When you have ulcerative colitis (UC) , flares of this autoimmune condition can cause swelling and sores in the digestive tract.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976297671aca9-d388-4cd0-8cda-bfae0b3e68e2 One of the ways the body heals the area is through dietary protein, according to Nayana George, MD , a gastroenterologist at Orlando Health Digestive Health Institute in Florida. That means you’ll need more protein during flares to help improve symptoms. Increasing your protein intake at other times may also be helpful for minimizing or even preventing flares in the future, she says.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976299bcb17f0-2d1f-4b4e-ab9f-ad7a7fa59c11 “Protein helps the body heal and stay strong, and people with UC often need more than someone without the condition,” says Dr. George. “There are several factors related to UC that should lead to increased protein consumption.” Here’s a look at what those factors are, along with top protein choices that she and other experts recommend for those navigating UC management.
Why Protein Is Important for Ulcerative Colitis Why Protein Is Important Whether you have UC or not, protein is a nutrient typically associated with helping to build and maintain muscle mass.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976292125233e-c9f8-460f-b4a6-91773314eb69 But it’s also key for supporting the immune system, aids in nutrient absorption, and helps with weight maintenance. When you have UC, flares can negatively affect both immunity and absorption in the gut, which sometimes lead to weight loss . This is why protein is a crucial part of managing the illness. Here’s how protein and UC relate more specifically. Immune System Regulation In UC, the immune system becomes dysregulated. Research suggests this may be the cause of an inflammatory response in the colon (large intestine), which can damage its lining.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629d691b315-1e1d-478d-bf4c-dc9afdca448b Protein in the diet supports immunity by helping to build immune proteins such as antibodies, which detect and neutralize invasive pathogens, and cytokines, which help regulate inflammation in the body.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629219e811b-f71f-48cb-b497-a4dd2a54b512 Nutrient Absorption Because of inflammation and diarrhea — which shortens the time that foods spend being digested in the body — UC can come with impaired nutrient absorption , says George. The prevalence of malnutrition in UC and Crohn’s disease varies widely, and is estimated to affect 20 to 85 percent of those with an inflammatory bowel disease. According to research, the main cause of malnutrition is a reduction in food intake due to UC symptoms like nausea and lack of appetite.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976294ac91f86-b9f6-4b47-bd3c-057166dd372c Because dietary protein can protect and rebuild the cells in the colon’s lining, that may help reduce inflammation and improve the way nutrients are absorbed, George says. Weight Maintenance When nutrients aren’t absorbed properly, or you’re experiencing notable discomfort due to UC symptoms like nausea, constipation, diarrhea, or fatigue, it can lead to unwanted weight loss, says George. Protein is helpful because it assists with maintaining muscle mass, she says.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976292fb9d4bc-c892-4a6d-bd4a-61ff8ec6b82f But not getting enough of the nutrient can lead to a decline in weight via muscle loss, because UC-related inflammation increases how much protein your body needs.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976299f4811e0-a344-404f-b47c-c8794ac52720 “Even when UC patients are stable, eating a healthy portion of protein daily helps keep muscles strong and the body healthy,” says George. Adequate protein intake is also essential for getting the most out of treatment, she says, because medications like inflixamib (Remicade) bind to protein in the bloodstream to be transported to sites of inflammation.
How Much Protein Do You Need for Ulcerative Colitis? How Much Protein You Need The European Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism guidelines, which are frequently used in the United States, recommend that adults with active inflammatory bowel disease (a flare) consume 1.2 to 1.5 grams (g) of protein per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day, or 1 g per kg for those in remission.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976290fa88b59-30df-4e4f-bfd8-7a7091c0921f To calculate your weight in kg, use an online calculator, or divide your weight in pounds by 2.2.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629992ea300-4b9e-4732-8d14-fd93b1dda6b7 But it’s important to recognize that protein amounts may need to be tweaked based on your particular situation, says Adiana Castro, RDN , a registered dietitian-nutritionist specializing in gut health, and the owner of Compass Nutrition in New York City. “If [you’re] in remission, aim for about 1 to 1.2 g per kg of body weight per day of protein to help retain muscle, which helps protect strength and fitness,” she says. “If [you’re] having a flare or taking steroids, then protein needs increase to 1.2 to 1.5 g [per kg] to promote healing and repair,” Castro says. “Lastly, if [you’re] going through surgery, the protein goal would be 1.6 to 1.8 g [per kg], to promote wound healing.”
5 Top Sources of Protein for Ulcerative Colitis Top Sources of Protein When choosing protein sources , it’s important to lean toward options that are known to be gentle on the gastrointestinal system, says Richard Calderone, DO, a specialist in preventive medicine and internal medicine at Forrest Health in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. “The most UC-friendly protein sources are typically lean, soft, and well-cooked,” he says. “These are lower in fiber and easy to digest, making them less irritating to the gut, especially during flares.” Here’s a handful of choices that check these boxes. 1. Greek Yogurt Because of the way it’s processed — with excess liquid whey drained out — authentic Greek yogurt has more protein than standard yogurts, and it’s a gut-friendly choice because of natural probiotics , says George. Even if you have issues with lactose in dairy products, it’s possible to find lactose-free Greek yogurt, she says. The amount of protein will depend on the brand, but in general, a ¾ cup serving of plain Greek yogurt may contain between 14.9 and 17.3 g of protein, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629c5d4c6f4-3fb2-42f3-9f69-e6cec989cb58e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629b99eba2b-dcb1-469f-8fff-4f77c2b38516 2. Edamame Often found in the frozen vegetable section, edamame are soybeans that are harvested before they ripen. They can be microwaved, boiled, steamed, or sautéed. Try sprinkling them with salt and eating them straight out of the pod, or toss them in salads, soups, or stir-fries.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629ae7ba45f-76bd-401b-b497-4d636f9239ef “Edamame is easier on the gut because it’s one of the less gas-producing legumes and is a great choice of unprocessed plant-based protein,” says Castro. According to the USDA, one cup of cooked edamame has 18.4 g of protein.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629726e6f91-12b9-4e54-a79c-8ff1184eb5c5 3. Eggs Another easily digestible option, eggs are versatile and can be cooked in numerous ways, says Dr. Calderone. They aren’t going to be your main source of protein — each egg provides 6.2 g — but they’re easy to add to other dishes to boost your daily intake.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629ea9c0ab0-df42-417a-aa9d-74065980fb6f For example, a hard-boiled egg can be used to top a salad, or eaten on its own as a snack between meals. Scrambled or poached eggs can be paired with cheese in an omelet, or with a lean meat like chicken breast in a hash, to get more protein. 4. Nut and Seed Butters There are many choices when it comes to nut and seed butters , depending on where you shop. Natural food stores may have the most options, but many big-box grocery stores have butters such as peanut, almond, and cashew. A 2 tablespoon (tbsp) serving of peanut butter contains 7.1 g of protein, while the same amount of almond butter provides 6.7 g of protein.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976297c323895-09d4-4720-b5c3-882ac23efcf0e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762987a959bd-8bfb-405c-8e45-6aa259767f55 “When you get smooth nut and seed butters, they tend to be generally well tolerated compared to whole, raw nuts and seeds, which are often difficult for the digestive system to handle,” says Calderone. 5. Salmon Fresh, wild-caught fish like salmon , anchovies, and sardines are excellent sources of protein and tend to be well tolerated by the gut, says Castro. A 3 ounce (oz) serving of salmon has 17.3 g of protein, according to the USDA.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976291ed4e7cf-8cf3-44b9-ab14-abca77339fde Fish is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for the immune system and gut health, George says. As a result, incorporating fish in your diet may help with UC management.
The Takeaway Adequate protein is important when you have ulcerative colitis (UC), because this macronutrient can support the immune system, facilitate nutrient absorption, and maintain weight. The best protein sources for UC tend to be lean, soft, and well-cooked, so they’re easy on the digestive system. Protein recommendations vary, depending on whether you’re having active UC symptoms, have just had surgery, or are in remission.
Resources We Trust Mayo Clinic: Lifestyle, Diet in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Cleveland Clinic: Ulcerative Colitis Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation: What Should I Eat With IBD? Crohn’s and Colitis Canada: Diet and Nutrition: Eating and Drinking With IBD University of Cincinnati Health: The IBD Diet: Nutrition for Active Inflammatory Bowel Disease
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