Ulcerative colitis is a chronic bowel condition in which the colon and the rectum are inflamed. It often irritates the inner lining of the large intestine, which then causes pus producing ulcers. A person suffering from this can experience constant stomach aches and an urge to empty the bowels frequently. Sometimes other symptoms also develop like diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, etc.
However, some simple remedies can help ease out the symptoms. Here’s a list of sim[pler ways to relieve an Ulcerative Colitis.
Facts:
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Studies reveal that people having a close family member with ulcerative colitis are 30% more likely to develop it. |
1. Home Remedies
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Exercise
Exercising with a bowel condition can be difficult, but exercising regularly helps significantly in combating the condition and reducing the symptoms.
Exercising yields anti-inflammatory effects in the body, along with maintaining the blood pressure and regulating body weight.
Studies recommend various kinds of exercise, like running, yoga, biking, swimming, etc. Indulge in 30-40 minutes of moderate physical exercise every day to promote a healthy body.
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Meditation
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health(1) confirms that meditation helps greatly for this condition by relaxing the mind and the body.
As there is no fast cure for ulcerative colitis, the patient can get very tense and stressed. Meditation helps relieve stress and regulate sudden flare-ups.
Indulge in 40 minutes of breathing and mind control exercise every day. Preferably do it early in the morning.
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Plenty of Water
Ulcerative colitis can sometimes cause dehydration in the body which can then worsen the symptoms.
Drinking plenty of water replenishes the lost sugar and essential salts in the body. In case of severe dehydration, experts from Crohn’s and Colitis UK recommend visiting a doctor.
Drink water at repeated intervals throughout the day. Apart from the water, you can also drink solutions like Electrolade, Dioralyte, etc.
2. Herbal Remedies
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Green Tea
Polyphenols in green tea are health-promoting compounds that protect the body from any potential infection or flare-ups.
The rich anti-inflammatory properties of green tea soften the lining of the rectum and also relieve the pain.
You can drink plain green tea or consume it with a pinch of lemon and honey. Try to consume it thrice every day to regulate the symptoms.
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Turmeric
PubMed(2) confirms that curcumin found in turmeric reduces the symptoms and flares up in patients.
Turmeric is rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which relieves the irritated lining of the large intestine and smoothens the bowel movement.
You can add turmeric to all the food items consumed in a day, and also drink it with hot milk. Sources recommend consuming 2,000 to 4,000 mg of turmeric per day.
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Ashwagandha
Also known as Withania somnifera, it is rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The National Library of Medicine(3) confirms that the chemical constituents present in ashwagandha, known as alkaloids, help combat irritable bowel syndrome.
It can be consumed in a powder form, mixed with warm milk and honey. Add one tablespoon of it in a glass of milk. Take it once every day before going to bed.
3. Foods
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Apples
Apples are known as ‘nutritional powerhouses’ because of their richness in vitamin C, vitamin B-6, dietary fibers, calcium, iron, etc.
David Pascual from Montana State University confirms that a natural element found in apple peels suppresses chronic inflammation and also promotes cell resistance to fight the condition.
It is highly recommended to eat one apple a day to promote healthy bodily functions.
[Read: Foods to Avoid With Colitis]
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Spinach
It is suggested to eat spinach during a flare-up as it is highly nutritious and easily digestible.
Spinach is rich in magnesium which generates energy in the body and helps the patient combat fatigue.
You can boil spinach and eat it with other food items like rice, mushrooms, tacos, etc. Try to eat one food item with spinach in it every day.
[ Read: Diet for Ulcerative Colitis ]
4. Essential Oils
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Peppermint
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health(4) confirms that peppermint oil is an effective dietary supplement for bowel syndromes.
It relaxes the muscles of the digestive tract and also decreases the pain due to inflammation. Menthol, one of the chemical components in peppermint oil, reduces the burning sensation.
You can use peppermint oil in aromatherapy or inhale it by putting a few drops of it in a cotton ball. You can also drink peppermint tea twice a day to see effective results.
[ Read: Essential Oil To Treat Ulcer ]
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Patchouli
Studies confirm that patchouli should not be used in combination with a blood thinner or if the patient has had a history of bleeding disorders.
Derived from the leaves of the patchouli plant, it is an anti-inflammatory agent that also helps smoothen the irritated lining of the digestive tract.
Patchouli oil can be used in combination with other carrier oils. It can also be used for a massage or sniffed directly. Try to use it once in a day in any form convenient.
[ Read: CBD Oil for Ulcerative Colitis Treatment ]
5. Supplements
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Vitamin D
Foods rich in Vitamin D are salmon, eggs, cereals, etc.
Experts recommend vitamin D to all the patients suffering from ulcerative colitis as it controls intestinal inflammation.
You can eat foods rich in vitamin D or take supplements that are readily available in the market. Take one supplement every day, combined with one food item rich in vitamin D.
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Folic Acid
Experts confirm that there are certain foods rich in folic acid like beef liver, rice, asparagus, etc. which can function as an alternative to folic acid supplements.
Folic acid prevents certain skin defects in the body and also promotes the growth of new cells.
You can consume food rich in folic acid or take supplements easily available in the market. Take one capsule every day.
[ Read: Probiotics for Ulcerative Colitis ]
Closing Thoughts
Ulcerative colitis is an unpredictable condition. However, you can follow some prevention tips to manage the flare-ups.
- Limit your fiber intake.
- Avoid fatty and oily food.
- Eat smaller meals.
- Reduce stress and anxiety.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking.
FAQs
1. Can I Eat Eggs When I Am Suffering From Ulcerative Colitis?
It is recommended to eat eggs as they can be easily digested.
2. Is Ulcerative Colitis Curable?
There is no medical cure for ulcerative colitis, but the symptoms can be controlled with the help of some remedies.
3. Is Ulcerative Colitis an Autoimmune Disease?
Yes, it is an autoimmune disease.
