Eating, Diet, & Nutrition for Microscopic Colitis
What should I eat and drink if I have microscopic colitis?
Scientists have not yet discovered dietary changes that heal microscopic colitis. However, in some cases, doctors may recommend changing what you eat and drink to help improve diarrhea symptoms. Changing what you eat and drink can also help reduce symptoms if you have another digestive disorder—such as lactose intolerance or celiac disease—in addition to microscopic colitis.
Depending on your symptoms and health conditions, doctors may recommend limiting or avoiding
- alcohol
- artificial sweeteners
- caffeine
- foods and drinks that contain gluten if you have celiac disease
- milk and milk products if you have lactose intolerance
Talk with your doctor about what foods and beverages are best for you.
Doctors may recommend changing your diet to help reduce diarrhea symptoms.
This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
(NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts.