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Ulcerative colitis causes sores (ulcers) and inflammation in the digestive tract. It affects the lining of the large intestine, including the colon and the rectum. The symptoms of ulcerative colitis develop over time rather than suddenly. If left untreated, ulcerative colitis can cause debilitating symptoms and life-threatening complications. Although researchers have not found a cure for ulcerative colitis, some treatments can remission the inflammatory bowel disease. Some natural remedies for ulcerative colitis also help provide some relief.
Ulcerative Colitis Risk Factors
Ulcerative colitis affects all genders equally. However, certain risk factors increase your odds of developing ulcerative colitis, including:
- Age—Although ulcerative colitis can occur at any age, most individuals begin experiencing symptoms before 30. However, some do not experience symptoms until they are 60 or older.
- Family History—If you have a close relative (sister, brother, child, or parent) who has ulcerative colitis, you are at an increased risk of getting the disease.
- Race—Caucasians have a higher incidence rate of getting ulcerative colitis than other races; however, it can occur in any race. Those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent have an even higher rate.
Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms
There are several symptoms of ulcerative colitis, which range from mildly uncomfortable to quite severe and may include:
- Abdominal cramping or pain
- Diarrhea that may include pus or blood
- Failure to grow in children
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Inability to defecate even though you feel the urge
- Rectal bleeding
- Rectal pain
- Weight loss
Ulcerative colitis can also cause severe symptoms and complications, including
- Perforated Colon – a hole in your Colon
- Severe bleeding
- Dehydration
- Bone loss
- Inflammation in the eyes, joints, or skin
- Increased colon cancer risk
- Toxic megacolon – sudden swelling of the Colon
- Increased risk of a blood clot
Natural Remedies for Ulcerative Colitis
Natural remedies rely on nature’s power to alleviate ulcerative colitis symptoms. Let’s look at some top remedies for ulcerative colitis to help improve your overall digestive health.
- Probiotics
Maintaining optimum digestive health requires balancing the beneficial and harmful bacteria in the digestive system. If this balance becomes off-kilter, it can activate the inflammatory response. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help balance the digestive tract and reduce the inflammatory response. Eating fermented foods like yogurt and probiotics helps improve gut health and reduce the symptoms of ulcerative colitis by as much as 57 percent.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, are common foods that help reduce inflammation and ease the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Omega-3 fats decrease proinflammatory cytokines, which are known to cause systemic inflammation. A variety of foods contain omega-3 fatty acids, including cold-water fatty fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, and herring; seeds and nuts like walnuts, flaxseed, and chia seeds; and plant oils like canola oil, flaxseed oil, and soybean oil.
- Ginseng
For thousands of years, people have used ginseng to promote health and align the body. It relieves the symptoms of ulcerative colitis by reducing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract’s lining. Furthermore, ginseng helps activate the body’s innate healing power to help heal ulcerations in the GI tract.
- Curcumin
Curcumin is the ingredient in turmeric, a spice used in Asian cuisine. This potent spice has been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic medicine to relieve pain and inflammation. Turmeric offers many gastrointestinal benefits. Research has shown it helps relieve indigestion, protect the liver, and help soothe and prevent ulcers. The National Institutes of Health reports that curcumin can help individuals suffering from mild to moderate ulcerative colitis achieve remission.
- Psyllium
Psyllium is a prebiotic, a type of food that probiotics need to colonize. When your intestinal tract has a colony of good bacteria, it can better fight off infection, maintain healthy cells and tissues, and reduce inflammation. Psyllium helps detoxify the intestinal tract for optimal health. Psyllium can help relieve your constipation. For best results, take a dose immediately following a meal and avoid taking it at bedtime.
- Bromelain
Bromelain is a digestive enzyme found in the core of a pineapple. The body uses it to help break down protein. This delicious and nutritious enzyme reduces inflammation in the intestines and improves cell function in the digestive tract.
Lifestyle Changes to Improve Ulcerative Colitis
Many lifestyle changes can help reduce the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. These changes can also improve one’s quality of life and overall health, which can help put the condition into remission.
- Manage Stress—Emotional and physical stress increases systemic inflammation and ulcerative colitis. Stress management techniques, such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises, help you focus inwardly and release tension.
- Exercise—Gentle exercises like walking, swimming, and cycling can help reduce inflammation and boost immunity. When it comes to ulcerative colitis, it is essential to find your rhythm to prevent overstimulation, which can cause it to flare up.
- Vitamin Supplementation—Digestive disorders like ulcerative colitis can cause nutritional deficiencies. Your digestive system may be unable to properly digest your foods and pull the nutrients out of your foods. A multivitamin and mineral supplement can help you get the nutrients your body needs.
Holistic Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis
When used in conjunction with conventional treatment methods, natural remedies for ulcerative colitis can help reduce your colitis symptoms. Our integrative medicine clinicians specialize in the holistic treatment of digestive disorders. They will help create a comprehensive treatment plan for ulcerative colitis that may include natural remedies, conventional therapies, and lifestyle modifications tailored to your individual needs.
