Since the precise causes of ulcerative colitis are still relatively unclear, we do not know how to prevent its onset.

It is recommended that people with inflammatory bowel disease for 5 years or more make an appointment with their gastroenterologist every year. Various tests are available in order to quickly detect anomalies in the digestive tract, including colorectal cancer. For more on this, see our Colorectal Cancer fact sheet

In case of outbreaks of the disease:

Dietary advice has no scientific validation. This disease is not food-borne, so there is no need to impose restrictions on yourself.

Diet advice is just common sense 

• Avoid foods and drinks that make your symptoms worse.
• Avoid spicy foods, alcohol, certain vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, beans), and foods and drinks that contain caffeine. These tend to cause bloating;

• Pay special attention to milk and certain dairy products, which trigger diarrhea, pain, and gas in some people withLactose intolerance. However, there is no demonstrated link between lactose intolerance or allergy to milk proteins and ulcerative colitis;
• Limit the consumption of dietary fiber. Although dietary fiber is an important component of a healthy diet, it often worsens symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Preferably consume cooked fruits and vegetables rather than raw;
• eat several small meals during the day rather than 2 or 3 copious;
• Consume a fair amount of fluids, preferablywater, avoiding carbonated drinks, alcoholic drinks and those containing caffeine;
• In the event of a serious crisis, doctors may also institute a “residue-free” diet, excluding any source of vegetable fibers, animal residues and fatty residues, to put the colon to rest for a few days during the push.

Between symptom periods :

• Consume foods rich in dietary fiber to regulate intestinal transit. Dietary fibers would also have the advantage of facilitating the bacteria growth normally present in the intestines. See “prebiotics” in the Complementary Approaches section;
• Favor them protein from lean meats, poultry, fish and eggs. It is important to eat a healthy diet that contains good fats;
• Practice relaxation techniques and exercise to better manage your stress. While stress does not cause ulcerative colitis, it can make symptoms worse because it interferes with normal digestive functions. Exercise also helps regulate intestinal transit. Relaxation methods can also help control pain during symptoms.