Jeffrey Salazar
Collagenous colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that occurs when a thick band of collagen develops under the lining of the colon. It is a subtype of microscopic colitis, which refers to inflammation in the colon that can only be seen under a microscope. While there is no specific diet for microscopic colitis, dietary changes can help relieve symptoms such as watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fecal incontinence. These changes may include reducing caffeine, dairy, and alcohol intake, as well as avoiding raw fruits and vegetables, and restricting fiber, sugar, artificial sweeteners, acidic foods, and spicy foods. Staying hydrated is also important, especially during diarrhea flare-ups.
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What You'll Learn
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and fatty foods
Collagenous colitis, a type of microscopic colitis (MC), causes recurrent episodes of chronic, watery, non-bloody diarrhoea for at least 4 weeks. While the root cause of MC is not fully understood, dietary and lifestyle changes are often recommended for treatment.
Caffeine, alcohol, and fatty foods should be avoided by individuals with collagenous colitis. Caffeine and alcohol can aggravate the digestive system and irritate the colon lining, worsening symptoms such as diarrhoea. Alcohol can also disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, leading to inflammation and impaired digestion. Fatty foods can be difficult to digest and may trigger digestive symptoms like diarrhoea and abdominal pain. They can also increase inflammation in the colon, exacerbating the condition.
Additionally, due to the potential for cross-reactivity with gluten, those with collagenous colitis should avoid gluten-containing foods, such as those with gluten, like wheat, rye, and barley. Eggs may also need to be eliminated from the diet, as they are a common food that can cause an immune response, although not all people with MC are sensitive to them.
It is important to note that the specific triggers can vary from person to person, so keeping a food diary can be helpful in identifying and avoiding individual triggers. An elimination diet may be recommended, where potential trigger foods are removed from the diet for several weeks to assess their impact on symptoms. This can be done under the guidance of a doctor or dietitian, who can provide personalised advice and ensure adequate nutrition during the elimination process.
While there is limited research on the specific dietary triggers for collagenous colitis, some general dietary recommendations can help manage symptoms. A low-fibre diet, for example, may be suggested to help manage diarrhoea, as fibre aids the passage of food through the digestive system. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before adopting such a diet, as it may not be suitable for everyone.
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Try a low-FODMAP diet
Collagenous colitis is a less common form of inflammatory bowel disease, characterised by frequent bowel movements of diarrhoea and abdominal cramping. While medication is usually the first line of treatment, dietary changes can also help alleviate symptoms.
A low-FODMAP diet is one such dietary approach that has been shown to be effective in managing the gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms of collagenous colitis. FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligo-Di-Monosaccharides and Polyols, or more specifically, Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols. These are certain carbohydrates that are osmotic, pulling water into the intestinal tract. They may not be well absorbed when consumed in excess, leading to diarrhoea.
The low-FODMAP diet was initially developed in Australia in 1999 to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) but has since been found to help with other digestive issues, including collagenous colitis. It works by reducing the number of bacteria in the small intestine, thereby relieving digestive symptoms. A recent trial found that 7 out of 10 people with severe IBS experienced symptom improvement on a low-FODMAP diet.
The diet typically begins with the Elimination Phase, where all high-FODMAP foods are removed from the diet. This phase can be challenging, as FODMAPs are found in many different foods. Working with a registered dietitian who specialises in low-FODMAP eating can be helpful in navigating this process.
After completing the Elimination Phase, the next step is to gradually reintroduce eliminated foods to determine your tolerance. It is important to note that a low-FODMAP diet is not meant to be followed long-term. Instead, it is a tool to help identify trigger foods and manage symptoms.
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Consider a gluten-free diet
Collagenous colitis is a type of microscopic colitis (MC) characterised by chronic watery diarrhoea and a thick collagen layer formed on the colon tissue. While dietary changes can help relieve symptoms of MC, there is no specific diet for this condition. However, some people with MC may benefit from a gluten-free diet, especially if they have celiac disease or non-celiac gluten intolerance.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and is present in many foods, including baked goods, pasta, and beer. It is also used as a thickening or stabilising agent in food and non-food products like cosmetics. For people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten intolerance, consuming gluten can cause digestive symptoms similar to those of MC, including diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and bloating.
A gluten-free diet may help minimise or prevent these symptoms. However, it is important to note that not everyone with MC or even celiac disease is sensitive to gluten. Additionally, following a strict gluten-free diet long-term may lead to nutritional imbalances, including low fibre and complex carbohydrate intake, high fat and sugar consumption, and deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, and vitamins D, E, and B.
If you are considering a gluten-free diet to help manage your collagenous colitis, it is advisable to speak with a doctor or dietitian first. They can provide guidance on which foods to avoid and suggest alternative sources of essential nutrients to prevent potential nutritional deficiencies. Keeping a food diary can also help you identify any trigger foods and track how your body tolerates certain dietary changes.
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Eat low-fat dairy, plain rice, and bananas
Collagenous colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the large intestine, causing watery diarrhoea and abdominal pain. While there is no specific diet to treat collagenous colitis, eating low-fat dairy, plain rice, and bananas may help alleviate symptoms.
Low-Fat Dairy
Dairy products can be consumed by those with collagenous colitis, but it is important to opt for low-fat or non-fat options. This is because high-fat foods can trigger diarrhoea, a common symptom of collagenous colitis. Examples of low-fat dairy items include:
- Skim or low-fat milk
- Low-fat yoghurt
- Low-fat cheese
Plain Rice
Plain rice is a good option for those with collagenous colitis as it is easy to digest and gentle on the stomach. White rice, in particular, is recommended as it is less likely to cause digestive issues compared to brown rice, which is higher in fibre. When preparing rice, ensure it is thoroughly cooked to make it softer and easier to digest.
Bananas
Bananas are a good source of nutrition for those with collagenous colitis as they are easily digestible and help restore electrolytes lost through diarrhoea. They are also a good source of fibre, which can help regulate bowel movements and promote a healthy digestive system. It is important to eat ripe bananas, as unripe bananas can be harder to digest and may aggravate symptoms.
In addition to the above, it is recommended to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids such as broth or sports drinks. However, it is best to avoid drinks with added sugar and limit the consumption of alcohol and caffeine, as these can aggravate symptoms.
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Stay hydrated and replenish electrolytes
While there is no specific diet for people with collagenous colitis, staying hydrated is a key part of your dietary needs, especially if you are experiencing diarrhoea. Water alone may not be enough to prevent dehydration, and when you have diarrhoea, your body loses electrolytes like salt, potassium, phosphate, and magnesium, which need to be replenished.
Drinking enough fluids will replenish what you lose through diarrhoea. Try to drink about eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. You'll know you're hydrated when your urine is light yellow in colour. Drinking water with electrolytes will help you stay hydrated better. You can find this combination in the form of an oral rehydration solution at your local pharmacy. Sports drinks such as Gatorade and Powerade also contain electrolytes and fluid. Broth may also help. It's important to sip on liquids throughout the day and not wait until you feel thirsty.
If you are concerned that drinking more liquids will make your diarrhoea worse, don't worry. Water shouldn't affect how often you need to go, and electrolytes can help reduce diarrhoea. However, be aware that some drinks will make you lose more fluid and get dehydrated faster, such as alcohol, coffee, tea, and carbonated drinks. They can also worsen symptoms. The carbonation in soda can also cause uncomfortable gas and bloating. If you are lactose or fructose intolerant, you may also want to avoid dairy drinks and some juices, such as those made from peaches, prunes, and pears.
If you are experiencing a bout of diarrhoea, the BRAT diet is recommended. This consists of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, and may help slow down digestion and reduce the frequency of bowel movements. However, this diet should only be followed temporarily during a flare-up.
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Frequently asked questions
Collagenous colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease characterised by chronic watery diarrhoea, abdominal cramping, and fecal incontinence. It is caused by a thickened layer of collagen in the connective tissue of the colon.
There is no specific diet for collagenous colitis, but some general guidelines include eating plain rice, low-fat dairy, lean meats, and bananas. It is also recommended to stay hydrated and eat pre and probiotic foods.
Caffeine, alcohol, fried foods, fatty foods, sugary foods, gluten, and lactose (dairy) are recommended to be limited or avoided. It is also important to speak to a doctor or dietitian to determine which foods may be triggering your symptoms.
