Can I eat brown rice with ulcerative colitis?
During a flare: CautionIn remission: Usually OK
Brown rice keeps its bran and germ layer, so it has notably more insoluble fiber than white rice. Insoluble fiber adds bulk and can move through an inflamed colon faster than it's comfortable with, which is why refined grains are often favored over whole grains when the gut is already irritated.
During a flare
Many people switch to white rice during a flare and reintroduce brown rice once symptoms settle.
In remission
In remission, whole grains like brown rice are commonly reintroduced gradually as part of a varied, fiber-containing diet.
Ways to make it gentler
- Cook it very soft, or try it well-blended into a soup or bowl
- Start with small portions when reintroducing
Safer swaps
white rice
Sources
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Role of fiber — American Gastroenterological Association
- Crohn's Disease and Diet — Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Last checked 2026-08-12
