Dealing With Ulcerative Colitis
July 1, 2009
The waste material, which remains after the digestion process is complete, is stored in the large intestine or colon. Chronic inflammation of the inner lining of the colon causes Ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition, which lasts for years. They usually start during early childhood and adolescence.
Causes of Ulcerative Colitis
The exact causes of ulcerative colitis are unknown. This disease is found largely among people of North European and Jewish descent. Ulcerative colitis is caused by abnormal activity of the immune system, which causes inflammation of the colon. People, who have history of ulcerative colitis in their family, have greater risk of developing the disease.
Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis
Diarrhea and rectal bleeding are the common symptoms of ulcerative colitis.
Ulcerative Colitis Remedies
Medicines and surgeries are prescribed for treating ulcerative colitis. However, alternative treatments can be tried to reduce the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. In traditional medicines, chamomile tea is helpful in curing ulcerative colitis. Peppermint tea can also help to reduce inflammation of the colon. Frankincense is another herb believed to be helpful for ulcerative colitis sufferers.
Ulcerative Colitis Diet
According to studies, probiotics can help to reduce inflammation caused by ulcerative colitis. Probiotics can also prevent relapse. Probiotics comprise of microorganisms that aid in digestion. They are similar to the healthy bacteria, already present in our digestive tract. Eating probiotic rich products, including homemade yogurt, could help in curing ulcerative colitis.
It is believed that omega-3 fatty acids could help to cure inflammation of the colon. Fish oil, flaxseed oil and certain vegetable oils, such as canola oil, are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
Diarrhea is a common symptom of ulcerative colitis. To prevent dehydration from diarrhea, you should drink plenty of water throughout the day.
While dietary fibers are good for your health, ulcerative colitis patients should consume fiber rich foods in moderation. It is preferable to consume cooked vegetables, which are easy to digest. Avoid fatty foods and limit your sugar intake.
Stress can worsen your condition. If you are suffering from ulcerative colitis, reduce stress through meditation and exercises.
While informative, this article could do a lot more justice to the disease…keep in mind while writing about this condition that it is a disease for which no cure has been found, so to say that chamomile tea is a “cure” is a terribly false statement. It is not a condition that only lasts for years, but rather contines to be present, with periods of remission and relapse, or flare-up. Perhaps in place of “cure” words like reduce or subdue could be inserted?
I have struggled with the symptoms of this disease for many years now, diagnosed in 2001. To come across an article that is quite misleading is disheartening.
Just a thought…