
Top 4 Natural Treatments for Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation, irritation, and ulcers in the large intestine. It is an autoimmune condition because your own immune system mistakes your intestinal wall and food particles as invaders and attacks them. Doctors are unclear what causes the immune system to make this mistake, and there is no cure yet for this condition. However, you can halt the symptoms with natural treatments, like the ones we’ve discussed in this article.
1. Nutritional Modifications
A lot of research studies suggest that making food-related modifications can alleviate symptoms of ulcerative colitis and slow its progression. Intolerance to gluten and celiac disease can be due to ulcerative colitis. Eliminate sugar, alcohol, dairy, meat, highly processed foods, and beverages from your menu. Having low-fat foods can also delay the recurrence of ulcerative colitis. Olive oil, omega-3-fatty acids, and fibers seem to have a beneficial effect.
2. Supplements
Many journal studies indicate that people with ulcerative colitis are deficient in Vitamin D. The paucity also flare-ups symptoms and even leads to pancolitis in people who already have ulcerative colitis. They are also more certain to have other deficiencies due to symptoms like anemia and diarrhea, so doctors always recommend supplements for patients. Ulcerative colitis is an ailment of the digestive system. Thus probiotics can also increase the quality of life in patients. Probiotics ensure that you have healthy intestinal flora, reduces bathroom visits, and regulates bowel movements.
3. Lifestyle Changes
Treat signs like anemia quickly. Low levels of iron, folate, and vitamin B complex can worsen symptoms of ulcerative colitis like rectal bleeding. Manage stress. Like irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis flare-ups can occur due to emotional stress. Try activities like tai chi, yoga, journaling, or meditation to help you relax. Regular physical exercise can also go a long way in managing ulcerative colitis. Talk to your doctor about medication. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines seem to be associated with ulcerative colitis flares. Sleep deprivation also affects inflammatory cytokine production. So, ulcerative colitis patients are asked to have a healthy sleep routine to improve their quality of life.
4. Herbal Remedies
There are various home remedies and traditional treatments for colitis. One that you can try at home is ginseng. While there is no human research supporting the claim, Chinese medicine holds that ginseng reduces inflammation and protects against cellular damage caused by the immune system. Boswellia resin is also said to reduce inflammation. Psyllium seeds are known to enhance gut motility and improve excretory functioning. Pineapples, and specifically the enzyme in them, Bromelain, helps decrease intestinal inflammation and cell function. Finally, there is turmeric, an Indian spice that acts as an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory medication. It also has favorable effects on your sleep cycle.
Several medical treatments are available, all aiming to increase the remission period and reduce the frequency and magnitude of flare-ups. However, these can have side effects, so it is important to try natural treatments and supplement your medical regimen with lifestyle and nutritional modifications.