Millions of Americans suffer from an uncomfortable condition called ulcerative colitis or UC. This gastrointestinal disorder can lead to long-term nausea, abdominal discomfort, and other symptoms. Even worse, it frequently crops up alongside other autoimmune disorders like Crohn’s
If you or someone you know has ulcerative colitis, there are natural remedies you can pursue in addition to making some lifestyle changes.
What Is Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis or UC is a chronic inflammatory condition of the colon. It is also considered a type of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, IBS.
UC is characterized by mucosal discomfort where an overgrowth of inflammation-causing bacteria decreases the good bacteria in your gut. This imbalance creates illness. Studies show that high-fat and high-sugar diets along with the Standard American Diet lower our immune system. This diet also lowers our immune response and is responsible for high discomfort.
UC causes your large intestine and or the rectum to become inflamed, which eventually produces ulcers (tiny sores) on its lining. Typically, ulcerative colitis starts in the rectum and spreads up to affect the entire colon if left unchecked.
Ulcerative colitis causes enough discomfort that your bowels move their contents faster and more frequently than normal. This can strip away the lining of the intestine even further and eventually catch bleeding or discharge mucus.
Although ulcerative colitis can affect anyone, it is most common in developed countries where a western diet is adopted and most people affected by this condition are between the ages of 15 and 35.
Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis are tough to deal with because they are uncomfortable. The severity of these symptoms can vary from person to person, and some people may even be fortunate enough to experience no symptoms (during a timeframe called remission).
But ulcerative colitis can always return in a “flare-up”. Regardless, ulcerative colitis symptoms include:
- Bloody stools or pus discharge
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High Frequency of bowel movements, weight loss, nausea, and fatigue
- Discomfort of the eye, joints, or liver
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain, cramping
- Rectal pain, bleeding from the anus
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Malnutrition since your digestive tract doesn’t absorb nutrients as efficiently as before
Causes of Ulcerative Colitis
- A family history of ulcerative colitis
- Salmonella or food poisoning
- Poor diet choices such as soda, PUFAs, and sucrose
- Weak immune system and autoimmune disorders
- Poor gut health
- Western or SAD diet
If your ulcerative colitis is caused by another immune disorder like rheumatoid arthritis, it can also cause complications such as flare-ups of other conditions. Thus, you may experience symptoms like joint discomfort, nausea, eye discomfort, and more.
Natural Ulcerative Colitis Remedies
Regular diagnosis may include blood tests to detect if there are enough red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your tissues. A doctor would also check for infection and c-reactive proteins. Upon diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, more screenings are required due to the greater risk. Regular treatment would include medications to reduce swelling, and immunomodulators or antibody drugs that block UC flare-ups. If you can heal your body from the inside out and address the underlying issue, you can forgo harmful medications with the help of your doctor. Here are 5 natural remedies for ulcerative colitis.
1. Lifestyle Changes
The first thing you want to tackle is your lifestyle. Most cases of ulcerative colitis are due to diet which means we have the power to change the outcome. The Standard American Diet should not be followed if you want to achieve life-changing results. Instead, opt for a soothing lifestyle that avoids processed foods and drinks, and sugar. Knowing where to start is sometimes the most difficult part.
The Livingood Daily Lifestyle helps you set a foundation for health so that you can build sustainable health.
2. Vitamin C
Studies show that Vitamin C plays an important role in supporting and preventing ulcerative colitis. Vitamin can of course positively affect immune response. It also acts as an antioxidant preventing oxidative stress within our digestive system.
3. Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes
Probiotics and digestive enzymes are super important for maintaining a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria in your body. Studies and high-quality evidence show us that probiotics are effective in increasing remission in adults with ulcerative colitis.
4. Curcumin
Turmeric or curcumin is a soothing agent renowned for its medicinal properties.
Summary
All in all, ulcerative colitis is uncomfortable to deal with but is far from unmanageable. Speak to your doctor and consider trying some of the wellness and lifestyle tips we’ve described above.
