If you have ulcerative colitis, you know it’s hard to find the right foods to ease your condition. You always have to be careful of what you eat so that you do not trigger symptoms. Here are 11 healthy snacks for ulcerative colitis that are very easy to make and don’t require a lot of ingredients?

What Is Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcers (sores) in your digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis affects the innermost lining of your large intestine (colon) and rectum.

It is caused when the immune system mistakes “friendly bacteria” in the colon, which aid digestion, as harmful bacteria, leading to inflammation of the colon and rectum.

Common Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms

Some of the common symptoms of ulcerative colitis are abdominal and rectal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, iron deficiency, and fatigue. As the condition prolongs without treatment, symptoms tend to worsen as well.

In most cases, a change of diet is all you need to keep your symptoms at bay. With that being said, always check with your doctor first to prevent complications.

When To See A Doctor With Ulcerative Colitis

If you are experiencing chronic abdominal pain, blood or mucus in your stool, extreme diarrhea, or rectal bleeding, make sure to seek medical help right away.

11 Healthy Snacks for Ulcerative Colitis

1. Protein-Packed Salted Pretzel Sticks

I’m sure you know that ulcerative colitis episodes causes bouts of diarrhea and during those flare-ups, your body loses essential vitamins and minerals plus electrolytes. It’s important to replenish those nutrients as fast as possible by eating the right foods.

This UC snack consists of salt, (for electrolytes), and nut butter, (for protein & healthy fats). Both of these ingredients also help reduce the amount of times you pass stools thanks to the soluble fiber found in nut butter.

Simply grab a bag of salted pretzels from your local grocery store and dip them in creamy nut or seed butter when you have diarrhea.

2. Electrolyte-Rich Banana Rolls

Spread a tablespoon of almond butter on a tortilla, add a whole peeled ripe banana and roll it up. Serve whole or sliced into little rounds. Bananas contain potassium and magnesium, two important electrolytes that are lost during diarrhea caused by UC flare-ups. Eating this snack can help to replenish those losses.

3. Vitamin Rich Smoothie

Make a healthy and Ulcerative Colitis smoothie to get all the vitamins and minerals your body needs blending together a cup of almond milk, 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt, 1 cup of canned peaches, 1 tablespoon of creamy nut butter, and 1/2 cup of ice. Blend for a cool refreshing protein-rich snack that is easy to carry with you to work.

4. Frozen Yogurt Bites 

Grab a handful of fresh blueberries and cubed pineapples and mix them in a cup or two of plain Greek yogurt. Spread the mixture on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 4 hours and enjoy on a hot summer afternoon. This UC snack is rich in antioxidants, calcium, potassium, and will help reduce inflammation in your stomach lining.

5. Protein Omelet Cups

Protein is one of the key nutrients that someone with UC needs. For this snack, simply whisk a variety of cooked veggies with eggs and make sure to add some smoked paprika, salt and black pepper for taste. Place it in a lined muffin tray and bake them in the oven at 350 degrees.

Store your muffins in the refrigerator or freezer and heat them in the microwave whenever you need a healthy pick-me-up snack. This is a quick-and-easy way to get in some much-needed protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

6. Smoked Salmon & Avocado 

Studies show that eating a diet rich in healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce intestinal inflammation which is a leading cause of ulcerative colitis. Salmon, sardines, tuna, and trout along with avocados are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

Layer a slice of toasted sourdough bread salmon, avocado and fresh cucumbers for a fresh healthy ulcerative colitis snack.

7. Fresh Melon With Greek Yogurt 

Research shows that people with ulcerative colitis should add low fiber fruits like melons to their diet regularly. Also, foods rich in probiotics like yogurt can help heal the lining of the stomach and reduce UC symptoms plus improve gut health.

Simply chop up some fresh melons into cubes, remove the seeds and mix them in fresh plain Greek yogurt. You can also drizzle some pure organic maple syrup over your melon yogurt snack if you want more sweetness.

8. Calcium & Protein Rich Cheese With Crackers

It is very important to add calcium-rich foods to your diet if you have ulcerative colitis. You see, calcium is a water-soluble mineral which means you lose it through your stool and pee. Research also shows that calcium is one of the most common micronutrient deficiencies in people with IBD.

Simple foods like cheese, and Greek yogurt are great sources of calcium and protein. When choosing crackers for your cheese and yogurt, make sure you opt for low-fiber salted crackers. If you are lactose intolerant cheese and yogurt. 

9. Potassium & Magnesium Ice Cream

Similar to eating iron rich foods, you also need a good source of potassium and magnesium when having UC flare ups. Since both potassium and magnesium are water-soluble minerals, you also lose them through your stools, therefore, you will need to replenish quickly. 

This potassium and magnesium rich ice cream is one of my personal favorite. Simply freeze 2 overripe bananas overnight and blend it with 2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt, a pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon of peanut butter. You’ll end up with a rich and creamy, lactose-free ice cream.

10. Low Fiber Bread With Eggs & Spinach

People with ulcerative colitis should definitely refrain from eating high fiber foods because it can lead to stomach pain and discomfort. Choosing low fiber breads like sourdough is a healthier alternative because it’s made with refined flour with most of it’s fiber content removed.

Topping your toasted sourdough bread with scrambled eggs and spinach is a great way to add some protein, iron, and other essential vitamins and minerals to your diet. Remember, people with UC tend to have lower iron levels that’s why it’s important to consume a diet that’s rich in iron.

11. Salted Watermelon

Ulcerative colitis causes loose stools and having frequent episodes causes you to lose water through your stool. That’s why it’s extremely important to stay hydrated when having a flare up. Drinking enough water during the day or adding foods that are high in water content is highly recommended by gut health professionals. 

Watermelon contains over 94% water and study shows that adding this fruit to your diet can actually help with ulcerative colitis. Also, sprinkling a little bit of salt on top of the watermelon before eating it can help increase your electrolyte intake. 

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Conclusion

There you go, you now have 11 snacks to add to your diet when have an ulcerative colitis flare up. I hope you try them and make sure to let me know what you think in the comments below. You can find me on Pinterest and Facebook for more helpful posts.