Ulcerative colitis causes symptoms such as mild abdominal pain. There are some food items that can worsen the condition and result in nausea or diarrhea. Comfort foods that soothe the irritated colon should be added to the diet, and trigger foods for ulcerative colitis should be strictly avoided. The key is to stick with low-fiber content for easier digestion. Read on to know seven common trigger foods for ulcerative colitis.

1. Nuts and seeds
Though nuts and seeds are healthy snacks that most people enjoy eating, people with ulcerative colitis should avoid it completely. Bloating could be one of the common side effects of consuming nuts. Flax seeds, sunflower, pumpkin seeds, peanuts, pecans, and walnuts are among the common trigger foods for ulcerative colitis.

2. Raw vegetables
People with ulcerative colitis can easily digest vegetables that are peeled and cooked till they become soft. But they should avoid eating raw vegetables like salads. Fiber-rich vegetables can easily trigger flares. To avoid discomfort and ensure that you get your everyday dose of nutrients, you can add vegetables in the form of purees or soups as well as consume them cooked.

3. Gluten
Gluten is a common ingredient found in wheat, barley, and rye. Gluten-containing items, as well as foods made with wheat flour, can cause an allergic reaction if you have ulcerative colitis. You should opt for gluten-free cereals and other recipes to keep the flares under control.

4. Dairy
Like gluten, dairy is another common trigger. Milk and other dairy products can all lead to indigestion or stomach discomfort. The sulfur and sulfate content found in a variety of such dairy ingredients can lead to bloating.

5. Alcohol and other beverages
Alcoholic drinks, carbonated beverages as well as coffee can be bad for people with ulcerative colitis. Caffeine in tea and chocolates can also irritate the stomach. Another common symptom could be the presence of abdominal cramping upon the consumption of these ingredients.

6. Fatty meats
The body does not absorb fatty meats properly in patients who have severe ulcerative colitis. Sulfate in these meats is another reason for concern. Gas formation increases upon the consumption of fatty meats. Eliminate this item from your diet.

7. Spicy food items
Peppers in food or even spicy ingredients like hot sauces and paprika can lead to unexpected flares. Food cooked with a mild taste and without too many complicated spices would be easier to digest.

These trigger foods for ulcerative colitis should be eliminated from your diet in order to prevent flares. In addition to the list mentioned above, there are other food items that lead to flares in some individuals. Observing your diet and tracking what you eat can help you plan your meals better. Once you do that, you can keep the condition from worsening.