There are a number of medical treatments available to manage ulcerative
colitis. Modern therapy is targeted at preventing flares and inducing remission
(at least temporarily). These medications, however, can have serious side
effects, especially when taken for long periods of time. Corticosteroids, for
example, can cause a number of cosmetic, psychological, and hormonal problems.
Many people simply cannot tolerate these medications. Children have particular
problems with standard medications. When compliance with prescribed medicines
is poor, treatment failure is common. For
this reason, many people turn to natural remedies to manage their ulcerative
colitis.
Dietary remedies for ulcerative colitis
Some herbal or organic remedies may help promote gut health and prolong the
time between remissions (flares).
- Dietary modifications
include the elimination of food allergens and optimizing living
conditions. A relatively high proportion of Europeans (either primary or
of European descent) have an allergy to gluten, a substance found in
wheat. Anecdotal evidence suggests that gluten may
aggravate ulcerative colitis symptoms, but this is far from an
established link.
- Some people have also advocated eliminating dairy products
and high levels of carbohydrates from the diet.
- Low-fat diets seem to be
particularly useful in delaying the
recurrence of ulcerative colitis. Olive oil, medium-chain triglycerides,
omega-3 fatty acids, and fermentable fiber might have a protective effect.
- Lifestyle
modifications
include adding exercise and regular physical activity, incorporating stress-relieving
therapies, and quitting smoking.
- High fiber intake may be
helpful in some patients. In addition to improving bowel regularity, it
may also help in the removal of toxins and chemicals from the body.
- High vitamin C intake
has a protective effect. Vitamin C rich foods are associated with a longer
remission phase. Vitamin C-rich foods include berries, spinach, bell
pepper, and parsley.
- The elimination of
alcohol, meat, processed foods, and high-carbohydrate foods may also decrease
the frequency and severity of flares.
Herbal remedies
Here are a few well-known home remedies for the management of ulcerative colitis:
- Psyllium seed/husk enhances gut motility,
alleviates the symptoms of constipation, and improves the elimination of
waste.
- Boswellia is a naturally occurring
herb obtained from the resin part of tree bark. The primary mode of action
of boswellia in the management of ulcerative
colitis is inhibition of certain chemical reactions that produce
inflammatory mediators.
- Bromelain is commercially
available in supplemental formulations and includes proteolytic enzymes
that alleviate the symptoms and reduce the
frequency of flares.
- Probiotics introduce healthy gut
bacteria to restore and maintain a natural microbial flora in the gut.
This may reduce harmful inflammatory
responses and maintain remission.
- Turmeric, the spice used in
curry, may help people with ulcerative
colitis. Specifically, the curcumin found in turmeric appears to improve
the effectiveness of traditional medical therapy.
- Gingko biloba has been effective in treating experimental colitis
in rodents.
Other management options for ulcerative
colitis
Ulcerative colitis causes several effects on the body besides
gastrointestinal symptoms. Aside from medications, other interventions and
lifestyle changes can help improve health and quality of life:
- Promptly treat anemia.
Iron and folate absorption may be impaired if ulcerative colitis affects
large portions of the gut. In the case of gut flora imbalance, vitamin B12
deficiency may also develop. This needs to be identified and treated
promptly.
- Dietary or nutritional
supplements may be needed in growing children or adolescents with
ulcerative colitis to maintain optimal growth and sexual development.
- Emotional stress is very
strongly associated with ulcerative colitis. Stress-relieving exercises,
yoga, and meditation are tremendously helpful in preventing relapses.
- Certain medications like
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are very strongly
associated with flaring of ulcerative colitis. Consult your physician
before using an NSAID if you have ulcerative colitis.
Copyright © 2024 HW, LLC d/b/a EmpowHER Media unless otherwise noted. EmpowHER does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.