Certain fibrous foods can trigger symptoms of colitis, a chronic digestive disease that gives rise to inflammation in the colon. Foods that are tough to digest can lead the inner lining of the colon to swell. If one already has this disease, then a fixed, healthy diet plan can help ease some of its symptoms. When deciding on a diet, make sure to leave out inflammatory foods that can worsen colitis. Here are six food that can aggravate the condition, and hence, should be avoided:

• Gluten

Gluten can be irritable to the colon as it may be difficult to digest it. It is present in cereal grains such as wheat, rye, and barley. So, brown bread or pasta that are made of wheat are on the do-not-eat list. Also, check the ingredients list on sauce bottles and other condiments. They, too, can contain gluten and one might consume them unknowingly. Monitor changes in the body after avoiding gluten for a few weeks. If this improves symptoms of colitis, then consider cutting down on foods that contain gluten for a while.

• Nuts

With colitis, it is necessary to abstain from eating anything that can further flare up the condition. Nuts are high in fiber, which makes them difficult to digest. It is best to avoid nuts including peanuts, almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and cashews. These can irritate the lining of the intestines. Also, skip dishes that have hazelnuts, pecans, and macadamia nuts. Leaving out nuts from the diet can decrease the risk of an intestine flare-up.

• Dairy

Colitis symptoms can worsen with dairy consumption, especially if one is lactose-intolerant. It prevents the digestive system from completely digesting the sugar, known as lactose, that is present in dairy products. This can cause pain in the abdomen and thereby make it difficult to manage colitis. Avoid dairy products such as cheese, butter, milk, and yoghurt and check if this eases the symptoms.

• Raw vegetables

Raw vegetables are difficult to digest because of their high fiber content. Broccoli, celery, onions, and cabbage, when had raw, can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and gas. Add corn and mushrooms, too, to this list as it can be hard to digest them. Instead of uncooked vegetables, try to have vegetable soups and broths made of pureed or cooked vegetables as they won’t be harsh on the digestive system.

• Spicy foods

Spicy meals, although enjoyable, might not be good for those with colitis. Extremely spicy food can irritate the digestive tract and cause it to swell. It’s best to avoid using pepper and chilli while preparing meals. Hot sauces, too, should be avoided as they can worsen the symptoms. Instead, stick to a bland, simple diet. Having a plain bowl of oats or cooked white rice can soothe the colon and let it heal.