intolerance is common in people with IBD. Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and ice cream may trigger symptoms like gas, bloating, or diarrhea in those who are lactose intolerant or have difficulty digesting lactose.
Alcohol can irritate the lining of the digestive tract and may lead to increased inflammation in the colon, potentially triggering colitis symptoms.
Beverages containing caffeine, like coffee, certain teas, and energy drinks, might aggravate colitis symptoms in some individuals due to their stimulant effects on the gastrointestinal tract.
High-fat foods, including fried items, fatty cuts of meat, and greasy fast foods, can be hard to digest and might worsen symptoms for some people with colitis.
Carbonated beverages can cause bloating and gas, which can be uncomfortable for individuals with colitis, particularly during flare-ups.
Some artificial sweeteners like sorbitol or mannitol, found in sugar-free gums, candies, and diet foods, can have a laxative effect and potentially worsen symptoms such as diarrhea.