Managing ulcerative colitis

Lifestyle factors, such as diet, exercise, and stress can shape the impact ulcerative colitis (UC) has on your physical and emotional well-being. Partner with your care team to come up with a plan that works for you.

Living with UC

Living with a chronic disease has its challenges. Every day is different, but learning to prioritize your health and wellness can help keep your journey on the right path. This doesn’t mean you give up on your goals, just that there may be times when you need to go easy on yourself.

Eating the right foods

There’s no perfect diet or nutritional cure for UC. But there are things you can do to help make your symptoms more manageable.

Avoid foods that worsen your symptoms. Watch out for dairy. The same goes for drinks that have caffeine, carbonation, or alcohol. Try eating 5–6 small meals throughout the day rather than a few large ones, and be sure to drink plenty of water. Talking to a dietitian can also help.

Pay close attention to your body. It can be helpful to keep a food diary that tracks what you’ve eaten and how you felt after. This can help identify foods you may want to avoid. Make sure you talk to your care team before changing your diet or if you experience changes in appetite.

Exercising with UC

Regular physical activity is essential for a healthy adult lifestyle.

Keep in mind, the kind of exercise you can (or should) do may vary. This might depend on whether you’re in remission (a mild disease state) or having a flare.

Generally speaking, low-impact, moderate exercises are recommended for people with UC. Examples of these activities include walking, biking, swimming, yoga, elliptical, or rowing. Be sure to check with your care team before starting any exercise regimen. They can help you choose an exercise routine that’s right for you.

Minding your mental health

UC can take an emotional toll.

Along with managing the physical symptoms of UC, you could also experience stress, anxiety, and depression. Living with a chronic disease can impact your mental health. But there are ways to find help.

  • Getting educated about your condition can help you cope with it.
  • Support groups can help you talk through your experiences.

Staying connected with friends and family

UC can make it challenging for you to be there for the big, and small, events in life—especially if you’re actively flaring.

Friends and family may not understand when you’re not feeling up to going somewhere, and you may not want to tell them why.

Consider being as open as you can comfortably be with friends and family about what you’re going through and how they can support you. Find a trusted friend to talk with on a regular basis, even if it’s over the phone. You can also connect with people in the IBD community who get it, because they live with it, too.

Shonda Living with Crohn’s and UC

Since my diagnosis, I’ve closely monitored my health, kept up with my treatment plan, frequently communicated with my doctor, set realistic boundaries for myself, and incorporated mindfulness into my daily routine. See her story

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Living with IBD Podcast

Listen in on real conversations people with IBD are having. They could shed some light on what you’re going through.

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IBD and intimacy

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