While medication is the foundation of managing ulcerative colitis, daily habits, especially the first thing done in the morning, will affect the feeling of controlled symptoms.
Below are morning habits that help control ulcerative colitis that you should try recommended by nutrition experts:
Start the morning gently
For people with ulcerative colitis, when waking up, moving and starting to eat or drink, stomach reflexes may begin, leading to cramps or frequent bowel movements. Therefore, give yourself time to relax gently, such as waking up 15 - 30 minutes earlier, enjoying breakfast and taking time to go to the toilet without rushing.
Experts also recommend small, repetitive exercises to soothe the nervous system such as practicing mindfulness, avoiding overexertion at the beginning of the day, helping to reduce stress, and support bowel and brain connections.
Replenish water gradually
Hydration can be an important morning step for people living with ulcerative colitis. Even mild dehydration can lead to fatigue, headache, and dizziness.
Starting the day with water helps fight overnight fluid loss, but should not drink in large quantities at once, as it can trigger stomach reflexes and speed up movement.
For people who frequently have loose stools, supplementing electrolytes can improve hydration. However, you should choose drinks designed to replenish water instead of high-sugar sports drinks because they can worsen digestive symptoms for some people during diarrhea.
Gentle nutritious breakfast
What you eat and when can shape the gut reaction in the rest of the morning. Fatty meals can increase bowel movements and worsen emergency situations in some people.
Instead, foods that tend to be lighter for digestion, including well-cooked oatmeal, yogurt, eggs, baked bread with sour powder or simple smoothies without high fiber supplements,... will be suitable for breakfast and better tolerated by people with ulcerative colitis.
Experts note that these habits can be added to medical care, but cannot be completely replaced. Colitis ulcers are highly personalized. Therefore, it is important to work with a gastroenterologist and a registered nutritionist with digestive health experience to adjust habits according to your symptoms, treatment plans and daily life.
