While ulcerative colitis flares aren’t the same for everyone, there’s no doubt that you’re likely to experience several in your lifetime. Your doctor will recommend different ways to prevent these flares but they’re not always effective because your triggers can change over time. That’s why it’s good to know a few quick ways to soothe the symptoms of a flare.
10 Quick Ways To Soothe A Flare
1. Stay Hydrated
During a flare, your digestive system doesn’t always absorb water and salt as well as it should. If you’re not hydrating well, you can end up dehydrated, which will only make you sicker. Water and light beverages are best but you can also have electrolyte replacement drinks if you’re having diarrhea.
2. Have A Little Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, which is known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Having a little turmeric can ease some of the swelling in your digestive system. One great option is to make some tea using fresh turmeric or turmeric powder.
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3. Try Some Fermented Foods
Studies show that fermented foods encourage good gut health. Eating them during a flare can help to heal your digestive system. Some options include kefir, pickles in salt, miso, and gluten-free tempeh.
4. Go Bland
Complex foods are more likely to put your digestive system under stress, which will make your symptoms worse. It’s a good idea to try bone broth and pureed vegetables at the start. You can also have proteins that are easy to digest like lean meat, eggs, and fish.
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5. Reach For The Plain Yogurt
Plain yogurt is good during a flare for several reasons. It’s fermented, bland, and contains probiotics that encourage good gut health. As long as yogurt isn’t one of your trigger foods, you can eat a little during a flare to soothe your symptoms.
6. Opt Out Of High-Fiber Foods
Though high-fiber foods are usually good for your health, this isn’t the case during a flare. Anything that’s hard to digest will only irritate your stomach. Some of the foods you can eat include white rice, white bread, tofu, well-cooked meats, and pulpless juice.
7. Eat Small Meals
Even if you’re opting for bland foods, it’s best to stick to small meals that you eat four to six times per day instead of large meals three times a day. Doing this ensures that you get the nutrients you need without placing too much stress on your digestive system.
8. Ditch Raw Foods
On any other day, raw fruits and vegetables would be good for your health. When you’re having a flare, though, it’s best to stick to cooked fruits and vegetables.
9. Try Some Cooked Red Cabbage
Apart from being appropriately bland, red cabbage contains the amino acid l-glutamine. This amino acid acts as a fuel source for the cells that line your intestinal wall. There’s also some evidence that it helps your digestive system to be less permeable. Both of these properties can help to soothe an ulcerative colitis flare. Other foods that contain l-glutamine include beef, pork, poultry, parsley, spinach, and fish.
10. Stay Away From Irritants
If your morning routine includes a cup of coffee, you’ll have to break that routine during a flare. Coffee and alcohol are two irritants that will only make your symptoms worse. While having a flare, it’s best to stick to light beverages.
When To Call Your Doctor
The symptoms of a flare can range from mild to severe. These flares can also last for a few days or a few weeks. However, worsening symptoms indicate that you must talk to your doctor about your medication regimen. Since ulcerative colitis has different stages, it’s possible that your condition has progressed and needs to be managed differently. Sometimes, your flare is an emergency situation that needs to be treated at a medical facility. If you notice blood in your stools, have a high fever (104°F or higher), have persistent diarrhea, are constantly feeling faint, or have severe stomach pain, it’s time to go to the emergency room.
Ulcerative flares can completely disrupt your life depending on how severe they are. However, you can get a handle on them if you act quickly. It’s also essential to know when to tell your doctor about what’s going on. You may need medical intervention to get your symptoms in check.
