Can I eat broccoli with ulcerative colitis?
During a flare: Usually avoidIn remission: Caution
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that Cleveland Clinic names specifically as a common gas-producing food, since its sulfur compounds and fibrous stalks/florets (insoluble fiber) are harder to break down. Raw vegetables with tougher fiber are also flagged as ones to avoid on low-fiber diet guidance during active symptoms.
During a flare
Raw broccoli is commonly avoided during a flare; if you try it, use only small amounts of very well-cooked florets.
In remission
Reintroduce cooked broccoli in small portions first, watching for gas or bloating, since tolerance varies a lot person to person.
Ways to make it gentler
- cook until very soft
- peel tough stalks and use small portions
- start with florets, not stems
Safer swaps
cooked zucchini · cooked green beans · cooked carrots
Sources
- Gas and Gas Pain: Causes, What It Feels Like, Location, Treatment — Cleveland Clinic
- Low-Fiber Diet: What It Is and Foods To Eat — Cleveland Clinic
Last checked 2026-08-12
