Ease Ulcerative Colitis with Alternative Remedies

Ulcerative colitis is a disease that inflames the bowel due to an autoimmune response as a result of the body being confused. Somehow the brain receives a message that healthy functioning in the intestines is in fact a bombardment of outside invaders. Healthy cells that line the colon, friendly gut bacteria, and certain food consumed are attacked causing inflammation and ulcer formation. 

According to WebMD, chronic symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis include:

• Crampy belly pain
• Sudden urges to empty your colon right away
• Not feeling hungry
• Weight loss
• Feeling tired
• Fever
• Dehydration
• Joint pain or soreness
• Canker sores
• Eye pain when you look at a bright light
• Too few red blood cells, called anemia
• Skin sores
• Feeling like you haven’t completely emptied your colon after you use the bathroom
• Waking up at night to go
• Not being able to hold your stools in

Crampy belly pain
Sudden urges to empty your colon right away
Not feeling hungry
Weight loss
Feeling tired
Fever
Dehydration
Joint pain or soreness
Canker sores
Eye pain when you look at a bright light
Too few red blood cells, called anemia
Skin sores
Feeling like you haven’t completely emptied your colon after you use the bathroom
Waking up at night to go
Not being able to hold your stools in

Although there is no cure (most doctors determine ulcerative colitis is bad luck of an individual’s gene pool) easing ulcerative colitis (UC) with alternative remedies may be possible.

Sweet Olive Verbascoside

The primary component in sweet olives is called verbascoside. This compound has been linked to stopping the production of interleukin 8 (IL-8), a major contributor to colorectal inflammation and, in some cases, cancer. 

Researchers from the Department of Biotechnology, National Formosa University and the National Laboratory Animal Center, National Research Laboratories (both in Taiwan) stated in a recent study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food that, 

“In the IL-8 secretion assay, both OFE [sweet olive ethanolic extract] and verbascoside significantly inhibited IL-8 production…Mice treated with 500 mg/kg per day OFE exhibited significant improvement in IBD [inflammatory bowel disease] symptoms,..These findings suggest that OFE exerts anti-inflammatory effect on DSS [dextran sulfate sodium – drug used in study]-induced colitis.”

Look for sweet olives to add to your diet for possible relief.

Shake It

Let’s face it, if you don’t do some sort of physical activity chances are you’re eventually going to  experience various ailments. One such ailment is ulcerative colitis which has shown to positively respond to exercise. 

Polish scientists studied the effects of exercise on those struggling with intestinal disorders such as UC. Found in Pharmacological Reports, the research stated that,

“CD [Crohn’s disease] patients with higher levels of exercise were significantly less likely to develop active disease at six months. Moreover, voluntary exercise has been shown to exert a positive effect on IBD patients’ mood, weight maintenance and osteoporosis.”

These findings are found in conjunction with UC symptoms and responses to exercise. Adhering to a regimented exercise or activity protocol may address benefits for UC that can help you reduce symptoms.

Keep Calm and Carry On

Anxiety and depression are major contributors to an autoimmune stress response. When it comes to UC, struggling with out-of-control feelings could easily flare a painful attack. 

The Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology journal (vol 14, Iss 6, 6/16, pages 829-835) cites,

“In an analysis of a large cohort of subjects with IBD [irritable bowel disease], we found a significant association between symptoms of depression or anxiety and clinical recurrence. Patients with IBD should therefore be screened for clinically relevant levels of depression and anxiety and referred to psychologists or psychiatrists for further evaluation and treatment.”

If you find yourself compromised with constant feelings of sadness or a continued storm of worry, one or both of these could be contributing to your UC. Seeking talk therapy treatment could help relieve these struggles and, in turn, significantly lessen your UC symptoms.

List of Herbs

In 2014 the World Journal of Gastroenterology published a list of herbs that have been linked to UC treatment. Doctors have finally taken note of this credible referral and will not recommend one or more of these remedies before administering pharmaceutical treatment. The list of herbs that have been determined to show significant results includes:

• Aloe vera gel
• Butyrate – A four-carbon short-chain fatty acid that exhibits anti-inflammation functions.
• Tormentil extract – A member of the rose family that grows wild over Europe which displays potent superoxide-scavenging capability along with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and bacterial growth regulatory effects. Tormentil has also been shown to be effective in treatment of diarrhea or intestinal inflammation.
• Wheatgrass juice
• Curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric)

Avoid Triggers

Many people report experiencing a UC attack after eating certain foods. Everyday Health recommends avoiding these foods for optimal UC management:

• Processed fats
• Greasy foods
• Dairy products
• Caffeine
• Raw fruits
• Raw vegetables 

These foods have been linked to triggering symptoms and limiting or shunning them altogether could improve your health. According to Benjamin Snider, N.D., a naturopathic doctor in private practice in Kitchener, Ontario, 

“Although the official cause of ulcerative colitis has evaded the medical community, it’s important to understand that it results from an interaction of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors…Diet is a foundational treatment for patients with ulcerative colitis,” 

Ease ulcerative colitis with alternative remedies that may help you get back on track with minimal symptoms and higher quality of life.