Ulcerative Colitis 

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is an inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the lining of the large bowel, characterised by periods of flares and remissions.

The cause of Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is still unknown; however the environment, genes and the gut bacteria are thought to be involved.

Dietary management of UC

Diet plays a key role in the management of UC. Some interventions that may be considered in the management can include:

• Change in dietary intake to meet nutrient requirements (energy, protein)

• Prevention and management of mineral and vitamin deficiency & supplementation

• Modified fibre diet (active or in remission)

• Probiotic supplementation (inducing remission and maintenance of remission) 

• Prebiotic supplement (active or in remission)

• Elimination Diet (Low FODMAP diet) in managing functional symptoms (in remission)

The Low FODMAP Diet 

The low FODMAP diet is an evidence based dietary strategy to successfully manage of functional symptoms when your UC is in remission. FODMAP is an acronym for Fermentable Oligo-, Di, Mono-saccharides And Polyols. It is considered to be a second-line dietary strategy after assessment and management of dietary and lifestyle factors that may contribute to symptoms. 

The low FODMAP diet involves collective restriction of a group of short-chain carbohydrates that have been shown to  increase small intestinal water volume and be rapidly fermented in the large intestine, leading to increased gas (e.g. hydrogen) production and gastrointestinal symptoms (i.e. pain, bloating, distension, flatulence, nausea and altered bowel motility).

The low FODMAPs diet is a dietitian-taught program to ensure nutritional intake adequacy despite food restrictions. The long-term restriction of FODMAPs is not recommended. Structured reintroduction of  FODMAPs is recommended after two to six weeks to identify which FODMAPs you are sensitive to, your level of tolerance to each individual high FODMAP foods, and optimise food variety and self-management long term.​

1. Gastrointestinal System - Inflammatory Bowel Disease Background. 2018. PEN

2. Diet in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). 2021. GESA

3. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. Irritable bowel syndrome in adults. Diagnosis and management of irritable bowel syndrome in primary care. London (UK): National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. Clinical guideline 61 Update 2015. Available from: http://www.nice.org.uk/Guidance/CG61

For individualised advice, book in now at the Dietetic Gut Clinic 

Karrinyup

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St Luke Medical Centre 
1/57 Burroughs Rd, Karrinyup  WA 6018