[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/02\/manage-ulcerative-colitis-flare-ups\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/02\/manage-ulcerative-colitis-flare-ups\/","headline":"Ulcerative Colitis Flare-Ups: Diet and How to Manage Them","name":"Ulcerative Colitis Flare-Ups: Diet and How to Manage Them","description":"

Eating the right foods, staying hydrated, and taking medicine are among the steps to take when ulcerative colitis (UC) symptoms flare up. Learn more from UPMC.<\/p>","datePublished":"2025-02-11","dateModified":"2025-02-11","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/digestive-disorders-regions","name":"Digestive Disorders","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/digestive-disorders-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/digestive-disorders\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/GettyImages-1489991903-e1739309606491.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/GettyImages-1489991903-e1739309606491.jpg","height":866,"width":2000},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/02\/manage-ulcerative-colitis-flare-ups\/","about":["Family Health","Living and Wellness"],"wordCount":1162,"articleBody":"An ulcerative colitis (UC) flare-up can be painful, no matter how long it lasts. Knowing what to do when a flare-up occurs can help you manage your symptoms and avoid complications.From eating easy-to-digest foods to staying hydrated, there are plenty of things you can do to manage flare-ups. Here are some tips to help you when your UC flares.What Is an Ulcerative Colitis Flare-up?A flare-up is a period of time when a person with ulcerative colitis is experiencing symptoms.UC causes inflammation in the colon, which leads to swelling and ulcers in the digestive tract. The disease is marked by periods of remission \u2014 when there are no symptoms \u2014 and flare-ups.People with UC may go years between flare-ups, or they may have them more often. There’s often no telling when a flare-up may occur.Flare-ups can be mild or severe and can last anywhere from hours to months.Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis Flare-upsThe most common symptoms of a UC flare-up affect the gastrointestinal system, including:Diarrhea.Frequent and\/or urgent bowel movements.Loose, bloody, or mucus-containing stools.Nausea and vomiting.Rectal bleeding.Stomach cramping or pain.Weight loss.Flare-ups also may affect the whole body, leading to symptoms like:Anemia.Decreased appetite.Fatigue.Fever.Muscle\/joint aches.Managing an Ulcerative Colitis Flare-upA UC flare-up may come without warning and can be mild to severe. Knowing what to do can help you manage your symptoms and lessen your discomfort.Here are some of the things you can do to help yourself during a UC flare-up:Adjust your diet \u2014 Specific foods can trigger UC flare-ups and should be avoided in general. But during a flare-up, you may need to control your diet even more to relieve your digestive system. Easily digestible food can help you manage your flare-up (see below for more details). Aim for four to six smaller meals instead of three regular-sized meals.Continue to take your medication as directed \u2014 People with UC typically manage their condition with medication. When a flare-up occurs, you should continue to take your medicine as prescribed. Do not increase or decrease your dosage unless your doctor specifically instructs you.Manage your symptoms \u2014 Some over-the-counter medicines, such as bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) and loperamide (Immodium\u00ae\ufe0f), can help with diarrhea. Acetaminophen (Tylenol\u00ae\ufe0f) can help treat fever and pain. Ointments, salt-water baths, sitz baths may help with anus and rectum pain. Note \u2014 Talk to your doctor before trying these medications.Relieve stress \u2014 Stress is a trigger for UC. During a flare-up, managing stress can help manage your discomfort. Try meditation, a warm bath, or other stress-management techniques.Stay hydrated \u2014 Frequent bowel movements can leave you dehydrated. You can combat this by drinking plenty of water. Drinks with electrolytes, such as sports drinks or Pedialyte\u00ae, also can be good options. Just watch the sugar content of your drinks \u2014 too much sugar can trigger UC symptoms.What to Eat During a UC Flare-upIn general, people with UC should follow a diet that’s easier on the digestive system. Focus on foods with soluble fiber and lean proteins and avoid triggers like dairy or spicy food.During a flare-up, this approach may be heightened. In addition to avoiding your trigger foods, you may need to focus on easily digestible foods \u2014 even so-called “bland” foods.The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation suggests these foods can be helpful to eat during a flare-up:Bland, soft foods such as applesauce, oatmeal, or mashed potatoes.Cooked, skinless vegetables such as asparagus tips and squash.Lean proteins, including fish, poultry, pork, soy, eggs, and tofu.Low-fiber fruits, such as bananas and cantaloupe.Refined grains, such as sourdough bread, white pasta, and white rice.Broth may be another good choice, as it is also easy on the stomach.Talk to your doctor for more tips on food that can be easy on your system during a UC flare.Foods to avoid during ulcerative colitis flare-upsFoods rich in fiber, especially insoluble fiber (like whole grains or apples with the skin on), can be difficult to digest. You also should avoid UC triggers like dairy.Some foods to avoid during flare-ups include:Alcohol.Sugary baked goods and other sugary foods and drinks.Caffeine.Dairy (milk, cheese, cream, etc.).Fried and\/or greasy food.Gas-causing foods, such as beans and carbonated beverages.Heavily seasoned foods.High-insoluble foods (whole grains, raw vegetables, some raw fruits, etc.).Nuts and seeds.Red meat.Spicy food.Preventing Ulcerative Colitis Flare-upsUC is a chronic condition, and flare-ups can happen for many reasons. But there are ways to lower your risk of flare-ups:Avoid dietary triggers \u2014 Everyone’s triggers are different. Common ones include dairy products, red meat, fiber-rich foods, and seasoned foods. You may have these triggers or others. It’s important to recognize your dietary triggers and avoid them as much as possible.Avoid NSAIDs \u2014 Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can trigger UC symptoms. Avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil\u00ae and Motrin\u00ae\ufe0f), naproxen (Aleve\u00ae\ufe0f), and aspirin. Instead, try using acetaminophen (Tylenol\u00ae\ufe0f) \u2014 it offers similar benefits without the risks.Exercise regularly \u2014 A regular exercise routine can help your overall health and prevent UC flare-ups. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week. If you find that your condition makes it difficult to exercise, talk to your doctor for tips.Manage your stress \u2014 Stress doesn’t cause UC, but it can exacerbate the symptoms of a flare-up. Learn stress management techniques to lower your risk.Stay up to date on your gut health\u00a0\u2014 Visit your doctor regularly. You may see a gastrointestinal (GI) specialist who can give you specific information on managing your condition. Stay up to date on recommended tests.Take medication as directed \u2014 Follow the recommended dosage of the medication your doctor prescribes for your condition. Do not skip days or change your dosage without first contacting your doctor.When to Call Your Doctor About a UC Flare-upYou should call your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:High fever (above 100.3 F).Inability to keep food or liquids down.Increased amount of rectal bleeding or bloody stools.Severe or constant pain.Most UC flare-ups can be treated with medication. In some cases, your doctor may recommend corticosteroids or a change in your medication or dosage.Severe UC can lead to life-threatening complications. Surgery to remove the colon and rectum may be needed.If you have ulcerative colitis, the UPMC Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Center can help. Our multidisciplinary team includes specialists in gastroenterology, nutrition, behavioral health, and more.For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit our website.SourcesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. Ulcerative Colitis Basics. LinkCrohn's & Colitis Foundation. Managing Flares and IBD Symptoms. LinkCrohn's & Colitis Foundation. What Should I Eat? LinkMyCrohn'sAndColitisTeam. Best Foods to Eat During a Colitis Flare: 6 Ideas. LinkNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Ulcerative Colitis. LinkNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Eating, Diet, and Nutrition for Ulcerative Colitis. LinkMedlinePlus. Ulcerative Colitis. Link"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2025","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"02","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/\/02\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Ulcerative Colitis Flare-Ups: Diet and How to Manage Them","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/02\/manage-ulcerative-colitis-flare-ups\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]