Over a million people in America have Ulcerative Colitis (UC) health condition. It is a chronic disease that impacts the large intestine. Yet, good ulcerative colitis natural treatment is available at home with natural remedies.
The main goal of this article is to provide simple ulcerative colitis natural treatments. These treatments are from research and studies done by reliable organizations.
We will discuss the following on ulcerative colitis in detail:
- Insides of ulcerative colitis
- Symptoms of ulcerative colitis
- Simple treatments including herbal treatments for ulcerative colitis
- Types of food good for ulcerative colitis
- Types of off to avoid ulcerative colitis
Table of Contents
What is ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease that occurs in the large intestine (colon). It begins with inflammation in the lining of the large intestine.
The inflamed lining then develops ulcers or open sores. These ulcers produce mucus and pus. This results in a need for frequent emptying of the large intestine and uneasiness in the abdomen (1).
This ulcerative colitis disease can occur in any age group of men or women. But, most people diagnosed in the United States are in their mid-30s.
Ulcerative colitis is a major inflammatory bowel disease next to Crohn’s disease. Knowing the difference between Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s disease is useful. This will ensure the right treatment. We are elaborating on Crohn’s disease in another article.
Abnormal responses of the immune system are the main culprit. It causes inflammation and ulceration in the large intestine. The immune system thinks that food and bacteria are foreign substances. As a result, it takes necessary undesirable actions.
The white blood cells are rushed to the lining of the large intestine. Leading to inflammation and ulceration in the lining of the large intestine.
What are Ulcerative colitis symptoms?
Most of the patients affected by ulcerative colitis experience mild symptoms. The following are the symptoms of ulcerative colitis: –
- Loose bowel movements
- The urgency for clearing bowels
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Blood in the stool
- Cramps in abdomen
- Loss of appetite
- Losing weight
- Low energy
- Fatigue
These ulcerative colitis symptoms may come and go. But one needs to know that it will keep coming back.
The impact on children with ulcerative colitis is delayed growth and development.
Here are a quick glimpse of simple ulcerative colitis natural treatments: –
- Herbal treatment is being used to treat ulcerative colitis.
- Meditation helps in alleviating UC symptoms
- Eat small quantities and frequent meals
- Eat probiotics food
- Avoid food that increases the risk of having ulcerative colitis
- Eat for omega 3 fatty acid-rich food
- Release stress levels with Yoga and other techniques
- Drug therapy
- Surgery
Patients are required to take medications throughout life. Because UC is a chronic disease. This is to maintain a quality life and to prevent relapse. It reduces the risks involved in colorectal cancer.
Till today, there is no permanent cure available for ulcerative colitis disease. The cause of the disease is still a mystery. Why faulty signals reach the large intestine by the immune system is not known yet.
Ulcerative Colitis – Probiotics Food and Supplements Effect
The imbalance of good bacteria in the large intestine may cause a problem. The immune system tends to send wrong signals and end up with UC symptoms.
Intake of probiotics can restore good bacteria balance in the digestive tract. It is safe to consume probiotics. The side effects are experienced in rare cases. Probiotics are gut-friendly bacteria helping in our digestion.
You can consume probiotics in the form of food or supplements for ulcerative colitis. The probiotics foods are yogurt, kefir, traditional buttermilk, sauerkraut, and tempeh.
Supplements are available in capsules and tablets. To treat ulcerative colitis, use the supplements with VSL #3 probiotics. Note that probiotic supplements are not regulated by the FDA.
Ulcerative Colitis Preventive Effects of Cranberry
Cranberry extract and dried cranberry are effective in preventing ulcerative colitis disease. Dried cranberry fruits are found to be more effective in preventing UC.
Ulcerative Colitis Natural Treatment
It is well known that natural herbal remedies can treat a wide range of chronic and acute ailments. Also, the herbal treatment works for ulcerative colitis disease as well (2)
1. Aloe Vera for UC
Doctors use this herb widely to reduce symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis.
Aloe Vera juice is good herbal therapy. Because of its anti-inflammatory activity (3). Patients are supposed to take a daily intake of Aloe Vera juice twice daily for about 4 weeks.
2. Boswellic acid and Boswellia Serrata for UC
This is an ayurvedic herb traditionally used to treat ulcerative colitis.
This helps in the reduction of inflammation and pharmacologic activities. Particularly, boswellic acid assists in reducing UC symptoms.
3. Licorice for ulcerative colitis natural treatment
This is the root of the Glycyrrhiza Glabra plant. This plant is native to southern Europe, the middle east, and certain parts of Asia.
Diammonium glycyrrhizinate is a substance extracted from the licorice herb. It is then extracted and purified to treat ulcerative colitis disease.
4. Slippery Elm for UC
This herb has antioxidants and promising positive effects against ulcerative colitis treatment.
Slippery Elm supplement is produced from powdered bark from the slippery elm tree. These supplements are available online.
5. Tormentil extracts for Ulcerative Colitis natural medications
Tormentil is an herb. The root of the tormentil is in use to treat many ailments. Tormentil is anti-inflammatory and antioxidative. Up to 3000mg, a day is safe to use (4)
6. Wheatgrass Juice for UC
Wheatgrass is effective in treating ulcerative colitis (5). As per a study, 70% of the people who took wheatgrass juice for a month had positive results
7. Curcumin for UC
Curcumin is a compound of turmeric that has anti-inflammatory properties. It has the ability to protect the digestive tract from inflammation and ulcers.
Curcumin is effective in reducing signs of ulcerative colitis (6). Looks for a curcumin supplement with a 2-gram daily dosage
Learn here more about the benefits of the curcumin compound of turmeric. The amazing benefits it can bring into your life.
8. Germinated Barley Foodstuff
Trials were conducted on two Japanese patients with UC. The germinated barley food has shown greater effectiveness.
After 24 weeks of treatment, it resulted in the remission of UC disease. The strength of the germinated barley food did regulate the microflora. Also, its absorbing water capacity played an important role in remission in UC (7).
9. Bromelain
This is an extract from the stems of the pineapple. Bromelain has various medical uses. Treating sports injuries, arthritis, sinusitis, swelling and thinning the blood, and aiding digestion.
Bromelain is rich in anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces the inflammation of the lining of the colon.
10. Psyllium
The botanical name of Psyllium is Plantago Ovata. This herb contains insoluble fiber. It absorbs water and keeps expanding while going through the digestive tract.
This insoluble fiber is more effective in the large intestine.
As per the studies, psyllium intake reduces…, a. bleeding b. blood in stool and c. the urgency for frequent clearing of bowels (8).
What food should I avoid for ulcerative colitis?
- Sugar
- Carbohydrates
- Dairy products
- Caffeine
- Raw fruits
- Raw vegetable
You need to focus on a healthy diet to reduce the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. A high intake of sugar and carbohydrates may worsen IBD symptoms.
Meanwhile, studies are not able to exactly prove what is the right food for UC. Every individual should try and see what food is best for them. Keep a track of their food intake and then plan their diet based on the results.
In general, people reported taking a high-fat diet helps relapse of UC. Grease food can increase the risk of UC.
Thus, track what you eat and when UC symptoms pop up. By this method, you could plan your diet for a quality life.
Exercise Regularly to Reduce the Risk of UC Inflammation
The exercises that help in ulcerative colitis are:
- Swimming
- Biking
- Walking
- Any moderate exercise
- Yoga
- tai chi the stress reduction technique
Engage yourself in swimming and biking a few times a week. Likewise, moderate exercise assists in healing inflammation related to bowel disease (IBD).
Yoga is also a natural healer for many ailments and including UC. Yoga combined with breathing exercises strengthens the internal organs. It provides more relaxation to the self and to the digestive system.
Stress also has a link to inducing ulcerative colitis symptoms. Reduce stress using tai chi techniques, medication, or yoga and relax. The mind and body therapies really work. It helps to cure various health conditions including ulcerative colitis (9).
Omega 3 fatty acid reduces ulcerative colitis symptoms
The fatty acid helps to confine inflammation. So, choose Omega 3 fatty acid-rich food in your diet. The strong anti-inflammatory of Omega 3 helps the cells of the lining of the large intestine.
Here are some of the omega-3 fatty acid-rich food: –
- Salmon fish
- Bluefin tuna
- Sardines
- Swordfish
- Sea bass
- Wild catfish
- Trout
Summary
It is important to have diagnosed on time with ulcerative colitis disease. Choose the right lifestyle and eating habits to control ulcerative colitis symptoms.
In conclusion, Try these simple ulcerative colitis natural treatments to regain quality of life.
