Ulcerative colitis can appear suddenly but often progresses slowly. Common symptoms include diarrhea, fatigue, severe abdominal pain, and in some cases, nausea, weight loss, and fever. Uncontrolled risk factors can lead to frequent flare-ups. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help reduce disease recurrence.

A healthy and balanced diet is crucial, as many foods can trigger pain and worsen ulcerative colitis. Patients should limit dairy products because lactose is difficult to digest, fermenting in the intestines and causing gas, leading to diarrhea, cramps, and bloating. Avoid fatty, sugary, and high-fiber foods, as well as those that stimulate bowel movements, such as bran, beans, and broccoli.

Eat 4-6 small meals a day instead of two or three large ones to reduce pressure on the digestive system. Drink water and other unsweetened beverages to stay hydrated and maintain gut stability. Limit alcohol and caffeine, as they can irritate the bowels, produce gas, and cause bloating.

A balanced diet with limited fats benefits gut health. *Illustration: Bui Thuy*

Reduce stress, as it increases cortisol, promoting inflammation and potentially worsening ulcerative colitis flare-ups, leading to more severe abdominal pain and bloating. Patients can practice gentle meditation or yoga before sleep, or take an evening walk after meals.

Engage in light to high-intensity exercise, depending on your physical condition and tolerance. Adults should exercise at least 30 minutes daily, 5 days a week. Exercise helps the body produce endorphins, creating a sense of well-being, reducing anxiety, and preventing disease flare-ups. Regular physical activity also has anti-inflammatory effects, reducing abdominal pain and diarrhea caused by colitis.

Improve digestive function with exercises that stimulate bowel movements, enhance digestion, and reduce the time the intestinal lining is exposed to harmful substances. Abdominal massage and diaphragmatic breathing offer numerous benefits. Increase probiotic-rich foods such as plain yogurt, kimchi, and pickles to help balance gut microbiota.

Ensure adequate sleep, as sleep deprivation increases inflammatory cytokines, leading to abdominal pain and nausea during ulcerative colitis flare-ups. Sufficient sleep promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and helps decrease cortisol secretion—a factor that causes colon spasms. Patients need 7-8 hours of sleep each night, ideally going to bed before 11 PM and waking before 6 AM.

Anh Chi (Source: WebMD)