Ulcerative Colitis
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- What is ulcerative colitis?
- Symptoms of ulcerative colitis
- Causes of ulcerative colitis
- Prevention of ulcerative colitis
- Risk factors for ulcerative colitis
- Complications of ulcerative colitis
- When to see a doctor about ulcerative colitis
- Diagnosis of ulcerative colitis
- Conventional treatment of ulcerative colitis
- Alternative/complementary treatment of ulcerative colitis
- Living with ulcerative colitis
- Caring for someone with ulcerative colitis
Alternative/complementary treatment of ulcerative colitis
There are a number of alternative therapies that can be used to treat ulcerative colitis, which can help to reduce the severity and length of symptoms. It is best to see a qualified naturopath who can develop a treatment plan just for you.
Never try to self-treat ulcerative colitis, as complications do arise and these need to be treated by a doctor.
Herbs
There are a number of excellent herbs which may help to provide relief for symptoms:
- Ginger - the renowned anti-nausea properties of ginger can help reduce symptoms
- Marshmallow - this herb has mucilaginous properties, which means it helps to sooth the mucous membranes and enable quicker healing of the ulcer, reducing symptoms in the process. People with hypoglycaemia or diabetes need to be careful taking this herb as it can reduce blood glucose levels too much when it is taken regularly
- Slippery elm powder - this mucilaginous herb can help to relieve symptoms as it coats the intestinal walls and prevents further damage, pain, symptoms and ulceration
Vitamins
There are a number of vitamins which may help to provide relief for symptoms:
- Vitamin A - the important antioxidant, vitamin A is vitally necessary for healthy mucous membranes in every part of the body and it can also help to speed up healing time. In addition to this, vitamin A is an important antioxidant which helps to reduce the damage to the intestines that inflammation causes and may possibly help reduce the risk of complications by preventing some of the scar tissue from forming. In addition to this, the bowel may not be absorbing the fat-soluble vitamins properly such as vitamin A, due to an inability to absorb fat properly and may be come deficient
- Vitamin B12 - people with ulcerative colitis may easily become deficient in vitamin B12 and may require supplementation, as they are not producing enough intrinsic factor to help them absorb it and anaemia could be the result
- Vitamin C - is a potent antioxidant vitamin C, helps to reduce the damage that inflammation causes, plus it helps in the maintenance of healthy collagen
- Vitamin D - people with ulcerative colitis may become deficient in the fat-soluble vitamin D because they may not be able to absorb fat properly, which is necessary for the absorption of vitamin D
- Vitamin E - the potent antioxidant vitamin E helps to reduce the damage that inflammation causes, plus it helps to reduce inflammation. In addition to this, the bowel may not be absorbing the fat-soluble vitamins properly such as vitamin E, due to an inability to absorb fat properly and may be come deficient
- Vitamin K - people with ulcerative colitis may become deficient in the fat-soluble vitamin K because they may not be able to absorb fat properly, which is necessary for the absorption of vitamin K
- Multivitamin - a general multivitamin containing all the vitamins is necessary to correct any possible nutrient deficiency, but the most important vitamins are listed above
Minerals
There are a number of minerals which may help to provide relief for symptoms:
- Selenium - the important antioxidant mineral selenium, helps to reduce the oxidative damage that inflammation causes in the body, which helps with the healing process
- Zinc - the other important antioxidant mineral zinc is vital to help the tissues heal more quickly and effectively from any type of damage
- Multivitamin - a general multivitamin containing all of the minerals is necessary to correct any possible nutrient deficiencies, but the most important minerals needed to help with this condition are listed above
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Other nutrients
There are a number of other nutrients which may help to provide relief for symptoms:
- Amino acids - all of the 9 essential amino acids should be taken in supplement form to help prevent protein malabsorption. Amino acids are a vital nutrient that the body needs to have from the diet every day
- Essential fatty acids - especially omega 3 and linoleic acid, which both help to reduce all types of inflammation in the body. The best form to take these is in fish oil, linseed oil, cod liver oil or tuna oil
- Glycine - the semi-essential amino acid glycine is beneficial in helping reduce the inflammation and thereby also reducing the recovery time from a flare-up of the condition
- Prebiotics - these are the precursors of probiotics, which help to promote the growth of "good" bacteria in the bowel so that they can function properly and keep the bowel healthy. Prebiotics are a type of dietary fibre which cannot be digested by the bowel, so they provide food for the intestinal flora. Examples are: asparagus, garlic, milk, onions, yoghurt
- Probiotics - are living micro-organisms, which are known as "good" bacteria which help the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) fight off any "bad" bacteria, viruses and fungi. Probiotics normally exist in the GIT but can become depleted in people with bowel disease. Probiotics help to maintain a healthier GIT flora and may help reduce symptoms. Try lactobacillus acidophilus
- Taurine - the semi-essential amino acid taurine is beneficial in helping reduce the inflammation, which means that it is also useful in reducing the recovery time from a flare-up of the disease
Dietary modifications
There are a number of dietary modification strategies which may help to provide relief for symptoms:
- Avoid refined sugar - any type of products made from a lot of refined sugar shoud be avoided as they can cause further intestinal irritation because excessive sugar intake increases production of prostaglandins which have pro-inflammatory properties
- Drink organic cabbage juice - the juice of cabbage contains "substance U" which has proven ulcer healing properties and it can help to reduce the ulceration of the bowel (or rectum) mucosa and provide relief for symptoms
- Drink more water - fluids lost need to be replaced and so water is essential to help the bowel function properly, but try to use filtered water as most cities have fluorinated water supplies and the fluoride can irritate the bowel
- Eat foods high in mucopolysaccharides - foods such as tripe, oats, onions, aloe vera, slippery elm help to heal the mucosa (mucous lining) of the intestinal walls and may help to reduce symptoms
- Eat more protein - eat foods high in low fat protein, such as organic chicken and a little low fat red meat, but especially and mainly oily fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna, trout, sardines) which are high in omega 3 fatty acids (which help to reduce inflammation)
- Eat smaller meals - have about 5-6 smaller meals each day to put less stress on the digestive system, which is not functioning as well as it should be. By eating smaller meals, it helps the digestive system because it only has to digest and absorb only a little bit of food at a time
- Limit dairy - some dairy foods (cheese, butter, cream, sour cream, ice cream) can contain carageenan, which is a food additive added as a stabiliser and it may cause intestinal irritation in some people. Always use organic and always check food labels
Lifestyle modifications
There are a number of lifestyle modifications which may help to provide relief for symptoms:
- General relaxation - learn some relaxation therapy such as meditation, tai chi, or yoga to help calm the mind and help calm digestion too. Studies show that stress can have an adverse effect on symptoms, by making them worse
- Rest - people with this condition need to rest properly anyway, but especially during a flare-up as this is when the body needs all its resources to counter the inflammation and heal
- Slow down - take life at a slower pace and relax. Always rushing around can have an adverse impact on digestion in general, but especially so in people with a digestive disorder, as studies show that stress can definitely aggravate symptoms
Alternative treatments
- Food sensitivities - get checked for food sensitivities and/or use an elimination diet to find any food intolerance or food allergies (especially for lactose intolerance or gluten intolerance)
Always ensure that you notify your medical practitioner of any supplements that you want to take - it may interfere with other medication or conditions you have. Confirm with your doctor it is safe to take BEFORE you try it.
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< 9: conventional treatment 11: living with ulcerative colitis > Last reviewed: 30 September 2008 || Last updated: 14 February 2009
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NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
