The Ulcerative Colitis Exclusion Diet (UCED) is a structured whole‑food diet developed for active Ulcerative colitis (UC) that restricts selected components thought to disturb the microbiome and mucosal barrier (for example certain fats, animal proteins, additives, and sulfur‑containing foods) while encouraging minimally processed, fiber‑rich foods and specific fats and proteins (1, 2, 3).
The Ulcerative colitis exclusion diet (UCED) was created as a counterpart to the Crohn’s Disease Exclusion Diet, with the goal of influencing the gut microbiota and decreasing luminal factors like sulfur compounds, emulsifiers, and other dietary elements that might encourage colitis. This diet specifically focuses on reducing foods associated with hydrogen sulfide production, high omega-6 and saturated fats, and ultra-processed products. At the same time, it emphasizes the inclusion of complex carbohydrates, selected fibers, and unsaturated fats to foster a more "eubiotic" microbiome (1, 2, 4).
Generally Encouraged Foods
These foods serve as the foundation of the diet and can be adjusted based on individual tolerance and nutritional needs.
- Fruits: Bananas, peeled apples (including stewed or compote), pears, and soft berries in small portions. Avoid fruit juices with added sugar (3)
- Vegetables: Well-cooked, peeled, low-insoluble-fiber options such as carrots, potatoes, zucchini (without skin or seeds), pumpkin/squash, and green beans. Raw salads are usually limited in the early stages (3, 5)
- Grains/Starches: White rice, oats, potatoes, and possibly refined wheat products without emulsifiers or other additives. Whole grains should be introduced cautiously, depending on tolerance (3, 5)
- Proteins: Skinless poultry, white fish, some fatty fish (e.g., salmon), eggs in moderation, and small amounts of low-fat, additive-free dairy if tolerated (e.g., plain yogurt) (3)
- Fats: Extra-virgin olive oil as the main added fat, with limited amounts of other unsaturated plant oils without additives (3)
Limited or Conditional Foods
These foods may be allowed in small amounts or during later phases, depending on symptoms and micronutrient needs.
- Legumes: Small portions of well-cooked lentils or peeled split peas, often introduced later due to the risk of gas and bloating (3, 5)
- Nuts and Seeds: Finely ground nut butters or seed pastes instead of whole nuts. These should be portion-controlled and avoided in strict early phases if diarrhea or strictures are issues (3, 5)
- Dairy: Lactose-reduced or fermented products (yogurt, kefir, aged cheese) if clearly tolerated. High-fat and sweetened products should be limited (3, 5)
- Whole Grains and Raw Produce: Gradual introduction of whole-grain breads/pasta, brown rice, and raw vegetables/fruit peels once inflammation is better controlled (3, 5).
Generally Avoided or Strictly Restricted Foods
These foods are minimized to reduce ultra-processed foods, sulfur load, and pro-inflammatory fats and additives.
- Ultra-Processed Foods: Packaged snacks, instant meals, processed sauces, ready-made desserts, frozen fast food, and products containing emulsifiers, carrageenan, polysorbates, artificial sweeteners, colorants, and multiple "E-numbers” (3, 5).
- Processed and Red Meats: Sausages, bacon, ham, deli meats, burgers, high-fat red meat, and smoked meats due to sulfur compounds, nitrates/nitrites, and saturated fat (3, 5).
- High-Omega-6 and Deep-Fried Foods: Fast food, crisps, fried items, and heavy use of corn, soybean, sunflower, or mixed seed oils (3, 5, 6).
- Sugary Items and Sweetened Drinks: Sodas, energy drinks, confectionery, pastries, and desserts rich in sucrose/high-fructose syrups (3, 5).
- Certain Sulfur-Rich Items and Alcohol: Large amounts of sulfite-preserved foods and alcoholic drinks are usually discouraged, particularly wine/beer during active disease (3).
References:
(1) Sarbagili-Shabat et al. 2021 Nutrients 13(11): 3736
(2) Shabat et al. 2022 Journal of Crohn's and Colitis 16(3): 369-378
(3) Radziszewska et al. 2022 Nutrients 14(12): 2469
(4) Reznikov et al. 2023 Nutrients 15(3): 668
(5) Saha & Patel 2023 Nutrients 15(4): 896
(6) Vagianos et al. 2024 The American Journal of Gastroenterology 119(6): 1102-1109
see also:
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) + Ulcerative colitis exclusion diet (UCED) & Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
Ulcerative colitis exclusion diet (UCED) & Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
