THE CARNIVORE DIET BENEFITS
Living with ulcerative colitis (UC) can make every day seem like an insurmountable challenge. You’re constantly stressing about the next flare-up, with symptoms that are not only painful but embarrassing.
While there is currently no cure, there are quite a few ways you can manage the condition and make life less miserable along the way. Alongside professional treatments, diet is closely linked to the disease.
So is the carnivore diet good for ulcerative colitis? You’ve come to the right place. Because this strict dietary regimen has the potential to reduce inflammation while actively healing the gut, there’s great promise for following an ulcerative colitis carnivore diet.
We’ll take a closer look at the pros and cons of carnivore diet for UC and share some of our top tips for starting carnivore diet for ulcerative colitis. Take control of this condition today!
The Basics of the Carnivore Diet and Ulcerative Colitis
Before we examine the carnivore diet and ulcerative colitis connection let’s take a step back and provide a brief overview of each on its own. This will allow for a better understanding of how the two are correlated. So, what is the carnivore diet in the first place?
How the Carnivore Diet Works
You can probably infer from the name alone what this revolutionary nutritional regimen is all about. If not, what can you eat on the carnivore diet? Simple - animal products only. That includes meat, fish, eggs, and animal fats.
What matters most is what you’re not eating, though. There is no place on your plate for fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, or grains. This means the carnivore diet macros are high in protein and fat and low in carbs.
This is by design, as the thought process is that plant-based foods and carbs specifically are problematic. They cause digestive discomfort, blood sugar spikes, and inflammation.
While you have been led to believe that you need fiber in your diet, the truth is, many people living with autoimmune disorders find it to cause more harm than good. It can irritate the gut and worsen symptoms of certain conditions, like those of UC.
So, is the carnivore diet safe? We believe the benefits of carnivore diet far outweigh the potential side effects of carnivore diet. We’ll take a closer look at whether or not you should try the carnivore diet for ulcerative colitis in a moment. First, what is this disease exactly?
What is Ulcerative Colitis?
This is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by long-term inflammation and ulcers in the innermost lining of the colon and rectum.
People with UC experience a range of symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and a constant urge to pass stools. UC can also cause fatigue, weight loss, and nutritional deficiencies.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for the condition and it rarely goes away on its own. Managing it often requires a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and dietary modifications to prevent flare-ups and maintain remission. So what’s the link between diet and UC?
The Gut-Health Connection Between Diet and UC
While we’re still learning about the gut health connection surrounding diet and UC, we do know that the foods you eat can either soothe or irritate the gut lining. This is true for anyone for that matter, but it’s especially important for those living with UC.
Individuals often report that plant-based foods high in fiber and complex carbohydrates tend to trigger inflammation and worsen symptoms during flare-ups. This is where the correlation between carnivore diet and ulcerative colitis becomes particularly intriguing.
Is Carnivore Diet Good for Ulcerative Colitis?
So is carnivore diet good for ulcerative colitis? We have a separate guide explaining the benefits of carnivore diet for IBS, but let’s narrow our focus to UC specifically.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Carnivore Diet
One of the most noteworthy reasons to try the carnivore diet for ulcerative colitis is its potential anti-inflammatory benefits. If you aren’t already aware of how the carnivore diet and inflammation are related, we encourage you to read our more comprehensive guide.
But just know this - eating a diet that consists of plant-based foods creates a chronic state of inflammation in the body. This is especially true of those containing fiber or containing lectins and oxalates, all of which can irritate the digestive tract.
It makes sense that removing these foods would lead to a reduction in inflammation. We just mentioned that inflammation can trigger UC symptom flare-ups, which is why the carnivore diet is so promising for managing this condition.
Not only are you eliminating many of the most common sources of inflammation, but you’re actively supporting a healthier inflammatory response.
Animal-based foods are naturally low in inflammatory symptoms. Plus, they can stabilize blood sugar and reduce the inflammation associated with metabolic stress.
Gut Healing Properties of Animal Fats and Protein
Many of the options on your carnivore diet grocery list are rich in collagen, gelatin, and essential amino acids that help repair the gut lining. This is especially true of bone broth and organ meats, two staples on any carnivore diet menu.
Collagen can help restore damaged tissue, which can be especially important for those with ulcerative colitis. You know now that the condition can break down the intestinal barrier.
Meanwhile, fatty cuts of meat, like beef or lamb, provide the body with easy-to-digest energy without aggravating the digestive tract.
Challenges and Potential Drawbacks of Carnivore Diet for UC
No diet is without its drawbacks, including carnivore. The most common concern is that of the transition phase, known as the “keto flu.” Many find that the first few weeks are uncomfortable, and may even worsen UC symptoms like diarrhea or constipation.
Fortunately, this phase is short-lived. Many find that their symptoms improve once their body becomes more acclimated to the diet. The other concern, though, is that of nutrient imbalances.
You’re at risk of missing key nutrients like vitamins C and K along with essential minerals. This is why it’s so important to follow a well-rounded meal plan and use supplements as necessary.
So is carnivore diet good for ulcerative colitis? Do the potential benefits outweigh the possible downsides? Only you can answer that question for yourself. However, the science behind trying the carnivore diet for ulcerative colitis is sound.
Just know that what works for one person may not work for you. The opposite is true, too. While some may find that the carnivore diet for UC doesn’t make a difference in symptoms, others consider it to have saved their lives.
That being said, why not try a 30-day carnivore diet meal plan and see for yourself if it could be the key to unlocking a more comfortable lifestyle? We’ll share some of our top carnivore diet tips below.
How to Get Started With the Carnivore Diet for Ulcerative Colitis
We know that overhauling your diet can be stressful and overwhelming, but we’re here to simplify things for you. Here’s how to get started with the ulcerative colitis carnivore diet.
Starting Slowly for a Smooth Transition
We know you’re eager to start seeing carnivore diet results, but we actually suggest taking a slower, more methodical approach when transitioning to the carnivore diet.
There are a few reasons for this. First and foremost, it makes the idea of transforming your diet a bit less daunting. But more importantly, it can mitigate some of the discomfort you experience during the transition phase.
Start by eliminating the most problematic plant-based foods, like grains, legumes, and vegetables high in fiber, while slowly increasing your intake of easy-to-digest animal proteins such as chicken, fish, and eggs. Give yourself a 1-3 week period to make the transition.
Choosing the Right Animal Foods for UC
The rules of carnivore diet are fairly black and white. Anything that’s animal-based is fair game, anything that’s plant-based is not. Still, you need to make sure you’re choosing the right foods for your ulcerative colitis carnivore diet.
Focus on nutrient-dense options that are gentle on the gut, like bone broths, fatty cuts of meat, organ meats, and wild-caught fish. These foods all contain essential amino acids and fats that promote gut healing and provide the body with the energy it needs.
Bone broth in particular should become one of your new best friends. As we touched on earlier, it’s rich in collagen and gelatin, both of which support a healthy inflammatory response while repairing the gut lining.
You need to make sure you’re following a well-rounded dietary regimen, too. Don’t eat the same 5 meals night after night. This will not only cause burnout as you get bored on the diet, but it will also lead to nutrient deficiencies.
Meal Planning for Simplicity
The more you plan out your meals in advance the easier this dietary regimen is to follow. Batch cooking saves time and stress while ensuring you always have access to high-quality meals.
Keep things simple with grilled meats, broiled fish, or slow-cooked beef. Rotate between a variety of carnivore diet recipes to keep things fresh and fun.
We have resources on carnivore diet breakfast, carnivore lunch ideas, carnivore diet sides, carnivore diet desserts, and more. You can even find carnivore diet chicken recipes, carnivore diet pork recipes, and tips on preparing the best steak for carnivore diet here in our blog.
But, what about snacks for carnivore diet?
Curbing Cravings With Snacks
It’s clear that most of your favorite snacks are no longer allowed on this diet. You need a way to manage cravings when they come up because be clear - they WILL come up.
The basics like boiled eggs and jerky have their place, but let’s face it. You want something tastier and more unique. That’s where our carnivore chips come into play.
These are ethically sourced from the most elite, ethical regenerative farms in the world. They contain just two ingredients, too - meat and salt. This means you can feel good about your snack addiction knowing it’s not just good for you, but also in line with your morals.
Make no mistake, though. Despite their simplicity, the taste is amazing. They offer a light crunch that quickly melts in your mouth, giving way to tantalizing flavors that will have you coming back for more time and time again. Here are some of our most popular varieties:
Explore all the different carnivore diet sweets waiting to be discovered at Carnivore Snax today. Don’t settle for less than the best as you embark on the carnivore diet for ulcerative colitis - set yourself up for success with our meat chips today!
Hydration and Electrolytes
Since this diet lacks the plant-based sources of water and electrolytes you might be used to, dehydration becomes a serious concern.
You need to address this by drinking more water and potentially even adding an electrolyte supplement to your arsenal. Or, you could just add more salt to your diet. Either way, this will prevent symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or muscle cramps.
Monitoring Your Health and Adjusting
Whether you’re following the carnivore diet vs keto, paleo vs carnivore, or any other nutritional regimen, you need to make sure you’re taking note of how your body responds and adjust accordingly.
Give yourself at least 2 weeks to adjust to the diet and then start paying attention to changes in energy levels, digestive health, or UC symptoms. You may need to tweak portion sizes, meal frequency, or food choices depending on how your body reacts.
Some people find that following a modified carnivore diet makes more sense, and that’s perfectly ok. Nutrition isn’t one size fits all, after all! Further to that point, diet is just one piece of the puzzle in managing UC. Let’s look at a few others.
More Ways to Manage UC
Always follow your doctor’s guidance on managing UC as they know your condition best. Here are some of the most common techniques for living comfortably while minimizing symptoms:
- Practice Stress Management: Chronic stress can worsen UC symptoms, so try adding meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga into your routine.
- Get Regular Physical Activity: Walking, swimming, or cycling are all great ways to reduce inflammation while actively improving your overall well-being.
- Prioritize Sleep: Sleep deprivation can lead to flare-ups., so try to get 7-9 hours of sleep every night and maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
- Avoid Known Triggers: Identify and avoid food or environmental triggers that cause flare-ups. Keeping a symptom journal can help pinpoint these.
- Take Medications as Prescribed: If you're on medication for UC, stay consistent with your treatment plan as prescribed by your doctor.
- Stay Connected with Support Groups: Join UC-specific online or in-person support groups to share experiences, gain insights, and reduce feelings of isolation. You’re not alone!
These tips paired with the carnivore diet for ulcerative colitis can help you regain a sense of normalcy in your life. So, take the first step today!
Closing Thoughts on Carnivore Diet Ulcerative Colitis
That does it for our carnivore diet ulcerative colitis guide. So, is carnivore diet good for ulcerative colitis? It certainly has the potential to alleviate symptoms associated with this condition.
It eliminates common triggers while encouraging a healthier inflammatory response and supporting the natural regeneration of the gut lining. While it may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, it’s worth a short if other techniques have proved ineffective in managing UC for you.
Learn more in our blog with resources on carnivore diet for women, cheese on carnivore diet, carnivore diet fast food, best butter for carnivore diet, carnivore diet for psoriasis, carnivore diet testosterone, carnivore diet for PCOS, and more.
But remember, the best low carb snacks are just a click away ready to support your ulcerative colitis carnivore diet journey. Take control of your UC symptoms with clean, nutrient-dense snacks today!
