Colitis refers to inflammation of the colon, affecting around 1 in every 200 people. The two main types are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Diet plays an important role in managing colitis symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping.
Many colitis sufferers wonder – can you eat pork? The answer is yes, you can absolutely still enjoy pork in moderation as part of a colitis-friendly diet However, it’s important to choose the right pork cuts and preparation methods.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about eating pork with colitis, including:
- Benefits of Pork for Colitis
- Best Pork Cuts for Colitis
- How to Prepare Pork with Colitis
- Foods to Avoid with Colitis
- Sample Meal Plan
- Lifestyle Tips
Let’s explore how you can make pork a delicious part of your colitis diet.
Can You Eat Pork with Colitis?
Pork can be included as part of a balanced colitis diet. It provides lean protein, vitamins and minerals.
However, certain preparation methods and pork cuts may be easier to digest than others when living with colitis. Following a few simple guidelines allows you to enjoy the flavor and nutrition of pork while managing colitis symptoms.
Benefits of Pork for Colitis
Here are some of the key benefits of incorporating pork in a colitis diet:
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Lean protein – Pork is an excellent source of high-quality, easy to digest protein to support immune function and help maintain muscle mass.
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Rich in vitamins and minerals – Pork contains a variety of nutrients like niacin, vitamin B6, zinc, iron and phosphorus.
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Anti-inflammatory effects – Compounds like glycine and carnosine in pork have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce colitis symptoms.
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Contains probiotics – Fermented pork products like kimchi provide beneficial bacteria for gut health.
Enjoying pork in moderation can provide nutritional variety in a colitis diet. Let’s look at the best cuts to choose.
Best Pork Cuts for Colitis
Opt for lean, well-trimmed pork cuts like:
- Pork loin
- Pork tenderloin
- Center cut pork chops
- Canadian bacon or lean ham
- Ground pork
Avoid fatty cuts like pork belly, ribs, bacon and sausage that may be harder to digest.
For processed pork, choose uncured options like nitrate-free ham or sausage. The preservatives and salt in cured meats may worsen colitis symptoms.
How to Prepare Pork with Colitis
Follow these tips for preparing colitis-friendly pork:
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Trim excess fat and skin before cooking to reduce greasiness.
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Roast, bake, grill, broil or poach pork instead of frying in oil.
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Cook pork fully to an internal temperature of 145°F to kill any parasites or bacteria.
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Slice or dice pork into small pieces that are easier to digest.
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Add anti-inflammatory seasonings like turmeric, garlic, ginger, rosemary or oregano. Avoid spicy seasonings.
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Pair pork with cooked fruits and non-gas producing vegetables like carrots, spinach and green beans.
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For ground pork, choose 95% lean and drain any excess fat after cooking.
With the right preparation methods, pork can be a tasty, nutritious addition to a colitis diet. Now let’s look at what foods to avoid.
Foods to Avoid with Colitis
It’s also important to steer clear of triggers that can exacerbate colitis symptoms. Limit intake of:
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Alcohol, coffee and carbonated drinks
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Dairy products if lactose intolerant
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Fatty and fried foods
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Spicy foods
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High fiber foods – raw produce, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds
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Sugary foods – candy, soda, desserts
Avoiding these common dietary colitis triggers helps manage inflammation and discomfort.
Sample Meal Plan with Pork
Here is a one day colitis-friendly meal plan incorporating lean pork:
Breakfast: Oatmeal with sliced banana, cinnamon and almond milk. Tea or coffee.
Lunch: Spinach salad with sliced grilled pork tenderloin, blueberries, carrot ribbons and balsamic vinaigrette.
Dinner: Baked pork chop with roasted sweet potato wedges and green beans.
Snacks: Plain yogurt with peach slices. Trail mix with pepitas, cranberries and mini chocolate chips.
Lifestyle Tips for Managing Colitis
Along with diet, other lifestyle areas also impact colitis:
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Take medications as prescribed to reduce inflammation.
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Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake.
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Reduce stress through yoga, meditation or counseling.
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Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
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Exercise regularly to improve gut motility.
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Get enough sleep to allow your body to heal.
Following an overall healthy lifestyle supports your colitis treatment and symptoms.
Can You Enjoy Pork with Colitis?
Pork can absolutely be part of a tasty, nutritious colitis diet when you choose lean cuts and prepare them properly. Avoid fatty pork and pair with non-gassy fruits and vegetables. Limit other colitis triggers and follow a healthy lifestyle. With some simple precautions, pork can provide delicious protein, vitamins and minerals as part of your balanced colitis diet.
What to eat and avoid when dealing with ulcerative colitis
FAQ
Can pork trigger colitis?
What meat can you eat with colitis?
Can you eat bacon with colitis?
Can you eat pork with Crohn’s?
Should you eat red meat if you have ulcerative colitis?
Dr. Dassopoulos recommends limiting unhealthy fats for overall health. This includes saturated fats found in red meat. “My advice to people with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease is to follow a healthy Mediterranean diet and limit red meat,” Dassopoulos says.
What should you not eat with ulcerative colitis?
Foods to avoid include caffeine, alcoholic drinks, carbonated drinks, foods rich in fiber, foods rich in sulfur or sulfites, spicy and fatty foods.
Can I eat and drink together with ulcerative colitis?
Some people with IBD find eating this way helps them manage their condition even during periods when they are symptom-free. People with ulcerative colitis may also prefer to eat and drink at separate times to avoid feeling overly full or getting full too quickly when they are having meals.
What should I eat if I have ulcerative colitis?
During UC remission, speak with your nutritionist about foods to reintroduce back into your diet, such as high-fiber foods that are not only heart-healthy but also help you maintain normal bowel movements. If you have ulcerative colitis, managing your diet can go a long way in reducing symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, and diarrhea.