Breakfast Ideas for People with Ulcerative Colitis (2024)

What to Eat When You Don’t Feel Like Eating

If you’re worried about triggering a flare, eat small, frequent meals throughout the day. And avoid foods that contain sugar alcohols, which can stimulate your intestines and make diarrhea worse, according to Mayo Clinic.

If you feel nauseated in the mornings, you may be able to tolerate a protein shake and cooked, pureed, or canned fruit. Soft, fleshy fruits, such as watermelon and applesauce, are other good options.

A few stomach-friendly breakfast ideas:

  • 1 English muffin with peanut butter and banana slices
  • 2 scrambled eggs with ½ cup of unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 cup of oatmeal with a peeled peach
  • Smoothie made with 1 cup of low-fat Greek yogurt, 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk, 1 cup of frozen peaches, and half of a banana
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs with 1 cup of cooked grains

Foods to Avoid

The foods that trigger your symptoms may be different from the foods that trigger someone else’s. Still, some common offenders are:

  • Nuts
  • Seeds
  • Beans
  • Green, leafy vegetables
  • Wheat bran

Avoid lactose if you notice that it aggravates your gastrointestinal symptoms, says Ananthakrishnan. You may also want to avoid the drive-thru: High-fat, greasy foods like bacon or fried potatoes may aggravate your stomach.

The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation recommends keeping a food journal to document which foods you cannot tolerate during a flare-up.

When to Reconsider Your Ulcerative Colitis Treatment

If you’re experiencing frequent morning flare-ups, there’s a good chance your disease isn’t under control, says Ananthakrishnan. Talk to your doctor about whether you should try other treatments, he advises.

Breakfast Ideas for People with Ulcerative Colitis (2024)

FAQs

Breakfast Ideas for People with Ulcerative Colitis? ›

High fiber bran and wheat cereals could set off a bout of diarrhea and other UC symptoms during a flare-up. Lower fiber options such as cornflakes, rice puffs, and oatmeal may be easier on your gut.

What breakfast cereal is good for colitis? ›

High fiber bran and wheat cereals could set off a bout of diarrhea and other UC symptoms during a flare-up. Lower fiber options such as cornflakes, rice puffs, and oatmeal may be easier on your gut.

Is oatmeal ok to eat with ulcerative colitis? ›

Foods that can trigger symptoms of ulcerative colitis will vary from person to person. Therefore, a person should keep a food diary and note any symptoms particular foods give them. However, some foods potentially can help a person ease their symptoms, including melon, chickpeas, white bread, and oatmeal.

Are Cheerios OK with colitis? ›

“Plain, less processed oats are better. Avoid prepared oatmeal packs.” Other cereals worth trying are cornflakes, Cheerios, and Rice Krispies. For hot cereals other than oatmeal, try grits or Cream of Wheat.

Is spaghetti ok for colitis? ›

Which foods are safe in ulcerative colitis? The following foods are usually tolerated well in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and can be consumed provided the patients do not have any allergies or intolerance to them: White bread, noodles, and pasta made from refined white flour. Boiled white rice.

Can I eat mayonnaise with colitis? ›

Mayonnaise

“It does me no favors!” The fat content in mayonnaise may trigger ulcerative colitis symptoms in some people. Researchers have linked high-fat, as well as high-carbohydrate and-low fiber, diets to IBD, according to a 2023 retrospective cohort study.

Is tuna salad ok for colitis? ›

Salmon and tuna contain omega-3 fatty acids which can help reduce inflammation during a flare and may help you stay in remission for longer. Mackerel, flaxseed and whole nuts (which can be ground up if you have recently had surgery) are also rich in omega-3. Eggs are usually well tolerated during a flare up.

Are mashed potatoes ok for colitis? ›

What vegetables are good for ulcerative colitis? Non-cruciferous vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and rutabaga may be good to eat during a UC flare-up. However, avoid raw vegetables, especially their peels. Peeled, steamed, and cooked vegetables are soft and easier to digest.

Can I eat a bagel with colitis? ›

Chia, flax, squash, pumpkin and sesame seeds are all high in fiber and should be avoided. Even a sesame seed bagel should be replaced with a plain or other low-fiber bagel if it's part of your regular diet or routine.

Can I eat salad with colitis? ›

Can I eat salad with ulcerative colitis? Yes, but only if you can make salads with vegetables that are easier to digest such as potatoes, squash, pumpkin, sweet potato, etc. Salads with raw vegetables like carrot, broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, peas, spinach, tomatoes, and/or Brussels sprouts should be avoided.

What kind of chips can I eat with colitis? ›

Check Your Chips

She says that Siete makes great grain-free tortilla chips that are perfect for scooping up guac—and good for many people with UC, too. Food Should Taste Good also makes a tasty sweet potato chip that just might be in the bag for your next BBQ if you're looking to avoid a UC flare.

What breakfast cereal is good for inflammation? ›

Choose Bran Cereals

The higher your bran cereal's fiber content, the more anti-inflammatory benefits you'll reap from this breakfast. Studies have shown there is a link between a high fiber diet and lower levels of C-reactive protein in the blood, according to the Arthritis Foundation.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Kimberely Baumbach CPA

Last Updated:

Views: 5694

Rating: 4 / 5 (41 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kimberely Baumbach CPA

Birthday: 1996-01-14

Address: 8381 Boyce Course, Imeldachester, ND 74681

Phone: +3571286597580

Job: Product Banking Analyst

Hobby: Cosplaying, Inline skating, Amateur radio, Baton twirling, Mountaineering, Flying, Archery

Introduction: My name is Kimberely Baumbach CPA, I am a gorgeous, bright, charming, encouraging, zealous, lively, good person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.