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Hello! I have had UC for 3 years and need help getting my veggie and fruits daily.  Does anyone have any tips?  Every time I eat a fruit at work, it is bad news so I try to only eat fruit at home.  Every time I eat raw veggies, I get sick as well.  Do any of you have tips for flare-free fruits/veggies?  I would appreicate your help!

Reply posted for emily kate.

Managing UC while trying to eat more fruits and vegetables can definitely be challenging. One approach that might help is cooking your veggies instead of eating them raw. Steamed, baked, or roasted vegetables tend to be gentler on the digestive system. For fruits, focusing on low-FODMAP options like bananas, blueberries, and strawberries can be beneficial. Peeling and seeding fruits and vegetables can also reduce their fiber content, which might make them easier on your gut. Another idea is to incorporate these foods into smoothies; blending can break down the fiber and make them easier to digest. Introducing new foods gradually and keeping a food diary could help you identify what works best for you. Staying well-hydrated is also important, so make sure you’re drinking plenty of water. If you continue to have difficulties, consulting a dietitian who specializes in UC could provide you with tailored advice. I hope these tips help you find a balance that works for you!

 Reply posted for emily kate.

Hello, I've had UC for 20 years, and there were some years I wouldn't eat hardly any fruits or vegetables because I couldn't digest them, as well as dairy.  Now 20 years later after being very sick the last many years, I was desperate so I thought I'd try gluten free, and to my amazement, I've been drastically better the last 7 months since I've stopped eating gluten.  I feel like my life has started over!  It was gluten that made my digestive system not work, and now that it's better, I eat fruits, vegetables and dairy every day without any problems.  I still wouldn't eat raw broccoli, but I can easily it it cooked.  I have a spinach salad with veggies almost every day for lunch. Even though I do have UC, I think it was also celiac disease because my UC symptoms are almost gone now.  I take only 2 Asacol HD a day instead of 6 that wasn't helping me while eating gluten.  I suggest you try a completely gluten free diet for a week to see if it helps.  My symptoms were so bad (2 hours at a time in the bathroom), that I had relief in just a few days of not eating gluten.  I used to eat gluten at just about every meal, and that's what was making me sick.  Gluten may not be your particular problem, but my guess is that people with inflammatory bowel disease are having a reaction to something they eat, and then they can't digest anything because their intestines just don't work.  See my other post under Managing Symptoms, Try Gluten Free.  Good luck, I know what you are going through, and I hope you get better.

 Reply posted for emily kate.

This is a list that has helped me in a flare. It's from one of Dr. John McDougall's books: COOKED STARCHES Brown rice Taro (poi) Sweet Potatoes Tapioca flour Winter squash Puffed rice COOKED GREEN AND YELLOW VEGETABLES Asparagus Celery Artichokes Kale Beets Lettuce Beet green Spinach Broccoli String beans *Avoid onions, green peppers, cucumbers, and radishes; they can be very troublesome for the stomach, causing problems COOKED FRUITS* Apples Papaya Apricots Peaches Bananas Plums Cherries Prunes Cranberries *Avoid all citrus fruits (including oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, lemons, and limes) and tomatoes. CONDIMENTS Only salt is allowed (if not restricted for other health reasons). This means no salad dressings, mustard, lemon juice, vinegar, pepper or other condiments. BEVERAGES Water (sparkling water is OK)

 Reply posted for emily kate.

Try pureed fruits and veggies.

Also try V8 juices

See if that helps

 Reply posted for working 4health.

I second working4health about trying pureed and cooked fruits and veggies. I'm still struggling with this myself, but I've had some luck with cooking fruit, putting it in containers, and then taking it to work. For example, this morning I sliced an apple, microwaved it for 5 minutes with a little water, added a dash of cinnamon, and ate it at work. I've done the same with frozen berries, although usually those end up in my plain yogurt.

Have you tried eating vegetables or fruits that are pureed or thoroughly cooked to see if that might be easier for your body to digest?

You can also find guidance on the internet about the FODMAP guide to foods for IBD patients.