Ulcerative colitis – inflammatory bowel disease – treatment may be possible with vinegar. The findings were published in American Chemical Society’s Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry revealing the benefits of vinegar in helping to fight ulcerative colitis. Vinegar may benefit ulcerative colitis due to its impact on the gut microbiome, and researchers found that vinegar suppressed inflammation-causing proteins all the while improving the gut’s bacterial makeup as seen in mice models.
The researchers tested vinegar and its main ingredient – acetic acid – in a mouse model of ulcerative colitis. The mice were given vinegar in their drinking water which was found to greatly improve symptoms related to ulcerative colitis. Stool sample analysis showed higher levels of good bacteria and lower levels of proteins that promoted damaging inflammation in the gut.
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The researchers point out that additional research is required to determine vinegar’s effects in humans with ulcerative colitis, but so far the studies available do show promise.
Other foods to reduce risk of ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation within the intestines lining, leading to ulcers, abdominal pain, diarrhea, along with other symptoms as well. Ulcerative colitis can be mild or severe, and can worsen over time. Although individuals may go into remission from symptoms, there is no cure for ulcerative colitis, so the symptoms can appear once again down the road.
Nutrition plays a large role in the proper management of ulcerative colitis as some foods can make it worse and others can improve the condition. So if you’re wondering what you can and cannot eat with ulcerative colitis, read on the list below.
Worst foods for ulcerative colitis
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Carbonated drinks
- Dairy products
- Raw fruits and vegetables
- Seeds
- Dried peas, legumes, and beans
- Dried fruits
- Foods with sulfur or sulfate
- High fiber foods
- Meat
- Nuts and crunchy nut butter
- Popcorn
- Products with sorbitol
- Refined sugar
- Spicy foods
Best foods for ulcerative colitis
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Probiotics
- Iron-rich foods
- Folate-rich foods
- Turmeric
Emily Lunardo studied medical sociology at York University with a strong focus on the social determinants of health and mental illness. She is a registered Zumba instructor, as well as a Canfit Pro trainer, who teaches fitness classes on a weekly basis. Emily practices healthy habits in her own life as well as helps others with their own personal health goals. Emily joined Bel Marra Health as a health writer in 2013.
