Myths and Truths About Ulcerative Colitis: What’s Real and What’s Not?

If you’ve spent any time Googling ulcerative colitis (UC), you’ve probably seen plenty of bold claims and so-called “miracle cures.” It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by conflicting advice, especially when you’re desperate for answers.

So let’s set the record straight. Here are some of the most common myths I’ve seen about ulcerative colitis, along with the truth behind them.

Myth 1: Ulcerative Colitis and Colitis Are the Same Thing

This is one of the biggest points of confusion. While the terms sound similar, colitis simply refers to inflammation of the colon, which can happen for many reasons.

Ulcerative colitis, on the other hand, is a chronic autoimmune condition and a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It’s not something that clears up with antibiotics or short-term treatment — ulcerative colitis requires long-term management.

For more on this, check out my blog: Are UC and Colitis the Same?

For additional medical insights on UC, visit the Mayo Clinic's Ulcerative Colitis Guide.

Myth 2: There’s a Quick Cure for ulcerative colitis

I get it. When you’re flaring, it’s tempting to believe the latest “miracle cure” will solve everything. But ulcerative colitis is a complex condition that doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all fix.

That doesn’t mean you’re powerless. While there’s no instant cure, there are effective ways to manage ulcerative colitis, reduce inflammation, and improve your quality of life. For many people (myself included), a combination of diet, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication can lead to long-term remission.

Healing takes time, but small, consistent changes can make a huge difference.

Practical Tip: Focus on building a gut-friendly routine that includes anti-inflammatory foods, stress management, and plenty of rest. Managing ulcerative colitis is about consistency, not quick fixes.

Myth 3: Diet Doesn’t Matter in UC

Some doctors may tell you that ulcerative colitis has nothing to do with diet, but that’s outdated thinking. While food alone isn’t the cause of ulcerative colitis, your diet plays a major role in how your gut functions — especially when you’re managing inflammation, microbiome balance, and gut lining repair.

Certain foods can calm inflammation, while others can worsen symptoms or trigger flares. Finding your personal triggers (and adding gut-supportive foods) is key to feeling better.

For practical tips on gut-healing foods, see my post: The Power of Food Pairing for Gut Healing

For evidence-based dietary guidance, check out the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation.

Practical Tip: Try adding foods rich in omega-3s, polyphenols, and collagen while cutting back on ultra-processed foods and artificial additives.

Myth 4: Ulcerative Colitis Is Just a Digestive Problem

Ulcerative colitis doesn’t stop at your gut. Because it’s an inflammatory condition, it can affect your whole body. Fatigue, joint pain, eye issues, and even mental health struggles are common in people with ulcerative colitis.

Your gut health is closely linked to your immune system, hormones, and mood, which is why ulcerative colitis can feel like it’s impacting everything at once. Managing inflammation doesn’t just calm your gut — it can improve your energy levels, mental clarity, and even your skin.

Practical Tip: Track your non-digestive symptoms alongside your gut flares. This can help you spot patterns and improve your overall wellness strategy.

Myth 5: Ulcerative Colitis Only Flares Up After Eating Trigger Foods

While trigger foods can absolutely play a role, flares are often linked to stress, lack of sleep, hormonal changes, or even medications. Sometimes, flares feel random, even when you’ve done everything “right.”

Learning to manage stress, improve sleep quality, and keep your immune system in check is just as important as managing your diet.

For tips on gut-supportive lifestyle habits, read my post: Gut Health Beyond Food

For mindfulness support visit waking up or headspace.

Practical Tip: Build a consistent bedtime routine, explore mindfulness techniques, and prioritise relaxation alongside your dietary efforts.

Myth 6: Probiotics Cure UC

Probiotics can be helpful in managing UC symptoms, but they aren’t a cure. The challenge is that not all probiotics are created equal. Different strains serve different purposes, and some may even worsen symptoms if they aren’t suited to your gut’s needs.

Practical Tip: Choose probiotics designed for IBD or those that include strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacterium infantis, or Saccharomyces boulardii. Live probiotics from fermented foods like yoghurt, kimchi, kefir, saerkraut and the likes can also play a helpful role.

Myth 7: Fiber Should Be Avoided During a Flare

Fibre can be tricky, but it’s not something that should be completely avoided. While insoluble fibre (like raw veggies and seeds) can irritate an inflamed gut, soluble fibre (found in foods like oats, sweet potatoes, and bananas) is often soothing and supportive during recovery. It's also vital for maintaining a healthy microbiome. It's literally food for your good microbes.

Practical Tip: Focus on soft, well-cooked fibre sources like steamed carrots, mashed sweet potatoes, or blended soups during a flare.

FAQs About Ulcerative Colitis

1. Can ulcerative colitis symptoms change over time? Yes. Some people experience mild symptoms for years, while others may go through periods of severe flares. Symptoms can shift based on stress, medications, or lifestyle changes.

2. What’s the difference between mild, moderate, and severe ulcerative colitis? Mild UC typically involves fewer than four bowel movements a day with minimal blood. Severe UC may include frequent bathroom trips, bleeding, weight loss, and fatigue.

3. Does ulcerative colitis increase the risk of colon cancer? Yes, people with long-term UC have a higher risk. Regular colonoscopies and proactive gut care can help reduce this risk.

4. How does pregnancy affect ulcerative colitis? UC symptoms can improve, worsen, or stay the same during pregnancy. It’s important to work with your healthcare provider to manage symptoms safely.

5. Can ulcerative colitis go into remission without medication? Some people achieve remission through diet and lifestyle changes, but others may require medication to control inflammation. Finding the right balance for your body is key.

The Bottom Line

Ulcerative colitis is often misunderstood, and the amount of misinformation out there doesn’t help. While there’s no instant fix, there’s plenty you can do to manage symptoms, reduce flares, and improve your overall well-being.

If you’re looking for practical strategies, my book Well Now: Reclaim Your Life from Ulcerative Colitis offers tips to calm inflammation, heal the gut lining, and regain control of your health.

Have you heard other UC myths that left you feeling frustrated or confused? Let me know in the comments — I’d love to help clear things up.