Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic disease that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. UC can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, rectal bleeding, and the constant urge to pass stools. A few of the below-mentioned lifestyle changes to manage ulcerative colitis helps prevent frequent flare-ups.

Maintain a food diary
This is one of the most important lifestyle changes to manage ulcerative colitis. When you are diagnosed with UC, you cannot get away with eating everything your heart desires. Some foods may trigger the symptoms of UC, and some may make the condition worse. You will only know what foods your body accepts and does not by writing down what you ate in every meal and comparing the list with your UC symptoms. Over time, you can identify the foods that do not suit your system.

Plan on eating smaller meals
You do not have to eat just two or three meals a day and stuff yourself with food these times. Split your major meals into two portions. Eat smaller amounts frequently to prevent flare-ups of your digestive tract inflammation.

Consider taking dietary supplements
Constant bloody stools and diarrhea can both take a toll on your health. Many people with UC struggle to retain the nutrients in the body. In such cases, you start getting weak and tired. It will help if you consider taking dietary supplements to match your nutritional needs.

Consider switching over to a low-fiber diet
Another of the lifestyle changes to manage ulcerative colitis is to switch over to a low-fiber diet. People with UC find themselves suffering from constant bouts of diarrhea, which gets worse when you consume lots of fiber. Bringing down your fiber intake will help manage UC more effectively. Some foods that are low in fiber are as follows.

• White rice
• Noodles
• White bread
• Cooked vegetables without the skin
• Meat
• Eggs

Get physically active
Bringing down your body weight and getting physically active helps increase your mental and physical strength and improves your condition. Talk to your doctor about starting with an exercise plan that suits you.

Stay away from excessive alcohol
Alcohol can ruin your digestive tract and increase the chances of the tract getting inflamed. Alcohol also disrupts the normal pH levels of your gut. All these can cause a flare-up of colitis. So, it is better to keep a distance.

Take your medications
Sometimes, people with severe UC will have to handle the condition lifelong with medications. However, do not stop taking your medications unless your doctor approves of the same.

All these lifestyle changes to manage ulcerative colitis will help you handle the condition better. Ensure you talk to your doctor before making changes in your diet. Staying stress-free also improves your physical health and keeps UC under control.