No one can positively point to the one single item that actually causes ulcerative colitis. Unfortunately, Ulcerative colitis (uc) is a disease that can appear in people of any age, but it usually begins between the ages of 14 to 32 years. If you don’t have it by the time you reach 32, there is a substantially less likelihood that you will get it later in life. UC affects men and women equally. It also has a genetic link because some people have genetic tendency to develop the condition. A persons diet and sensitivity to certain foods may also be causes that may cause the onset of symptoms in some patients. The condition becomes worse if the stress to live with ulcerative colitis persists. One very interesting note is that smoking can actually decrease the risk of ulcerative colitis. It’s probably about one of the only good things that can come out of cigarette smoke.