Ulcerative Colitis is a inflammatory bowel disease that is very similar to Crohn's disease. Ulcerative Colitis affects the large intestine known as the colon. Your immune system mistakes food for invaders which leads to sores or ulcers developing in the colon's lining. If you experience frequent and urgent bowel movements, pain with diarrhoea, blood in your stool, or abdominal cramps, visit your medical practitioner.

Medication can suppress the inflammation, and eliminating foods that cause discomfort may help as well. In severe cases, treatment for ulcerative colitis may involve surgery to remove the colon.

There is no special diet for Ulcerative Colitis, but a healthy balanced diet may help your symptoms. These self-help tips may help you to manage your Colitis:

• lose weight if you're overweight
• avoid food and drink which may trigger your Colitis
• reduce your alcohol intake
• stop smoking
• get more active
• find ways to relax
• practice mindfulness

• NHS Ulcerative Colitis
• Patient webinars inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which includes Ulcerative Colitis
• Crohn's and Colitis UK