Ulcerative Colitis Diet (cont.)

In some studies, researchers studied the benefit of restricting linoleic acid. Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid found in foods such as safflower oil, walnuts, olive oil, egg yolks, wheat germ oil, lard, coconut oil, and sesame seed oil. Although everyone needs linoleic acid, a polyunsaturated fat, there is some evidence it may play a role in inflammation if too much is ingested.

Other trials have found supplementation with EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) helpful to inhibit leukotriene activity. Leukotrienes are chemicals that contribute to inflammation. EPA is an omega-3 fatty acid that's found especially in fish oil. In clinical trials, patients benefited from very high doses of fish oil supplements by taking fish oil capsules. Many, however, found the fish taste offensive.

Some scientific trials reported anti-inflammatory benefits when patients with ulcerative colitis ate probiotic yogurts. Probiotic yogurts are available in most supermarket dairy sections.

WebMD Medical Reference

SOURCES:

Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America: "Diet and Nutrition."
American College of Gastroenterology: "Patient Information: Inflammatory Bowel Disease."
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK): "Ulcerative Colitis."
Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD on September 21, 2011

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Source: MedicineNet.com
http://www.medicinenet.com/ulcerative_colitis_diet/article.htm