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Ischemic colitis is the condition of the body in which the large intestine does not receive adequate blood. Diet for ischemic colitis helps the patients with smooth recovery from the disease by effective management of symptoms.
Ischemic colitis diet boosts digestive health thereby reducing inflammation. Here are some useful diet tips and suggestions for patients of ischemic colitis.
Eat Frequent Meals
Eating frequent meals (small meals at regular intervals) helps people recover from as well as prevent ischemic colitis. Eating smaller meals frequently keeps calories up and thus reduces abdominal pain caused by ischemic colitis. One should avoid eating fried foods and other inflammatory foods in these meal breaks. Choose gluten-free whole wheat bread, and fruits and vegetables rich in fiber.
Here is a list of foods that people with ischemic colitis should include in their meals.
Foods To Eat
Diet for ischemic colitis must contain foods that are easily digestible and are bland. Such foods reduce the workload on the part of the digestive system and quicken the healing process.
Banana
People suffering from ischemic colitis should make eating bananas a habit. Bananas are rich in potassium and are easily digestible. Potassium helps the body recover easily from excessive fluid loss from the body due to diarrhea – a common ischemic colitis symptom. Besides, bananas are also rich in fiber and vitamin C that help the digestive process.
Watermelon
It is a good source of the amino acid citrulline that helps in proper circulation of blood thereby ensuring that the large intestine receives adequate blood. Eating watermelon regularly reduces risk of ischemic colitis.
Applesauce
It is a good source of antioxidants like chlorogenic acid, phlorizin and catechin that are effective against various digestive disorders. It has amazing anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the colon. It is rich in fiber that helps in the digestion process.
Buttermilk
It is time you switch to buttermilk if you are a patient of ischemic colitis. Buttermilk is not only easily digestible but is also low on fat content as compared to whole milk. Besides, it is a storehouse of important minerals such as calcium, potassium, phosphorus, etc. It also contains vitamins such as riboflavin that boosts digestive health. Some other foods that can be included in the diet for ischemic colitis are white fish, tofu, coconut water, blueberries, plums, papayas, apple, gelatin, honeydew, porridge, rice, pear, yogurt, squash, wheatgrass juice, etc.
Foods To Avoid
At the same time, people with ischemic colitis should stay away from foods that cause gas or inflammation and are hard on the digestive system. Some such foods that one should say no to are –
Alcohol
Alcohol poses the greatest threat to ischemic colitis patients because 20% of alcohol is absorbed into bloodstream through stomach lining. 80% of it passes into intestinal tract and gets absorbed by small intestines. Alcohol increases acidity, gastritis and even stomach ulcers. It causes blood cells to stick together thereby leading to clotting of small vessels. Because of this blood sludging, the intestinal tissues do not get enough oxygen. In extreme cases, alcohol use causes anemia and lesser resistance to various types of infection thereby worsening ischemic colitis symptoms.
Caffeine
Caffeine stimulates gastrointestinal tract and cause diarrhea. It increases stomach acidity and causes the stomach to empty into small intestines at a much faster rate. In such a situation, highly acidic food particles easily pass to the small intestine that further harm the intestinal tissues.
Gas-Causing Foods
Foods that cause gas put a lot of pressure on the intestines. Some of the most dangerous gassy foods are cabbage, broccoli, beans, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, carbonated drinks, etc. Some other foods to be avoided are peas, kale, nuts, mustard seeds, mashed potatoes, collard greens, fried food, chocolate, citrus juice, caffeine-based drinks, dairy products, and whole grains.
Increase Fluid Intake
Ischemic colitis causes diarrhea in a repeated manner. This results in loss of electrolytes from the body leading to dehydration. Dehydration caused by diarrhea leads to hypovolemia i.e. low volume of blood thereby making the condition worse. Hence, one should drink plenty of water to recover from the disease fast. Also, one should avoid diarrhea-stimulating drinks such as coffee, soft drinks and tea.
