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Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in which the mucous membranes lining the large intestine become inflamed and develop ulcers, causing bloody diarrhoea, pain, gas, bloating and occasionally hard stools.
Ulcerative colitis can range from relatively mild to severe.
Why do I have Ulcerative colitis?
The cause, or causes of most cases of ulcerative colitis are unknown, but possible contributing factors include poor eating habits, stress and food allergies.
Infectious agents such as bacteria can also cause colitis. This type of colitis is often associated with the use of antibiotics, which alter normal bowel flora and allow microorganisms that are normally kept in check to proliferate.
What are the symptoms of UC?
Symptoms range from simple diarrhoea and stomach cramps to the more severe symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis such as fatigue, feverishness, weight loss and anaemia
Who gets Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis usually begins before the age of 30. However, it can occur at any age, and some people may not develop the disease until after age 60. People with a close relative, such as a parent, sibling or child, with the disease have a higher risk for the disease.
A doctor will likely diagnose after ruling out other possible causes for the signs and symptoms. Blood tests (to check for anaemia), stool samples and colonoscopies can help confirm the diagnosis.
What are the standard treatments for UC?
Conventional treatment for ulcerative colitis usually involves drug therapy and sometimes surgery. The type of treatment needed depends on the type of symptoms, as well as their degree of severity.
How can Foodwise help?
Do you suffer from ulcerative colitis? Foodwise can help.
Anti-inflammatory pain medications, corticosteroids, antibiotics and immune suppressing drugs are not your only options.
We have all the nutritional information and dietary advice to help manage ulcerative colitis naturally and help alleviate its symptoms.
Join nowHow does healthy nutrition help treat Ulcerative colitis naturally?
Nutritional therapy is an essential part of the treatment of ulcerative colitis.
People with this condition are less likely than those with Crohn's disease to become malnourished, because the small intestine, where most food absorption takes place, is unaffected. However, bleeding resulting from inflammation of the colon can lead to iron deficiency.
Prolonged diarrhoea can cause dehydration and deficiencies of important minerals such as magnesium or potassium.
Since inflammation plays a key role in ulcerative colitis, dietary and lifestyle measures put the emphasis on controlling inflammation. This approach can also decrease the use of anti-inflammatory and immune suppressive drugs, so avoiding their unwanted side effects. It can also prolong periods of remission and may reduce the need for surgery.
Managing Ulcerative Colitis
Managing Ulcerative colitis effectively includes following a whole food, anti-inflammatory diet, identifying food allergies and intolerances, avoiding inflammatory foods, supporting the integrity of the intestinal lining, avoiding stress and correcting nutritional deficiencies, as well as the appropriate use of natural supplements and home remedies.
Find out more about the Inflammatory and Immune Conditions Program here
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We recommend the Foodwise Immune and Inflammatory program for anyone suffering from any autoimmune disorder and other inflammatory-related issues.
By following nutritional and lifestyle advice tailored to address your current diet you’ll learn how to manage Ulcerative colitis naturally through healthy nutrition.
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