Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease. It causes irritation, inflammation, and ulcers in the lining of your large intestine. UC occurs in the large intestine (colon) and the rectum. Damaged areas are continuous (not patchy) – usually starting at the rectum and spreading further into the colon. Inflammation is present only in the innermost layer of the lining of the colon
Causes: Ulcerative colitis happens when your immune system makes a mistake. Normally, it attacks invaders in your body, like the common cold. But when you have UC, your immune system thinks food, good gut bacteria, and the cells that line your colon are the intruders. White blood cells that usually protect you attack the lining of your colon instead. They cause inflammation and ulcers (www.webmd.com).
Symptoms: The main symptom of ulcerative colitis is bloody diarrhea. There might be some pus in your stools, too. Other problems include:
- Cramping belly pain
- Sudden urges to poop
- Not feeling hungry
- Weight loss
- Feeling tired
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Joint pain or soreness
- Canker sores
- Eye pain when you look at a bright light
- Too few red blood cells, called anemia
- Skin sores
- Feeling like you haven’t completely emptied your colon after you use the bathroom
- Waking up at night to go
- Not being able to hold your stool in
- Pain or bleeding with bowel movements
Your symptoms can flare up, go away, and come back. You might not have any for weeks or years.
6 Ways to Naturally Manage Ulcerative Colitis
Avoid Foods That May Exacerbate UC Symptoms: Diet is a foundational treatment for patients with ulcerative colitis, there is often a dietary component to the disease. Some foods can make your symptoms worse. A balanced diet with plenty of fiber, lean protein, fruits, and veggies should provide enough vitamins and nutrients. There’s no one-size-fits-all diet for UC, so you’ll have to figure out what works best for you through trial and error.
Get Regular Exercise to Reduce UC Inflammation: Exercise can be useful in managing many of the complications associated with ulcerative colitis, including decreased bone density, a weakened immune system, emotional health problems, stress, and weight gain. Find what type and frequency of exercise work for you and take it slow: Too much exercise can cause mild systemic inflammation.
Experiment with Herbal Remedies for UC: Many herbs can be useful in managing inflammation and easing ulcerative colitis symptoms.
- Turmeric: Turmeric has been used for centuries for its world-renowned benefits as a natural anti-inflammatory and pain soothing remedy. How does it work? Turmeric contains the chemical curcumin. Curcumin and other chemicals in turmeric might decrease swelling (inflammation). Because of this, turmeric might be beneficial for treating conditions that involve inflammation.
- Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha has been shown to increase natural killer cell activity and decrease markers of inflammation.
- Chamomile: Chamomile preparations are commonly used for many human ailments, including hay fever, inflammation, muscle spasms, menstrual disorders, insomnia, ulcers, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatic pain, and hemorrhoids.
Supportive Links:
“Inflammatory bowel disease part I: ulcerative colitis–pathophysiology and conventional and alternative treatment options.” Alternative medicine review 8.3 (2003): 247-283.
http://www.anaturalhealingcenter.com/documents/Thorne/articles/bowel_disease8-3.pdf
“Current treatment of ulcerative colitis.” World journal of gastroenterology: WJG 17.27 (2011): 3204.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3158396/
“Ulcerative colitis: diagnosis and treatment.” American family physician 76.9 (2007): 1323-1330.
Note: “Western Pharmaceutical” is defined as a system in which medical doctors and other healthcare professionals (such as nurses, pharmacists, and therapists) treat symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation, or surgery. Quote from National Cancer Institute: http://www.cancer.gov
0 Comments