How does diet affect the management of ulcerative colitis?
It is important, especially in children, to maintain a healthy, balanced nutritional intake. No general dietary recommendations exist, except for the avoidance of milk and milk products for patients with lactose intolerance. Common sense suggests that foods prone to induce more frequent bowel movements, such as caffeine, alcohol, red pepper, and laxative fruits (prunes, fresh cherries and peaches), should be avoided. In patients with proctitis and constipation, added bulk in the form of psyllium or bran may be helpful.
